Minestrone Verde

Bright, fresh, and loaded with vibrant green vegetables, Minestrone Verde is a delightful twist on the classic Italian vegetable soup. This hearty yet light dish combines tender zucchini, crisp green beans, sweet peas, and a hint of baby spinach or Swiss chard, all simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth. The addition of orzo pasta makes it satisfyingly filling, while fresh basil, parsley, and a splash of lemon juice add a burst of aromatic freshness. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot wonder is a perfect weeknight meal that's as nutritious as it is flavorful. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness, and enjoy a comforting bowl of green goodness! Perfect for vegetarians and easily customizable, this wholesome soup is a must-try recipe for fans of Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium leek (white and light green parts only, sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 medium zucchini (diced)
• 200 grams green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 150 grams fresh peas (or frozen peas, thawed)
• 2 cups baby spinach or Swiss chard (chopped)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta (or any small pasta shape)
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated, optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the sliced leek and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced zucchini, green beans, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.

Step 6

Stir in the orzo pasta, fresh peas, and chopped spinach or Swiss chard. Simmer for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 7

Season the soup with salt, black pepper, lemon juice, fresh basil, and parsley. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2966.2 grams (2966.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2478

Total Fat 80.20g	103%
Saturated Fat 29.40g	147%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.00g
Cholesterol 48mg	16%
Sodium 7764mg	338%
Total Carbohydrate 331.00g	120%
Dietary Fiber 51.30g	183%
Total Sugars 57.90g
Protein 126.80g	254%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2307mg	177%
Iron 31mg	173%
Potassium 6935mg	148%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.3%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 51.9%