There's something incredibly soothing about the first spoonful of Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup—its vibrant green color, the delicate zing of citrus, and the subtle coolness of fresh mint. This light yet satisfying soup feels like spring in a bowl, offering the kind of comfort that doesn’t weigh you down.
I first whipped up this recipe after a trip to the farmer’s market where I couldn’t resist a bundle of just-picked asparagus and a fragrant bunch of mint. Paired with a squeeze of lemon and a splash of cream, it quickly became a seasonal staple in my kitchen.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, an elegant starter, or a way to use up a surplus of spring greens, this soup checks every box. Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup
Get ready to meet your new go-to springtime recipe. This Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup is equal parts refreshing and comforting, with a unique flavor profile that’s bound to impress.
First of all, it’s incredibly quick and easy. From prep to table in just about 30 minutes, it’s the kind of meal that works just as well on a weeknight as it does for a weekend brunch with guests.
This soup is also naturally light and healthy. Made primarily with vegetables, herbs, and a touch of cream, it delivers big flavor without leaving you sluggish—perfect for those looking for a lighter option.
What really sets this soup apart is how fresh and flavorful it is. The brightness of lemon complements the grassy notes of asparagus, while mint adds an unexpected herbal twist that elevates every bite.
Lastly, it’s wonderfully versatile and freezer-friendly. Serve it warm or chilled, make it ahead, or freeze leftovers for later—you’ve got options for days.
Now let’s talk ingredients!
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this soup lies in its short and simple ingredient list, where every element plays a role in building a light yet complex flavor.
Asparagus is the undeniable star here. Choose spears that are firm and vibrant green, with tightly closed tips. Thinner spears are especially tender and ideal for soups, blending easily to create a smooth texture.
Lemon adds the essential brightness that lifts the entire dish. You'll use both the juice and zest—zest for fragrant oils that infuse the broth, and juice to add that citrusy tang. Fresh lemon is key here; bottled just won’t do it justice.
Fresh mint is what gives this soup its signature twist. Use spearmint if possible, and add it at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor. The mint should enhance, not overpower, so start with a little and taste as you go.
Leeks or onions form the savory base of the soup. Leeks add a more subtle sweetness, which works beautifully with the asparagus. Be sure to clean them thoroughly, as dirt often hides in the layers.
You’ll also need vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not strictly vegetarian), olive oil or butter, and a touch of cream or coconut milk for richness. A blender or immersion blender is the only special equipment required to achieve that silky-smooth finish.
How To Make This Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup
Making this soup is wonderfully straightforward, with just a few simple steps that yield a surprisingly elegant result.
Start by prepping your vegetables. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut the spears into 1-inch pieces. Clean your leeks or onions and chop them finely. Zest and juice your lemon, and strip the mint leaves from their stems.
In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your leeks or onions and sauté until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. This step builds the savory base that anchors the brightness of the lemon and mint.
Next, toss in your chopped asparagus and cook for another 3–4 minutes, just until the color brightens and the spears begin to soften. You want them tender but not overcooked.
Pour in the broth and bring the pot to a simmer. Let the soup cook gently for about 10 minutes, or until the asparagus is fork-tender. Be careful not to boil too hard—you want to preserve the vibrant green color.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh mint. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Finish by stirring in a splash of cream (or a dairy-free alternative) for that extra touch of indulgence. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed.
From start to finish, you’re looking at just about 30 minutes—easy enough for a weekday, impressive enough for company.
Storage Options
This soup stores beautifully, making it a great candidate for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining.
In the fridge, store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen slightly overnight, making it even better the next day.
For freezing, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently over low heat. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
If using dairy, keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture. To avoid this, add the cream after reheating instead of before freezing.
Variations and Substitutions
This soup is the perfect blank canvas for a variety of flavor twists and dietary adaptations.
If you don’t have fresh mint, try basil or dill for a different herbal note. Each brings a unique flavor and works well with the lemon and asparagus.
For a heartier version, stir in cooked white beans or peas after blending. This adds protein and makes the soup more filling without compromising its fresh flavor.
Want a cream-free option? Simply omit the cream altogether or use coconut milk for a dairy-free, subtly sweet twist that plays beautifully with the mint.
You can also spice it up! Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the leeks to give the soup a gentle heat that contrasts nicely with the cooling mint.
For a meal-worthy bowl, serve with crusty bread, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s also excellent chilled on hot days—just blend, cool, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own. This soup is endlessly adaptable and forgiving, which is part of its charm.
PrintAsparagus, Lemon, And Mint Soup Recipe
This Asparagus, Lemon, and Mint Soup is a vibrant springtime dish bursting with fresh, green flavors. The tender asparagus blends beautifully with the bright citrusy notes of lemon and the cooling freshness of mint, making it a healthy and flavorful option. Ideal as a light appetizer or a refreshing lunch, this soup is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients. A delightful way to welcome spring produce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 lb (450g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: ½ cup coconut milk or cream for extra richness
Instructions
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In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
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Add chopped asparagus and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
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Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until asparagus is tender.
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Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest, juice, and fresh mint.
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Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and purée until smooth.
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Return to pot, season with salt and pepper. Add coconut milk if using and warm through.
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Serve garnished with extra mint or a swirl of cream.
Notes
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For a creamier texture, blend in coconut milk or cream at the end.
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Can be served warm or chilled.
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Make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
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