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Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with wholesome goodness, you’re in for a treat. This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s so rich and satisfying without a drop of dairy. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see how creamy a plant-based soup can be—thanks to the magic of cashews—while still tasting fresh and vibrant with loads of veggies. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail it perfectly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra Creamy Texture: Thanks to blended cashews, this soup melts in your mouth without any dairy.
  • Simple, Whole Ingredients: Easy-to-find veggies and pantry staples make it a breeze to whip up anytime.
  • Family-Friendly and Vegan: Everyone—from kids to adults—will go crazy for how comforting this soup is.
  • Healthy and Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and satisfying protein to keep you feeling good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe is all about layering flavors that complement each other beautifully. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory herbs, and that rich cashew cream makes the soup hearty but still light enough to enjoy any day.

  • Vegetable stock: The base of the soup that adds subtle umami flavor—choose a low-sodium one to control salt levels.
  • Raw cashew pieces: These create the creamy texture you’ll love—soak them well if possible for a smoother blend.
  • Onion: Finely chopped to meld perfectly with the other veggies without being overpowering.
  • Celery stalks: Provides a mild, fresh crunch that adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
  • Carrot: Adds a hint of natural sweetness that balances the savory notes.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced garlic gives that classic comforting aroma and taste.
  • Red bell pepper: Just half a pepper to brighten up the color and taste.
  • Potatoes: Unpeeled to add body and naturally thicken the soup when cooked.
  • Broccoli: The star of the show—include the stems for more nutrition and texture variety.
  • Dried thyme: Brings in an earthy herbal note that uplift the flavors.
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the fresh flavors just perfectly.
  • Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and warmth.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the lovely things about this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or pantry availability. Over time, I’ve learned that even small changes make the soup feel brand new each time.

  • Use different nuts: If you want a nut-free option, try silken tofu or sunflower seed butter to keep the soup creamy without cashews. I once swapped in tofu and still got that velvety texture I love.
  • Add spices: For a little kick, I sometimes toss in smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne. It really wakes up the flavors beautifully.
  • Extra veggies: Toss in some kale or spinach towards the end for added greens. My family loves it when I sneak in extra veggies this way.
  • Seasonal tweaks: Swap broccoli with cauliflower during the colder months for a warmer, nuttier twist that’s just as comforting.

How to Make Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe

Step 1: Blend Cashews and Stock for Creaminess

This step is where the magic starts—pour about one cup of your vegetable stock and raw cashew pieces into a blender and whirl until silky smooth. I find blending the cashews with stock first helps them break down easily and creates that luscious cream you’ll notice in every spoonful. Set this aside; you’ll add it back in later to make the soup beautifully rich without any cream.

Step 2: Sauté the Base Veggies Gently

Grab a large pot and add the onion, celery, and carrot with one cup of the vegetable broth. Cook this over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and release those fresh aromas. This builds a flavorful foundation. Then toss in the garlic, red bell pepper, and potatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors without burning the garlic.

Step 3: Simmer the Broccoli and Seasonings

Now add the rest of the broth and the chopped broccoli, thyme, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat up to high just until it boils, then cover and reduce to simmer. I usually let it cook about 10 minutes so the broccoli and potatoes are tender but still vibrant. You want that pop of green and perfect texture—not mushy.

Step 4: Stir in Cashew Cream and Purée Half the Soup

This is where the soup takes on that rich, creamy texture. Add the cashew puree back to the pot and stir well. Then, carefully blend about half of the soup in batches until smooth—or better yet, use an immersion blender right in the pot if you have one. Returning the blended portion ensures your soup is perfectly creamy with a nice chunky texture still lingering. Reheat gently, stirring until piping hot, and it’s ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe

  • Soak Cashews Ahead: If you can, soak your cashews for a few hours or overnight—this softens them and makes blending a breeze.
  • Reserve Some Crunch: Purée only half the soup so you keep some texture and a homemade feel rather than a completely smooth soup.
  • Use an Immersion Blender: This tool is a lifesaver for soups and means less clean-up and easier control over the texture.
  • Avoid Over-Salting: Start with less salt, taste before serving, and adjust—especially if your broth is already salty.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy broccoli and cheese soup, showing chunks of bright green broccoli and small round orange carrot slices. The soup has a thick, smooth texture with a light yellow-green color mixed with bits of herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a spoon and a white cloth with red stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my bowl with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of coconut cream if I want to get fancy. My kids love it with crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds scattered on top for texture.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or garlic-infused vegan naan to scoop up every last drop. For a heartier meal, I like serving it alongside a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some quinoa salad to keep things healthy and filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls, which always impress guests. Another fun trick is layering it with a dollop of pesto or vegan parmesan for an upscale café vibe right at home—your friends will think you ordered in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep the flavor fresh and prevent sogginess. When reheating, I add a splash of water or broth if it’s gotten too thick.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well—perfect for batch cooking. Freeze it in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up gently on the stove.

Reheating

To keep the creamy texture when reheating, warm the soup slowly on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it feels thick, stir in some extra broth or water until your preferred consistency is reached.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this soup nut-free?

    Absolutely! If you need to avoid nuts, you can replace the cashew cream with silken tofu or cauliflower purée for a creamy texture. Some people also use sunflower seed butter or coconut cream as alternatives. Just keep in mind that texture and taste might vary slightly.

  2. How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

    This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to cool fully before storing for best results.

  3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

    Yes! Frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available. Just add it straight to the pot during the simmer stage, and adjust cooking time slightly until it’s tender but not mushy.

  4. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

    Definitely! The soup reheats wonderfully and keeps well frozen, making it a great option for batch cooking or quick meals during busy weeks.

  5. What can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?

    I love pairing this broccoli soup with warm bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal. Adding a side of roasted chickpeas or a grain salad can boost protein and make it extra filling.

Final Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how much this Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, wholesome, and the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again—not just because it’s plant-based, but because it truly tastes amazing. I always feel good sharing this with friends and family, knowing it nourishes and delights. Give it a go and let me know how it becomes your new comfort food favorite!

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Creamy Vegan Broccoli Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 59 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This creamy vegan broccoli soup is a comforting, nutrient-rich dish made with fresh vegetables and a cashew-based cream for a smooth, satisfying texture. Perfect for a healthy, dairy-free, and gluten-free meal, it combines broccoli, potatoes, and aromatic herbs simmered in vegetable stock for a wholesome bowl of warmth and flavor.


Ingredients

Broth and Cream Base

  • 8 cups of vegetable stock
  • 1 cup of raw cashew pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot or 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ of a red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 medium unpeeled potatoes, cubed
  • 1 head of broccoli (about 4 cups), including stem, chopped

Seasoning

  • 1 ½ teaspoons of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper


Instructions

  1. Prepare Cashew Cream: Purée 1 cup of the vegetable stock with the raw cashew pieces in a blender until smooth and creamy. Set this cashew mixture aside for later use.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat 1 cup of vegetable stock over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and chopped carrot, and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and release aroma.
  3. Add Additional Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and cubed potatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
  4. Simmer Broccoli and Seasonings: Pour in the remaining 4 cups of vegetable stock, add the chopped broccoli, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for roughly 10 minutes until the broccoli and potatoes are tender.
  5. Incorporate Cashew Cream: Stir the prepared cashew cream into the pot, mixing well to combine for a rich, creamy texture.
  6. Blend Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using a blender, purée about half of the soup in small batches until smooth, then return it to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to blend half of the soup directly in the pot for convenience. Stir well to combine.
  7. Reheat and Serve: Gently reheat the soup if needed, stirring occasionally. Serve hot as a comforting and nourishing meal.

Notes

  • This vegan broccoli soup is rich and creamy without any dairy, making it suitable for those avoiding lactose and gluten.
  • You can substitute cashews with a nut-free alternative if you have allergies, but this may affect the creaminess.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste; adding a pinch more salt or herbs can enhance flavor.
  • Use organic vegetables and homemade vegetable stock for the best flavor and nutrition.
  • This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for future meals.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 361 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 2537 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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