Creamy Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe

Hearty Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Hearty and packed with rustic Mediterranean white bean soup flavors, this comforting dish transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece.

Creamy white beans mingle with vibrant herbs and vegetables, creating a nourishing meal that warms both body and soul.

Aromatic garlic and fresh rosemary infuse each spoonful with rich, earthy notes.

Olive oil adds a silky smoothness that rounds out the soup robust character.

Simmered to perfection, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with extraordinary depth.

Nutritious and satisfying, this soup promises a delightful culinary journey that will have you reaching for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

For Base Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a silky, smooth foundation with rich Mediterranean essence that helps sauté vegetables beautifully.
  • Onion: Delivers sweet, deep flavor complexity and aromatic base for the soup's foundation.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, pungent depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Carrots: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant orange color with delightful earthy undertones.
  • Celery: Contributes crisp texture and subtle herbaceous notes to enhance overall soup complexity.
For Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates smooth, hydrating liquid base with gentle vegetable undertones.
  • Dried Thyme: Offers delicate, slightly minty herbal essence typical in Mediterranean cooking.
  • Oregano: Provides zesty, slightly peppery Mediterranean herb character.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all flavor dimensions in the soup.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and subtle spicy background notes.
For Protein and Finishing:
  • White Beans: Delivers creamy, protein-rich texture with mild nutty undertones.
  • Baby Spinach: Adds fresh, tender green element with nutritious leafy brightness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkles tangy, salty finish with rich umami depth for serving.

Kitchen Tools for Mediterranean White Bean Soup Prep

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking the soup base and combining all ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, carrots, and celery with ease.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.
  • Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing white beans before adding to the soup.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving the hot soup into bowls.
  • Cheese Grater: Needed to sprinkle fresh parmesan cheese on top of the soup.

Making Mediterranean White Bean Soup Step-by-Step

  • Flavor Foundation

Start by warming olive oil in a spacious cooking pot. Gently sauté onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma throughout the kitchen.

  • Vegetable Symphony

Introduce minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery into the pot. Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme and oregano, adding a layer of Mediterranean warmth. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the vegetable medley.

  • Liquid Magic

Pour vegetable broth into the pot and add creamy white beans. Let the mixture dance and bubble, simmering gently to blend all the delicious flavors together.

  • Green Touch

Fold fresh baby spinach into the soup, watching it melt and create a vibrant green swirl. The leaves will soften quickly, adding nutrition and color to your comforting meal.

  • Final Flourish

Remove the pot from heat and ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crown each serving with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, creating a delightful finishing touch that adds richness and depth.

Pro Tips & Flavor Swaps for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

  • Kitchen Wisdom: Bean Soup Magic
  • Flavor Boosting Trick: Roast your garlic and onions slightly longer for deeper, caramelized notes that will transform the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Bean Texture Pro: If you prefer creamier beans, mash a small portion of white beans before adding them to create a richer, more velvety soup consistency.
  • Herb Garden Hack: Swap dried herbs with fresh thyme and oregano during summer months for a brighter, more vibrant flavor explosion.
  • Protein Power Move: Enhance the soup's nutritional value by adding diced chicken, pancetta, or tofu for extra protein and texture variety.
  • Mediterranean Twist: Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle za'atar spice blend on top just before serving to elevate the Mediterranean authenticity of the dish.

How to Serve Mediterranean White Bean Soup Creatively

  • Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty baguette or hearty sourdough bread to dip into the soup, soaking up all those delicious Mediterranean flavors and adding a delightful crunch.
  • Zesty Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to brighten the soup's rich flavor and add a pop of green color that makes the dish look absolutely stunning.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy chickpeas on top for extra protein, transforming this light soup into a more substantial meal that keeps you full and satisfied throughout the evening.
  • Tangy Finishing Touch: Drizzle a small amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to enhance the soup's Mediterranean character and add a vibrant, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.

Storing and Planning Tips for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

  • Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare a large pot of this soup on weekends and portion into individual containers for quick weekday meals. The flavors deepen overnight, making each serving more delicious than the last.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Store cooled soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Separate into single-serving sizes for easy thawing and reheating whenever hunger strikes.
  • Refrigerator Revival Tips: Keep soup sealed in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching.
  • Smart Ingredient Swap: If spinach wilts quickly, add fresh greens just before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color. Kale or Swiss chard work wonderfully as alternative leafy additions.
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Creamy Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe

Creamy Mediterranean White Bean Soup


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mediterranean white bean soup blends rustic Italian and Greek flavors into a hearty, comforting dish. Rich ingredients like cannellini beans, olive oil, and fresh herbs create a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 (425 g / 15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable broth
  • 5 oz (140 g) baby spinach
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then gently cook onions until translucent, releasing their sweet undertones.
  2. Build Flavor Base: Incorporate garlic, carrots, and celery into the aromatic foundation, sprinkling dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a rich, herbaceous profile.
  3. Layer Liquid Foundation: Pour vegetable broth into the pot, introducing well-rinsed white beans and allowing them to meld with the seasoned vegetables.
  4. Simmer and Develop: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, enabling flavors to deepen and intertwine.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Fold in baby spinach until wilted, remove from heat, and serve in warm bowls topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Prep Timing: Total cooking time ranges from 30-40 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
  • Veggie Precision: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
  • Bean Preparation: Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve overall taste quality.
  • Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs can replace dried herbs for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile, intensifying the soup’s complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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