Wholesome Carrot and Celery Soup Recipe : Easy & Healthy Comfort Food

Posted on September 10, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

easy carrot and celery soup in a blue bowl on a checkered table cloth

If you’re craving a cozy bowl of nourishing comfort food, this Carrot and Celery Soup is a must-try. Light yet satisfying, brothy yet flavorful, this is the kind of simple, wholesome recipe that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian dinner ideas, celery soup recipes healthy, or just want a delicious way to use up produce, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Made with just a handful of humble ingredients—carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and a rich vegetable broth—this is one of those soups recipes healthy vegetarian food lovers can enjoy any time of the year. It’s ideal for lunch, light dinners, or a starter course. Pair it with warm bread or a hearty salad, and you’ve got a nourishing meal that hits the spot.

If you’re into nutrient-packed meals like this one, you’ll also love this veggie-forward Vegetarian Pasta Primavera or the protein-packed Cottage Cheese Egg Salad.

Why This Soup Is the Perfect Healthy Comfort Food

This soup embodies everything we love about brothy soup recipes. It’s:

  • Light yet satisfying: Ideal for clean eating and digestion-friendly meals
  • Easy to make: Minimal chopping, one pot, and done in 30 minutes
  • Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients available year-round
  • Versatile: Add rice, lentils, pasta, or protein for more substance
  • Meal prep friendly: Stores well and gets even better the next day

It’s also one of the most practical dinner recipes with carrots and celery, using ingredients often on hand in the fridge.

Want to build a full meal around this? Pair it with our Cheddar Bay Biscuits or Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread for a comforting combo.

Ingredients for Carrot and Celery Soup Recipe

This celery and carrot soup recipe keeps it simple but full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 5 cups vegetable broth (low sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

For a slightly thicker texture, you can add 1 small peeled and diced potato.

This combination creates one of the most balanced carrot and celery soup recipes—light but satisfying, familiar but far from boring.

You don’t need much to whip up this carrot celery recipe—just a few basic kitchen tools:

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Wooden spoon
  • Blender or immersion blender (optional, for texture variation)

If you’re a soup lover, these tools are staples. And if you enjoy make-ahead breakfasts too, check out these Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls.

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Brothy Soup

Here’s how to make this delicious soup in just 5 easy steps:

  1. Sauté the vegetables.
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add seasoning and broth.
    Stir in thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Simmer.
    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Optional blending.
    For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender. Leave it chunky for a rustic, brothy soup.
  5. Serve.
    Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

That’s it! In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have one of the easiest and healthiest carrots onions celery soup recipes ready to enjoy.

Flavor Boosting Tips for the Best Carrot Celery Recipe

Want to give this soup extra depth or variety? Try these flavor enhancers:

  • Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for brightness
  • Use roasted garlic instead of fresh for a mellow flavor
  • Toss in a parmesan rind while simmering (if not vegan)
  • Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or chili oil for richness
  • Stir in chopped spinach or kale at the end for extra greens

If you love layering flavors, you might also enjoy this bold Sweet Chili Sauce as a topping option for other dishes.

Soup Variations: Creamy, Spicy, or With Lentils

This soup is incredibly flexible. Here are some creative ways to adapt it:

  • Creamy Version: Add ½ cup coconut milk or cream at the end and blend
  • Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce
  • Hearty Lentil Version: Stir in ½ cup red lentils and simmer until soft
  • With Rice or Pasta: Add cooked brown rice, quinoa, or small pasta to make it more filling
  • Protein-Packed: Stir in shredded chicken or white beans

Want more veggie-forward ideas? Try the Stuffed Acorn Squash for a creative, fall-inspired twist.

Dinner Recipes with Carrots and Celery: What to Serve With

This vegetarian soup is perfect on its own but even better when paired thoughtfully. Here are some favorites:

This soup also pairs wonderfully with Apple Fritter Donuts for a cozy lunch-and-dessert combo.

Storing and Reheating Celery and Carrot Soup

This soup stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day.

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave until hot. Stir well.

Pro tip: Freeze in single-serving portions for quick, healthy meals.

Benefits of Food with Celery and Carrots

Beyond taste and texture, carrots and celery pack a nutritional punch:

  • Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants
  • Celery contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is great for hydration
  • Together, they make a detoxifying and digestion-friendly base for soups

This makes carrot and celery soup recipes ideal for anyone looking to eat clean, reduce inflammation, or boost immunity naturally.

If you like this kind of nutrient-rich meal, explore our High-Protein Overnight Oats for an energy-packed start to your day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Healthy Soup Recipes

Even the simplest soup can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

  • Overcooking veggies can make them mushy and flavorless
  • Skipping the sauté stage loses key aromatics
  • Using bland broth results in a flat-tasting soup
  • Forgetting to season can leave your soup dull
  • Boiling instead of simmering may make the broth cloudy and harsh

Follow the steps as written, and your carrot and celery soup will always turn out perfect.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your soup extra appealing with these presentation tips:

  • Top with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme
  • Drizzle with herb oil or a swirl of cream for elegance
  • Serve in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side
  • Add a lemon wedge on the side for brightness
  • Garnish with toasted seeds or croutons for crunch

Need a festive touch? Pair with fun recipes like Mini Halloween Pizzas for themed family dinners.

FAQs About Celery Soup Recipes Healthy and Vegetarian

Can I make this soup creamy?
Absolutely. Blend the soup and stir in cream, coconut milk, or even silken tofu.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

What other vegetables can I add?
Potatoes, leeks, zucchini, spinach, and kale all work well.

Is it vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan. Just ensure your broth is plant-based.

Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Final Thoughts on This Easy Carrots Onions Celery Soup Recipe

This carrot and celery soup is more than just a side dish—it’s a wholesome, satisfying, and flavorful meal that’s easy to love and even easier to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday meal prep, or when you just want something soothing and simple, it’s one of those soups recipes healthy vegetarian fans will make again and again.

And if you’re looking for even more cozy recipes, try our Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for breakfast or this Crockpot Taco Dip for your next gathering.

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If you enjoyed this carrot and celery soup recipe, please share it, leave a comment below, and subscribe to our blog for more easy, healthy, and delicious ideas. You’ll love discovering more feel-good meals you can make with pantry staples!

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Carrot and Celery Soup – A Healthy Vegetarian Brothy Recipe


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Carrot and Celery Soup is a light, nutritious, and flavorful vegetarian dish. Made with the classic trio of carrots, celery, and onions, it creates a brothy soup that’s wholesome and comforting. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a cozy starter, this recipe is budget-friendly, quick, and packed with vitamins and minerals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 4 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: diced potatoes, cooked lentils or beans, leafy greens like spinach or kale

Instructions

  1. Prep vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic.
  2. Sauté base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Simmer soup: Pour in vegetable broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with parsley or fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

  • Roast carrots and celery before adding for deeper flavor.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
  • For a creamy variation, blend part of the soup.
  • Add chickpeas, lentils, or quinoa for extra protein.
  • Top with fresh herbs or Parmesan (if not vegan) for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup, Vegetarian, Healthy
  • Method: Stovetop, Simmered
  • Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Carrot and Celery Soup, Carrot Soup Recipe, Celery Soup Recipes, Brothy Vegetarian Soup, Healthy Soup Recipes, Carrots Onions Celery Soup, Vegetable Soup with Carrots and Celery

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