This healthy and hearty spinach soup is blended with cottage cheese for a smooth, creamy finish. Packed with nutrients, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of fresh spinach, vegetable broth, and cottage cheese creates a well-balanced dish that is both satisfying and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and protein.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Low-Calorie & High-Protein: A filling soup without excessive calories.
- Creamy Without Heavy Cream: Cottage cheese provides a velvety texture without the extra fat.
- Vegetarian & Gluten-Free: A great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and carefully blend until smooth.
- Stir in the cottage cheese and lemon juice until fully combined and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve the soup hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add More Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or top with a poached egg.
- Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Creaminess: Blend in half an avocado or a splash of coconut milk.
- Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a twist.
- Boost the Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
How can I make this soup even creamier?
Blending in an extra half cup of cottage cheese or adding a splash of unsweetened almond milk will enhance the creaminess.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Substitute with about 10 ounces of frozen spinach. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to the soup.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be easily reheated for a quick, nutritious meal.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, swap cottage cheese with silken tofu or cashew cream and use vegetable broth.
What can I serve with this soup?
Pair it with a slice of whole-grain bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese for a more filling meal.
Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, but blend in batches and allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
What other cheese can I use?
Ricotta or cream cheese can work as a substitute for cottage cheese.
How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?
For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or a bit of water.
Is this soup suitable for a keto diet?
It can be, but check the carbohydrate content of your cottage cheese and adjust portions accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Carrots, zucchini, or celery can be sautéed with the onion for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Spinach Soup is a nutritious, creamy, and easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a starter for dinner, it’s a satisfying and wholesome choice. Try it today and enjoy the comforting flavors of this simple yet delicious soup!
Cottage Cheese Spinach Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cottage Cheese Spinach Soup is a healthy, creamy, and protein-packed dish perfect for a light meal. Made with fresh spinach, vegetable broth, and blended cottage cheese, this soup is smooth, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. It’s a quick, low-calorie, high-protein, vegetarian, and gluten-free meal option that’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- auté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
- Wilt Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally (about 3 minutes).
- Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and blend carefully.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in cottage cheese and lemon juice until fully combined.
- Season & Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Extra Creamy? Blend in an additional ½ cup cottage cheese or a splash of almond milk.
- Spicy Kick? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- More Protein? Stir in shredded chicken or top with a poached egg.
- Swap Greens? Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Blending
