Warm, comforting, and brimming with earthy flavor, this Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup is your new go-to for quick, nourishing meals. Whether you’re looking to meal prep for the week or need a cozy dinner after a busy day, this soup delivers with its rich taste and satisfying texture. Lentils cook down to a creamy consistency, absorbing all the spices and veggies they simmer with, making each spoonful better than the last.
What makes this soup extra special is how it effortlessly blends nutrition with simplicity. It’s a one-pot wonder packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome vegetables, perfect for vegetarians or anyone wanting a meatless meal that still satisfies. With pantry staples and under an hour of cook time, you’ll find yourself coming back to this hearty bowl often.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup
This soup checks every box: it’s healthy, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. It stores beautifully, so it’s ideal for batch cooking, and the flavor only deepens after a day in the fridge. Whether you’re chasing wellness goals or just want a fuss-free dinner, this recipe delivers every time.
The mix of herbs, tomatoes, and garlic gives it a rustic Mediterranean vibe, while the lentils make it creamy and filling without any dairy. You can blend part of the soup for an even creamier finish or leave it chunky for texture. Either way, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
What Kind of Lentils Should I Use?
For the best results, go with green or brown lentils. They hold their shape well, which means your soup won’t turn into mush even after simmering. Red lentils can work too, but they cook faster and break down more, giving the soup a softer, stew-like feel. It really depends on the texture you’re aiming for—either way, you can’t go wrong.
Ingredients for the Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup
This soup uses humble ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Each component plays a key role in building up the soup’s comforting profile.
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Carrots
- Celery stalks
- Dried green or brown lentils
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaf
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
The veggies lay the aromatic foundation, while the spices add depth and a bit of warmth. Lemon juice brightens the soup and parsley gives it that fresh finish.

How To Make the Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, and bay leaf. Let everything cook for 2 minutes so the flavors begin to meld.
Step 3: Add Lentils and Broth
Pour in the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Step 4: Blend (Optional)
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. You can also transfer a couple cups to a blender, then stir it back in.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Serve and Store Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup
This recipe serves about 6 people, making it a wonderful family meal or weekly prep. Serve it hot in deep bowls with a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. Pair with warm bread or a light salad if you’d like to round out your meal.
To store, let the soup cool and refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days. It freezes beautifully too—portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
What to Serve With Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup?
Hummus & Pita
Creamy hummus and warm pita are perfect sides, offering Middle Eastern flair with a dip-and-scoop experience.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The classic comfort food pairing. A crispy, melty grilled cheese takes this healthy soup to cozy territory.
Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A bright and peppery arugula salad balances the warm flavors of the soup beautifully.
Roasted Veggie Platter
Simple roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes or beets add texture and an earthy sweetness.
Crusty Garlic Bread
A golden garlic loaf is ideal for dipping and sopping up every last bit.
Rice or Quinoa
Serve over rice or a scoop of quinoa to make it even more filling, great for dinner.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
For a heartier meal, pair with veggie-stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or couscous.
Want More Soup Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved this Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup, these other warm and hearty dishes might be right up your alley:
- Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup for a flavorful spin on classic veggie soup
- Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a rich pasta-style comfort bowl
- Boilermaker Tailgate Chili when you want something with bold flavor and spice
- Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake to serve as a creamy, oven-baked veggie option
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving meatier comfort food
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever you need a warm, healthy meal.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you blend it smooth or leave it chunky? Add extra spices or sneak in kale? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find your next weeknight favorite!

Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Healthy & Easy Lentil Soup recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with green lentils, vegetables, and spices, it’s high in protein and fiber, vegan-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Try this hearty lentil soup for a simple and nutritious dinner idea!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
6 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, and bay leaf. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
4. Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the lentils are tender.
5. Optional: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture.
6. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
For extra protein, you can stir in some spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
Use red lentils if you prefer a creamier, more stew-like consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


