This creamy basil zucchini soup is everything I crave when summer hits hard. It’s vibrant, herbaceous, and light—but still satisfying enough to stand on its own as a meal. Made with fresh zucchini, leeks, and basil, and topped with toasty garlic croutons, this chilled soup brings garden-fresh flavor to every spoonful. I love how simple it is to prepare and how beautifully it showcases seasonal ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this soup because it doesn’t need cream or dairy to feel rich and luxurious. Instead, I get that creamy texture from blending zucchini and hemp seeds. The flavor stays bright and herbaceous thanks to fresh basil and a pop of lemon juice. Plus, it’s served at room temperature or lightly chilled—making it perfect for hot days when I want something cool and refreshing. It’s also vegan, naturally gluten-free (without the croutons), and ideal for making ahead.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

leeks (white and light green parts only)
extra-virgin olive oil
garlic
zucchini
hemp seeds
lemon juice
miso paste
water
fresh basil
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the garlic croutons:
sourdough bread
garlic
extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

I start by sautéing leeks in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant—this adds a mellow, sweet base to the soup. Then I stir in chopped garlic and let that cook briefly, just enough to mellow its bite. Next, I toss everything except the basil into a blender: the cooked leek mixture, chopped zucchini, hemp seeds, lemon juice, miso paste, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I blend until the soup is silky smooth. Then I add the basil and give it one more quick blend—just enough to mix it in without heating it, which helps preserve its fresh, bright flavor.

For the croutons, I toss cubed sourdough bread with minced garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, then bake them until golden and crisp. I like to serve the soup at room temperature or lightly chilled, topped with those crunchy croutons and a final drizzle of olive oil.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings as a starter or side.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Total time: 26 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add extra lemon juice to brighten it up even more. If I don’t have hemp seeds, I use sunflower seeds or cashews for a similar creaminess. For a spicier version, I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. And when I’m short on leeks, a sweet onion or shallots work well too. If I want to bulk it up for a main course, I serve it alongside avocado toast or a chickpea salad.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since it’s a chilled soup, there’s no need to reheat it—if anything, it tastes better after a day in the fridge once the flavors meld. I just give it a good stir before serving, and I add fresh croutons to keep that crunchy contrast.

FAQs

How do I keep the basil from turning bitter?

I always blend the basil in last and only briefly, so it doesn’t heat up and bruise. That helps keep the flavor fresh and prevents bitterness.

Can I freeze this soup?

I don’t recommend freezing it—the texture changes and becomes watery when thawed. Since it’s quick to make, I prefer making it fresh or keeping it in the fridge for a few days.

What can I use instead of hemp seeds?

I’ve used cashews or sunflower seeds as substitutes with great results. Both add creaminess without changing the flavor much.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I often make it the night before and let it chill overnight. The flavors deepen and improve by the next day.

Can I serve it warm?

It’s meant to be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Heating it can dull the basil flavor and make the texture less smooth.

Conclusion

This basil zucchini soup has become one of my go-to summer recipes. It’s refreshing, quick to make, and incredibly versatile. Whether I’m serving it as a light lunch, a dinner starter, or a make-ahead option for a picnic, it always delivers vibrant, herbaceous flavor in every spoonful.