Celery Soup Vegan Recipe

There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Celery soup, with its light yet rich flavor profile, is the perfect example of a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and easy to whip up. Even better, this version is vegan, which makes it an accessible, health-conscious choice for just about anyone. The beauty of celery soup lies in its ability to be both subtly flavorful and incredibly versatile. It can be served as a starter, a side dish, or even as the main event, all while providing a healthy, nutrient-packed boost.

Celery often gets overshadowed by other vegetables like carrots or tomatoes, but its delicate, slightly peppery taste is something to be celebrated. The natural flavors in this vegan celery soup are enhanced with the right balance of herbs, garlic, and a little bit of plant-based creaminess, making it a delightful dish for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether you’re looking to make a quick lunch or impress dinner guests with a refined starter, this recipe is a perfect way to elevate a humble vegetable into something delicious.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe that will make you rethink how versatile celery can truly be.

This celery soup is the ideal blend of simplicity and flavor, made from fresh, wholesome ingredients that are all plant-based. The soup is creamy without any dairy, and its gentle, comforting taste can easily be adjusted to your preference.

Ingredients Needed

1 large bunch of celery (about 8-10 stalks), chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced (for creaminess)
4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or any preferred cooking oil)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if you have it)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Begin by chopping the celery, onion, garlic, and potato. This is your mise en place, which means you’re setting up everything to make the cooking process smoother.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté them until softened and fragrant, which will take about 4-5 minutes. This step builds the foundation for the flavor.
Cook the celery and potato: Add the celery and diced potato to the pot, stirring occasionally. Let them cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and soften a little bit.
Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a simmer. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potato is tender.
Blend the soup: Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the soup from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender, but be careful-it will be hot!
Finish with milk and lemon: Stir in the almond milk for extra creaminess, and then taste. If you want a little extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.

Enjoy your comforting, creamy vegan celery soup!

Ingredient Insights

Celery

Celery is often a background player in many dishes, but it’s incredibly nutritious. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, celery also offers a healthy dose of fiber, which aids digestion. The mild flavor of celery allows it to be a perfect base for soups and broths, complementing stronger ingredients without overpowering them.

Onion & Garlic

Onions and garlic are staples in so many recipes for good reason. They form the aromatic backbone of this soup, providing depth and a rich, savory flavor. Garlic, in particular, has immune-boosting properties, making this soup a great choice when you want a comforting dish that’s good for you.

Potato

The potato in this recipe isn’t just a filler-it adds a creamy texture to the soup without the need for dairy. It helps create that velvety consistency you crave from a creamy soup, making it feel indulgent without adding any heaviness.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a wonderful dairy-free alternative that adds just the right amount of creaminess without overwhelming the soup’s flavor. It’s also lower in calories than regular cream or milk, which keeps the dish light and health-conscious. You could also use oat or soy milk if you prefer.

Vegetable Broth

The vegetable broth serves as the savory base of the soup. If you have homemade vegetable stock, even better-it’s usually richer in flavor. Store-bought options are perfectly fine, but make sure to choose one with low sodium to control the seasoning yourself.

Expert Tips

For Extra Creaminess: If you prefer an even creamier texture, add an extra potato or a splash of coconut milk. You could also use cashew cream, which blends into soups beautifully.
Blend to Your Liking: If you want a more rustic texture, you can blend the soup partially. Leave some chunks of celery and potato for added bite and texture.
Make It a One-Pot Meal: Add a handful of greens like spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for an extra dose of nutrients and color.
Herb Variations: If thyme isn’t your favorite, rosemary or sage also work well with celery. For a more intense flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers, and remove it before blending.
Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. A pinch of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy depth to the soup without dairy.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Celery Soup with Cashews: For an extra creamy texture and a slight nutty flavor, soak cashews overnight and blend them into the soup for a velvety finish.
Spicy Celery Soup: Add a touch of heat by stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper. This adds a nice balance to the otherwise mild flavor of celery.
Celery Soup with Apple: For a sweeter twist, throw in a peeled, cored apple while cooking the soup. The natural sweetness of the apple pairs wonderfully with the celery and adds an interesting layer of flavor.
Celery Soup with Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, grate some lemon zest into the soup just before serving. This brings an extra burst of citrusy brightness that complements the earthy celery.
Celery and Carrot Soup: Add a couple of chopped carrots to the soup for a more colorful and subtly sweet version. The carrots blend in beautifully with the celery and potato, making the soup slightly more vibrant.

Final Words

This vegan celery soup is one of those dishes that feels both nourishing and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe you can make from scratch with simple, wholesome ingredients and a little bit of time. The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences and can be customized in so many different ways. Whether you prefer your soup extra creamy, a little spicy, or with added greens, there’s room for creativity.

It’s also a great meal prep option! You can easily make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. It’ll taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Pair it with some crusty bread or a light salad, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.

Celery Soup Vegan Recipe