Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup – Simple and Fresh

Olivia
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A Family Garden Story: Where Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup Began

Every summer, our backyard came alive with rows of sunlit squash and bright green zucchini curling around their trellises. My grandmother’s garden was never quiet—bees hummed, the soil smelled earthy and sweet, and the kitchen windows stayed fogged from pots bubbling on the stove. It was there that my love for Cream of Squash Soup began. On lazy Saturday afternoons, the house would fill with a comforting, savory aroma that could only mean one thing: fresh vegetables had found their way from the garden to our table.

Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup – Simple and Fresh

This recipe carries those memories—of laughter echoing through the kitchen, hands dusted with flour, and the simple satisfaction of creating something wholesome from what you’ve grown yourself. It’s more than an easy soup; it’s a connection to simpler times, when a handful of fresh produce could create a meal for everyone.

Over the years, our family has adapted the original recipe into several Easy Few Ingredient Recipes. Sometimes, we add a handful of broccoli to make it part of our Squash And Broccoli Recipes collection, and on busier weeks, I’ve even taken advantage of Zucchini Canned Recipes to recreate the same flavors year-round. But nothing quite compares to the taste of just-harvested zucchini and yellow squash simmered together in a creamy broth.

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Creamy bowl of squash and zucchini soup with broccoli florets and light garnish in a rustic kitchen setting

Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup – Simple and Fresh


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A nostalgic and comforting soup made with garden-fresh squash and zucchini, blended into a creamy bowl perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 cups yellow squash, sliced
  • 2 cups zucchini, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or light cream
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh herbs (basil or thyme), optional

  • Instructions

    1. Heat olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent

    2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant

    3. Stir in sliced squash and zucchini and pour in broth, bring to a light boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender

    4. Puree soup using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth, returning to the saucepan when done

    5. Stir in milk or cream over low heat, season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, adjust consistency with extra broth if needed and serve warm

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Category: soup
    • Method: simmering
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cup

    Keywords: cream of squash soup, zucchini soup, easy soup recipe, few ingredients, garden fresh soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, blender soup

    Each bowl still carries that nostalgic warmth—silky, velvety, and fragrant. It’s proof that the simplest, most genuine meals often come from what grows around us, ready for a quick blend into something utterly comforting.

    How Fresh Vegetables Bring Life to Everyday Meals

    There’s a special kind of magic that happens when fresh vegetables meet a bit of heat and care. Zucchini adds softness, while squash lends sweetness and luxurious body. Together, they blend into a soup that feels light yet indulgent, turning an ordinary dinner into something you quietly savor.

    In today’s fast-paced routines, Easy Few Ingredient Soups are a lifesaver. You need only a few fresh vegetables, a drizzle of olive oil, and a touch of cream (or a dairy-free alternative) to transform a quick meal into something nourishing. The golden hues of squash, the gentle aroma of sautéed onion, and the subtle green note from zucchini create a harmony that’s both refreshing and fulfilling.

    Whether ladled into a rustic bowl or served beside crusty bread, this soup is proof of how nature’s simplest gifts—when treated with care—can make even the busiest evening feel like a homecoming.

    The Recipe for Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup – Simple and Fresh

    Ingredients – Keeping It Simple with a Fresh Twist

    One of the best parts about making Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup is how few ingredients you actually need. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The base uses everyday produce and pantry staples, and you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

    Basic IngredientsQuantityNotes/Alternatives
    Olive oil or butter2 tbspUse dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a vegan version
    Yellow squash (sliced)2 cupsFresh or pre-sliced from market
    Zucchini (sliced)2 cupsWorks great with Zucchini Canned Recipes when out of season
    Onion, chopped1 mediumAdds natural sweetness
    Garlic cloves, minced2Optional but enhances depth
    Vegetable or chicken broth3 cupsLow-sodium works best
    Milk or light cream1 cupSubstitute with oat or almond milk
    Salt and pepperTo tasteAdjust at the end
    Fresh herbs (basil, thyme)OptionalFor aroma and color

    Optional Additions:

    • Broccoli florets – Turn it into one of your Squash And Broccoli Recipes.
    • Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast – For added richness.
    • Curry powder or smoked paprika – To give a subtle spice tone.
    • Lemon zest – A touch of brightness before serving.

    This list keeps the essence of Easy Few Ingredient Recipes while letting you tailor flavor and texture to your liking.

    Preparation – Step-by-Step to a Creamy Bowl

    This Easy Few Ingredient Soup comes together in under 40 minutes, yet tastes like a dish slow-cooked with care. Grab your favorite saucepan, a good knife, a blender (handheld or regular), and a ladle—the essentials that transform these humble veggies into something extraordinary.

    1. Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
    2. Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the sliced squash and zucchini. Stir to coat with onions and oil. Pour in the broth, bring to a light boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until tender.
    3. Blend to Creamy Perfection: Puree the mixture until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. For a chunky texture, blend only half and mix it back. Return to the saucepan.
    4. Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in milk or light cream over low heat with herbs, salt, and pepper. Avoid boiling to keep it silky.
    5. Adjust to Taste: Simmer for a thicker soup or thin with broth for a lighter version.

    Serve warm, topped with a swirl of cream, fresh herbs, or grated cheese. What you get is a bowl that captures the essence of garden freshness—smooth, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. Simple cooking, good ingredients, and a touch of love turn even a weeknight meal into something worth savoring.

    Tips, Pairings & Storing Ideas for Zucchini and Squash Soup

    Flavor Tips for the Best Cream of Squash Soup

    The secret behind a truly memorable Cream of Squash Soup is in how you coax out flavor from simple ingredients. Roasting the vegetables before blending deepens the taste and adds gentle sweetness. Toss chopped squash and zucchini in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. The light caramelization adds warmth and a nutty background note that simmering alone can’t achieve.

    For a subtle spice, add a pinch of smoked paprika or curry powder just after sautéing the onions. These spices give personality without overpowering the clean, garden-fresh base. A touch of nutmeg can also highlight the soup’s creamy body, especially if you plan to include dairy.

    Creaminess doesn’t have to rely on heavy cream. Use coconut milk, a swirl of cashew cream, or a small boiled potato for natural thickness. Each approach keeps it part of your Easy Few Ingredient Recipes while adjusting to various diets.

    And above all, start with the freshest ingredients possible. Bright green zucchini, smooth yellow squash, and fragrant herbs bring life and lightness to every spoonful—flavors that speak of sunshine, soil, and homegrown abundance.

    Serving and Storage Suggestions

    This soup pairs beautifully with simple sides. Crusty sourdough or a buttered baguette complements its creaminess, while a fresh salad with citrus dressing adds contrast. For heartier dinners, serve alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or roasted chicken—effortless yet indulgent.

    For guests, garnish with olive oil, toasted seeds, or fresh herbs. Small touches elevate the presentation without extra effort. After cooking, cool the soup completely, then store in airtight containers. It will last up to four days in the fridge or three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm gently over low heat, adding broth if needed.

    If you love stocking up with Zucchini Canned Recipes, this one easily adapts. Using preserved zucchini extends the joy of fresh cooking into winter. Each bite recalls sunny days and garden freshness, no matter the season.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup ahead of time?
    Yes, this soup is perfect for preparing in advance. Cook and cool completely before refrigerating for up to four days. Reheat gently over low heat while stirring, adding a splash of broth to restore silky texture. It’s one of those Easy Few Ingredient Soups that deepens in flavor over time.

    What’s the best way to keep the soup creamy without heavy cream?
    Blend in a small potato, soaked cashews, or a bit of coconut milk. Each offers velvety consistency without excess fat. Almond or oat milk also work beautifully for a lighter result that still feels indulgent.

    Can I freeze this soup?
    Absolutely. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers or freezer bags. It keeps for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to retain the smooth, fresh taste.

    How can I adapt this recipe for vegan or gluten-free diets?
    This soup is naturally gluten-free. Choose vegetable broth and plant-based milk for a fully vegan meal, and replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a savory twist. Every bowl stays wholesome and cozy.

    Can I add other vegetables like spinach or peas?
    Definitely. Spinach, peas, or broccoli blend harmoniously and even expand your Squash And Broccoli Recipes collection, adding new colors and nutrients to the same comforting base.

    A Simple Bowl That Feels Like Home

    At its heart, Cream of Squash & Zucchini Soup celebrates garden freshness and effortless comfort. A few ingredients combine into something elegant yet humble—a warm reminder that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

    Whether you stir it up with Zucchini Canned Recipes in winter or fresh harvest squash in summer, this timeless dish bridges seasons and memories. Each spoonful tastes of care, simplicity, and home.

    Pour it generously, share it freely, and let every bowl reaffirm one true thing: wholesome meals begin with the simplest of ingredients prepared with heart.

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