bowl of fresh homemade tomato basil soup garnished with basil leaves — This Flavorful Fresh Tomato Basil Soup is the most savory soup made with fresh tomatoes, thyme, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Chunky or creamy, it is satisfying for everyone and is vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and gluten-free! You won't get this depth of flavor anywhere else!

Bow to the Basil Bowl!

If you are picky like me, then maybe you also hated the easy canned or fresh from scratch tomato soups. I tried so many different recipes, and finally figured out exactly what I hate about traditional tomato soups:

Canned tomatoes alone are tart, metallic, and terrible.
Fresh tomatoes alone are too earthy and watery.
Combined is a watered down earthy-metallic tomato slop… BLEGH!

What is the solution?

Flavorful Fresh Tomato Basil Soup!

The fresh tomatoes and basil leaves give this soup an organic farm fresh feel, and the thyme and sun-dried tomatoes give this soup a perfect depth of flavor that you were not expecting! I still added two cans of tomato sauce to thicken the watery fresh tomatoes, resulting in a soup with the best combination of flavor and texture and most important of all…

You are the Queen.

YOU decide creamy or chunky!

rustic ceramic bowl of fresh tomato soup with tomatoes and basil on the side

What are the health benefits?

This soup is packed with heart-healthy tomatoes, immune-boosting onions, protein-rich beans, and germ-fighting thyme giving you a way to fuel your body with nutrients that help you feel your best!

Nutrition Facts per 1 cup serving:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only, and is not to be taken as medical information or advice. The nutritional values of your preparation of this recipe are impacted by several factors, including, but not limited to, the ingredient brands you use, any substitutions or measurement changes you make, and measuring accuracy.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health. They're also rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate, which boost immune function and support cardiovascular health. The high water content and fiber in tomatoes aid in hydration and digestive health.

Onions

Onions contain quercetin and other sulfur compounds that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supporting immune system function. They may help regulate blood sugar levels and promote heart health by improving cholesterol profiles. Onions also contain prebiotic fibers that support gut health and beneficial bacteria growth.

Basil

Basil is rich in antioxidants, particularly eugenol and rosmarinic acid, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This aromatic herb may support immune function, and promote healthy digestion. Basil also contains essential oils that can help fight bacteria and support respiratory health.

What you will need

6-7.5 quart pot
Measuring Spoons
Optional: Large Capacity Blender (around 8 cups)
Two 48 oz Storage Containers

How to Make it Step by Step

1. Gather Ingredients

Grab your beans, Queens, we have some soup to make! You will need tomatoes, onions, thyme, carrots, garlic, vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and don’t forget the splash of white wine (it’s a must). Go for Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the perfect flavor. Sure, you can use canned tomatoes, but there is nothing like going with fresh tomatoes from the garden!

tomatoes, onions, basil, thyme, garlic, and spinach ingredients for tomato soup

2. Roast the onions and tomatoes

Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil over medium high heat and season with salt and pepper, around 5-10 minutes until onions are golden brown. Then add the tomatoes and cook until it looks like a sloppy delicious mess, around 5-10 more minutes.

close-up of roasted cooked onions and tomatoes in a soup pot

3. Put it all together

Add tomato sauce, vegetable broth, optional (but must have) sun dried tomatoes, thyme, and basil to the pot. Increase heat to high to bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to a simmer. Simmer, covered, around 20-30 minutes.

soup pot with vegetable broth, tomatoes, and basil floating on top

4. Want chunky? Stop and serve. Creamy? Blend.

Remove the pot from heat and add spinach for extra nutrition and stir until wilted. Then transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, or use an immersion blender.

soup pot with chunky flavorful tomato basil soup before blended

5. Serve!

Dish out 1-cup servings and enjoy delicious soup that is low in calories!

I like to serve this soup with grilled cheese sourdough sandwiches. For additional texture, I like to cook noodles and add them to the soup. I also recommend making homemade meatballs to add some protein!

white ceramic soup bowl with homemade tomato basil soup and spoon decor

Storage (Because You’ll Want Leftovers)

This soup stores well, which makes it practical for meal prep. After cooling completely, it keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors develop and improve overnight.

For longer storage, it freezes well for up to 3 months. I portion it into individual containers so I can thaw single servings as needed. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop with a stir to restore the smooth texture. It reheats nicely and maintains its quality.