Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe

Easy Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe: Comforting & Flavorful

White bean soup brings warmth and comfort to kitchens craving hearty, nutritious meals that honor traditional culinary practices.

Mediterranean ingredients dance across flavor profiles, creating rich and satisfying dining experiences that connect people through shared cultural traditions.

Legumes have long been staple proteins in coastal regions, offering substantial nutrition and incredible depth of taste.

Fragrant herbs and robust seasonings refine simple ingredients into memorable dishes that spark conversation and nostalgia.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this soul-warming recipe, balancing delicate textures with bold Mediterranean sensibilities.

Nutritious and satisfying, this soup represents more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of rustic cooking techniques passed down through family lines.

Gathering around a steaming pot of white bean soup promises delightful moments of connection and culinary joy.

Why Mediterranean White Bean Soup Feels So Nourishing

  • Savor Hearty Mediterranean Goodness: A soul-warming soup packed with protein-rich white beans and nutrient-dense vegetables that delivers authentic Mediterranean comfort in every spoonful.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: This one-pot meal comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious, nutritious dinner solutions without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Boost Nutritional Power: Loaded with fiber from beans, vitamins from spinach and vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil, this soup provides a complete balanced meal that supports overall wellness with minimal effort.
  • Adaptable Culinary Canvas: Easily customize by swapping spinach with kale, adding different herbs, or topping with croutons, making it a versatile recipe that welcomes personal creativity and kitchen improvisation.

Everything You Need for Mediterranean White Bean Soup

Soup Base Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Rich, fruity oil that helps sauté vegetables and adds a Mediterranean flavor.
  • Onion: Aromatic base that provides depth and sweetness to the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor and classic Mediterranean character.
Vegetable Ingredients:
  • Carrots, Celery: Provide natural sweetness, crunch, and essential vegetable nutrients.
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Dried Thyme, Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herbs that bring earthy and aromatic notes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.
  • White Beans: Protein-rich legumes that create a creamy, hearty soup texture.
  • Baby Spinach: Adds fresh green color, nutrients, and a delicate leafy softness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides a rich finishing garnish.

Cooking Mediterranean White Bean Soup the Easy Way

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

Add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped carrots
  • Chopped celery

Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become fragrant and slightly tender.

Step 3: Create Soup Liquid

Pour vegetable broth into the pot.

Add drained and rinsed white beans.

Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Fold in baby spinach.

Cook for additional 2 minutes until spinach wilts completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove pot from heat.

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.

Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Depth and Texture in White Bean Soup

  • Sauté Aromatics Thoroughly: Take time to properly caramelize onions and develop deep flavor by cooking slowly until they turn golden and translucent.
  • Layer Herb Combinations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil alongside dried thyme and oregano to enhance the Mediterranean profile of the soup.
  • Control Bean Texture: Rinse canned beans carefully and add them at the right moment to maintain their creamy consistency without turning mushy during cooking.
  • Liquid Ratio Matters: Adjust vegetable broth quantity based on desired soup thickness, adding more for a lighter consistency or reducing for a heartier texture.
  • Enhance Final Presentation: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper just before serving to elevate the soup's visual appeal and add a final burst of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Mediterranean White Bean Soup Made Simple

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot throughout, typically 5-7 minutes, to maintain the beans' texture and prevent scorching.

What to Serve with Mediterranean White Bean Soup

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the soup's herbaceous and vegetable-forward profile, cutting through the richness of the beans and parmesan.
  • Serve with Rustic Bread: Grab a hearty sourdough or ciabatta, toasted and drizzled with olive oil, to provide a crunchy contrast to the soup's soft texture and soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Match with Mediterranean Salad: Create a simple side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese, dressed in lemon vinaigrette, to enhance the soup's Mediterranean essence and add bright, fresh notes to the meal.
  • Finish with Herbal Tea: Choose a chamomile or mint tea to cleanse the palate and echo the herbal undertones of thyme and oregano in the soup, providing a soothing end to the dining experience.

Ways to Remix Your Mediterranean White Bean Soup

  • Rustic Herb Infusion: Replace dried thyme and oregano with fresh rosemary and sage, chopping herbs finely for a more intense aromatic profile that elevates the soup's earthy flavors.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add diced chorizo or andouille sausage during the vegetable sautéing stage, introducing a smoky and spicy element that complements the white beans' creaminess.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate cooked chicken or chickpeas alongside white beans, creating a more substantial meal with additional protein and texture variations.
  • Tomato-Enriched Blend: Stir in one cup of crushed tomatoes or diced roasted red peppers during the simmering process, bringing a vibrant, tangy dimension to the classic soup recipe.
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Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe

Mediterranean White Bean Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mediterranean white bean soup delivers comfort and warmth from coastal kitchens. Rich with herbs, olive oil, and tender beans, this hearty soup invites you to savor classic Mediterranean flavors in a single nourishing bowl.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (15-ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 5 ounces baby spinach

Vegetables:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 large carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, allowing the pan to evenly distribute warmth.
  2. Gently sauté chopped onions until they transform into a translucent, soft texture, releasing their delicate sweet essence.
  3. Introduce minced garlic, diced carrots, and finely chopped celery into the aromatic base, creating a vibrant vegetable foundation.
  4. Sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, coating the vegetables with robust Mediterranean seasonings.
  5. Allow the vegetables to soften and develop a rich, fragrant profile for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, creating a liquid landscape for the white beans to nestle into.
  7. Add thoroughly rinsed white beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the liquid base.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a calm simmer, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Fold baby spinach into the simmering soup, watching it gracefully wilt and integrate with the other ingredients.
  10. Remove from heat and let the soup rest briefly, allowing its complex flavors to settle.
  11. Ladle into warm bowls and crown with a delicate snowfall of freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Customize this hearty soup by swapping spinach with kale or Swiss chard for extra nutritional punch.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top just before serving to elevate the Mediterranean flavors.
  • Leftover soup stores beautifully in airtight containers and tastes even better the next day, allowing spices to deepen and develop richer complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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