Quinoa Minestrone Soup

This vegan Quinoa Minestrone Soup recipe is a fun twist on classic Minestrone! We swap out the pasta for nutrient-rich quinoa instead. It's simple to prepare and so nourishing! (Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free.)

Classic minestrone is an Italian soup with vegetables, beans, and pasta.

But in this version, we give it a fun twist by swapping out the pasta for quinoa!

The quinoa provides great texture plus many nutrients.

It's simple to prepare and so nourishing. Plus it's flexible with your own favorite vegetables and herbs.

Ingredients for Quinoa Minestrone

For this recipe you will simmer in a large pot:

• Yellow onion: Or you can use white onion or sweet onion if desired.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Or substitute dried garlic powder.
• Carrot
• Potato: I use red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, but white or russet potato will work too. I try to purchase organic potatoes when possible, and leave the skins on since they provide many nutrients.
• Green beans: You can either use fresh or cut frozen green beans. There's no need to defrost frozen beans before adding to the pot.
• Vegetable broth: Be sure to use low sodium if desired.
• Diced tomatoes: Either regular canned diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes work great.
• Red kidney beans: These are a classic bean in minestrone and provide hearty plant-based protein and fiber.
• White quinoa
• Dried basil + dried oregano: Or substitute other herbs such as dried parsley, thyme, Italian seasonings, etc.

Customizing

Veggies: Add your own favorite vegetables such as celery, mushroom, zucchini, peas, sweet corn, etc.

Greens: Stir in some fresh baby spinach or kale near the end of cooking time.

Herbs: You can also substitute the dried herbs for fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, thyme, oregano, etc.)

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. We find they keep well for about 4-5 days.

Tip: If you're looking for a classic minestrone recipe, check out this Vegan Minestrone Soup as well!

For more inspiration, also browse all soup recipes or quinoa recipes.

Quinoa Minestrone Soup

This Quinoa Minestrone is a fun twist on classic Minestrone. We simply swap out the pasta for nutrient-rich quinoa instead. Easy and nourishing!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Italian-Inspired, Oil-Free, Vegan

Servings: 6 large bowls

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion
• 4-5 cloves garlic
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 medium potatoes* (about 10 oz. or 2 cups diced)
• 8 oz. green beans (or frozen)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 15 oz. can kidney beans
• 1/2 cup white quinoa (uncooked)
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• Optional: kale or spinach

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Instructions

• Dice onion, carrot, and potatoes. Cut green beans into 1-inch pieces. Mince garlic.
• In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté onion for 6-7 minutes. (I use 3 Tbsp. water/broth for no-oil sauté method, adding more as needed.)
• When onion is softened, add garlic, basil, and oregano. Stir and sauté 1 minute.
• Add carrot, potato, and green beans. Sauté 2 minutes.
• Add broth and tomatoes. Increase heat and bring to a light boil.
• Once lightly boiling, add kidney beans (rinsed and drained) and quinoa (rinsed and drained).
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15-20 minutes (or until quinoa and potatoes are cooked through). Salt/pepper to taste. Stir well and scoop from the bottom when serving as the quinoa tends to settle. The soup will continue to thicken as it sits.
• Optional: if using kale or spinach, stir in during the last few minutes of cook time. (I enjoy 2 cups chopped lacinato kale.)

Notes

*Potatoes: I use red or Yukon gold potatoes, but white or Russet will work too.

Customize: Add celery, mushroom, zucchini, peas, sweet corn, other herbs (or fresh herbs).

Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

Nutrition Facts

Quinoa Minestrone Soup

Amount per Serving

Calories

208

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

1

g

2

%

Saturated Fat

 

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

1

g

Potassium

 

870

mg

25

%

Carbohydrates

 

42

g

14

%

Fiber

 

9

g

38

%

Sugar

 

9

g

10

%

Protein

 

9

g

18

%

Vitamin A

 

2626

IU

53

%

Vitamin C

 

29

mg

35

%

Calcium

 

110

mg

11

%

Iron

 

4

mg

22

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sodium: This is omitted as I cannot provide an accurate number. I encourage you to calculate your own to provide a much more precise reading based on the exact ingredients, brands, and amounts you're using.

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If you are enjoying this vegan quinoa minestrone soup recipe, also check out:

• Ultimate Vegetable Soup
• Asian-Inspired Noodle Soup
• Bulgur Vegetable Chili

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