Light and fresh bean soup with zucchini and corn

This bean soup with zucchini and corn is summer in a bowl. The tender zucchini, sweet corn, and creamy white beans come together in a light broth that's perfect for warm weather dining.

When summer zucchini is overwhelming the garden and fresh corn is at the farmers market, this soup is the answer. It's light enough for hot days but substantial enough to be a complete meal.

The Secret to Fresh Flavor

The key to this soup is not overcooking the vegetables. You want the zucchini tender but not mushy, and the corn still slightly crisp.

  • Use fresh zucchini that's firm, not soft
  • Cut vegetables in similar-sized pieces for even cooking
  • Don't overcook - vegetables should still have some bite
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their flavor

Choosing Your Zucchini

Smaller zucchini have fewer seeds and better texture:

  • Small to medium - Tender with minimal seeds, best flavor
  • Large zucchini - More watery, scrape out seeds first
  • Yellow squash - Can substitute or use a mix

Serving Suggestions

  • Crusty bread for dipping
  • A fresh garden salad
  • Grilled vegetables on the side
  • A drizzle of good olive oil

Bean Soup with Zucchini and Corn

Light summer soup featuring white beans, tender zucchini, and sweet corn.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min
Servings: 6

Nutrition per serving

245Calories
12gProtein
42gCarbs
4gFat
10gFiber
8gSugar

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Cook vegetables. Add diced zucchini and corn. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini just starts to soften.
  3. Add beans and broth. Stir in white beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Season and serve. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes

  • Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Tastes great cold or reheated.
  • Fresh herbs: Add fresh basil at the end for extra brightness.
  • Texture: For creamier soup, mash some beans before adding.