Delicious and Nutritious Carrot and Celery Soup Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of carrot and celery soup that takes me right back to my busiest mornings in the kitchen with my little ones running around. The smell of those fresh carrots and crisp celery simmering in a gentle carrot celery broth fills the house with such a cozy vibe that even the craziest day seems a little more manageable. Carrot and celery soup is one of those recipes that started as a simple attempt to use up some odds and ends in my fridge but quickly became a family favorite. I remember the first time I made this carrot and celery soup—I was a bit worried about getting the flavors right, especially balancing the sweetness from the carrots and the earthy freshness from the celery. But with a little trial and error (and a few kitchen mishaps) I landed the perfect harmony. That aha moment was pure gold.

Over the years, this carrot and celery soup has slipped seamlessly into our weekly meal rotation, especially when I’m aiming for something nourishing, low calorie, and full of veggie goodness. It’s truly one of those healthy soup recipes that feels indulgent yet light enough to enjoy any time. Plus, it fits beautifully with my philosophy of cooking real food that’s easy to prepare, tastes fantastic, and brings the family together—even on hectic weekdays. I often pair it with other comforting recipes like my pumpkin wild rice soup or a broccoli cheddar soup with shells for variety. If you’re new to making carrot and celery soup or just looking for a fresh take, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned, from ingredient picks to time-saving tricks, so grab your favorite mug and let’s get cooking!

Before diving in, if you want a creamier spin on things, check out this wonderfully creamy celery and carrot soup over at Slow The Cook Down. Or if you prefer something light and vegan-friendly, Plant Based Folk’s light and delicious carrot and celery soup is a great reference too. And for some clever ideas, The Clever Meal’s version gives a nice twist that might inspire your own adaptations.

What You’ll Need for This Carrot and Celery Soup

Here’s the good stuff—the ingredients list for making your perfect carrot and celery soup. I always go for fresh, organic carrots when possible because they give a sweeter flavor that really shines in the soup. Same goes for crisp celery stalks, ideally the kind that snap nicely when you break ‘em. Buying local produce when in season can save you some money and boost flavor—your soup will thank you!

Top down view of raw ingredients for carrot and celery soup on marble surface
  • 6 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 4 cups)
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (for that perfect carrot celery broth base)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or a few sprigs fresh)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup cream or coconut milk (optional for creamier texture)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

When making carrot and celery soup, you can often find vegetable broth in low-sodium versions which help you control the saltiness better. I keep a big container in the fridge for quick batches of veggie soup like this. Here’s a carrot and celery soup trick I learned: chopping your vegetables ahead and storing them in airtight containers makes lunchtime a breeze, especially for busy families. Also, grabbing pre-minced garlic is a decent shortcut if you’re in a pinch, though fresh always tastes best.

For budget-friendly shopping, carrots and celery are usually affordable staples, so feel free to buy a bit extra—they store well in your fridge crisper. I keep leftover carrots in a glass container with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. If you want to keep carrots and celery soup ingredients fresher longer, wrap the celery tightly in foil before refrigerating.

If you want to see some ingredient picks in action and more tips on making your carrot and celery soup, this light and delicious version over at Plant Based Folk is a handy resource.

Let’s Make This Carrot and Celery Soup Together

Okay, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this carrot and celery soup! Don’t worry if this is your first time; carrot and celery soup is wonderfully forgiving, and I’ll walk you through every step like we’re cooking side by side.

  1. Heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant — your kitchen should start smelling like cozy comfort in no time.
  2. Add carrots and celery into the pot. Stir them around and let them soften slightly, about 5 minutes. I learned the hard way with carrot and celery soup that getting these softened before adding broth really helps deepen the flavors.
  3. Pour in your vegetable broth, which creates the carrot celery broth foundation for the soup. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
  4. Simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. In my kitchen, carrot and celery soup usually takes around 35 minutes total simmering and prep time, which makes it perfect for a weekday dinner.
  5. Blend the soup — I like to use an immersion blender straight in the pot for easy cleanup, but a regular blender also works. Blend until smooth but still a bit chunky if you prefer texture.
  6. Optional: Stir in cream or coconut milk here for a lovely, creamy carrot and celery soup texture. It’s like a cream of carrot soup vibe without the heaviness.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little stir and let it sit covered for a few minutes so the flavors settle.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.

While the carrot and celery soup is cooking, I often prep some simple crusty bread or warm up last night’s roasted veggies to round out the meal. Your carrot and celery soup should smell inviting with that subtle sweetness from the carrots and herbal hints from the thyme.

If you want to see how others recommend blending and seasoning their carrot and celery soup, The Clever Meal has some great techniques I sometimes borrow for variety.

How I Love to Serve This Carrot and Celery Soup

Slight angle close up of finished delicious carrot and celery soup in bowl

My family absolutely loves this carrot and celery soup served with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or alongside a fresh garden salad. The soup’s earthiness pairs perfectly with the richness of a sandwich or the crunchy freshness of a vegetable salad. Sometimes, when I want to keep things lighter, we go with warm whole-grain crackers dipped right into the soup—a favorite for the kids.

This carrot and celery soup is perfect for chilly fall evenings, light lunches, or even during those detox weeks when you want a nourishing but low calorie soup option. I’ve also started bringing it in thermoses for school lunches—it’s a hit!

When it comes to presentation, don’t underestimate a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil on top—it makes the humble carrot and celery soup feel far more special. Sometimes I add a swirl of cream for a quick cream of carrot soup look and taste.

Leftover carrot and celery soup warms up beautifully, so if you have extra, just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well, making it handy for meal planning. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.

For seasonal flair, I love adding a pinch of curry powder or ginger in winter, or a squeeze of lemon juice in spring versions of my carrot and celery soup. Friends always ask for this carrot and celery soup recipe—they think it’s just the right combo of simple but satisfying!

If you want ideas on pairing this veggie soup with other dishes, I often like to mix it up with my tortellini vegetable soup or pumpkin wild rice soup for variety.

Your Carrot and Celery Soup Questions Answered

Q1: Can I make this carrot and celery soup vegan?
Definitely! Just swap the cream for coconut milk or skip it altogether. The carrot and celery broth base shines even without dairy. You’ll still get that creamy texture and warmth.

Q2: How can I avoid a bland carrot and celery soup?
Seasoning is key. You know what I do when my carrot and celery soup tastes flat? I add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a touch of honey to brighten it up. Also, don’t skip the sautéing step—getting those veggies started in olive oil builds wonderful flavor.

Q3: Can I use frozen carrots and celery?
I’ve used frozen veggies when in a pinch, and it works fine for carrot and celery soup, but fresh definitely has the best flavor and texture.

Q4: Is this carrot and celery soup suitable for a low calorie diet?
Absolutely. It’s a great low calorie soup option especially when you keep it broth-based and skip any heavy creams. I find it’s very satisfying and filling with minimal calories.

Q5: How do I store leftover carrot and celery soup?
Cool it quickly and store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. I sometimes freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add broth if it’s too thick.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! This carrot and celery soup works beautifully with onion, leeks, parsnips, or potatoes. Just adjust the broth amounts accordingly.

Q7: What’s the best way to get a creamy texture without dairy?
Puree well with coconut milk or blend in cooked white beans or cashews. They add creaminess without heaviness.

For more helpful hints on making your carrot and celery soup shine, check out these reader favorites at Slow The Cook Down and Plant Based Folk, where you’ll find good advice from fellow soup lovers.

My Final Thoughts on This Carrot and Celery Soup

This carrot and celery soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the simple joys of cooking for my family and the sense of calm it brings amidst busy days. It’s approachable, nourishing, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so adaptable!

Carrot and celery soup pro tips:
– Always sauté your aromatics first for depth of flavor.
– Use homemade or high-quality vegetable broth for the best carrot celery broth.
– Don’t be afraid to blend until silky smooth or leave it a bit chunky depending on what your family prefers.

We’ve tried so many versions like adding coconut cream for a vegan cream of carrot soup, or stirring in turmeric and ginger for a seasonal twist. My kids love the classic version, while my husband enjoys it with an added kick of curry powder.

If you’ve never tried carrot and celery soup before, I truly encourage you to make this your own family favorite. There’s something special about a warm bowl of homemade soup that brings comfort and health together so effortlessly.

For more cozy soup ideas to pair alongside this, be sure to browse my pumpkin wild rice soup recipe, or try the hearty broccoli cheddar soup with shells for a cheesy treat. You might also love the tortellini vegetable soup for a filling twist.

I hope your kitchen fills with the same warmth and joy as mine when you make this carrot and celery soup. Here’s to many happy, soup-filled meals ahead, friend!

Happy cooking,
Liliana Delilita

Print

carrot and celery soup

Freshly prepared carrot and celery soup in a white bowl

This comforting carrot and celery soup blends fresh vegetables into a smooth, flavorful broth perfect for a light lunch or starter.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Boiled
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add chopped carrots and celery; cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer soup in batches to a blender and puree.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream just before serving.

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