Green Olive Soup

Unexpected, bold, and utterly delicious, Green Olive Soup is a savory surprise that deserves a spot in your soup rotation. With briny green olives, aromatic herbs, and a creamy broth base, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe delivers layers of umami-rich flavor in every spoonful. It’s perfect as a comforting starter or a light yet satisfying main.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique & Flavorful – A bold twist on classic creamy soups.
Creamy & Comforting – Rich without being heavy.
Mediterranean-Inspired – Briny olives and fresh herbs shine.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Naturally Vegetarian – And easily vegan-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup green olives, pitted and sliced (Spanish or Castelvetrano work great)
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Base:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (or use plant-based yogurt)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Optional: 2 tbsp cream cheese or a splash of oat milk for extra richness

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Extra sliced olives
• Cracked black pepper
• Croutons or crusty bread

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium soup pot
• Cutting board and knife
• Blender or immersion blender
• Ladle
• Small bowl for mixing garnish or cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

1. In a soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in red pepper flakes, if using.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup
4. Add diced potato, olives, vegetable broth, oregano, and paprika.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Step 3: Blend Until Creamy
7. Use an immersion blender to blend soup partially—leave some texture, or blend completely smooth, depending on your preference.
8. Stir in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until creamy and smooth.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Serve Hot
10. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley or dill, more olives, and a grind of black pepper.
11. Serve with crusty sourdough, pita chips, or croutons.

Tips for the Best Green Olive Soup
Use High-Quality Olives – Spanish or Castelvetrano olives give the best flavor.
Balance the Brine – Lemon juice and yogurt mellow the saltiness of the olives.
Don’t Over-Salt – Taste after adding olives before seasoning.
Add Beans for Protein – Chickpeas or white beans blend in beautifully.
Make it Vegan – Use dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream for a creamy base.

Serving Suggestions
With Warm Bread – Try garlic toast, pita, or sourdough for dipping.
As a Starter – Serve with a grilled chicken salad or a grain bowl.
With a Citrus Salad – A tangy orange and fennel salad complements the briny soup.
Top with Toasted Seeds – Sunflower or pumpkin seeds add crunch and nutrition.
With a Dollop of Hummus – Swirl in for extra richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Store:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Stovetop – Gently reheat over medium-low, stirring often.
Microwave – Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Freeze:
Freeze without the dairy added. Thaw, then stir in yogurt or cream when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are green olives too salty for soup?
Not at all! When balanced with creamy and citrus elements, they add depth and richness without overwhelming saltiness.

2. Can I make it chunky instead of blended?
Yes! Just chop everything finely and skip the blending step for a stew-like version.

3. Can I add meat or protein?
Definitely—add shredded chicken or white beans for extra protein.

4. What’s a good vegan alternative to yogurt?
Unsweetened cashew cream, oat-based yogurt, or silken tofu blended smooth all work well.

Final Thoughts

This Green Olive Soup is a warm, flavorful escape from the ordinary. It’s creamy, satisfying, and loaded with Mediterranean character in every spoonful. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a unique appetizer, or a comforting dinner, this soup brings bright, briny magic to your bowl.

Try it once and you’ll be surprised how something so different can taste so right.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired – Creative Soups

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 4 servings):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 580mg

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