These 17 Fresh, Healthy Recipes Prove That Soup Isn't Just For the Colder Months

Summer can make you crave lighter fare, but that doesn't mean soup is off the menu entirely. This minestrone soup is packed with fresh veggies, beans, and tender pasta for a tasty (and vegetarian!) meal that isn't too heavy.

Get the recipe: minestrone soup

Nobody wants to be in the kitchen washing dishes while everyone else is outside enjoying the extra daylight — that's why we love this one-pot, coconut-milk-based soup. It's seasoned with fresh lemongrass and Thai basil and a little sriracha for heat.

Get the recipe: golden curry chicken soup

Chicken pozole is a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy, chicken, and loads of fresh veggies. Make it a meal by topping it with cilantro, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and a squeeze of tart lime.

Get the recipe: chicken pozole soup

There is nothing better than freshly picked tomatoes in Summer. Take advantage of this year's harvest by substituting fresh tomatoes for canned in this classic recipe. The little bit of extra prep will be worth it.

Get the recipe: spicy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons

Flavorful booyah is thought to have originated in Belgium, but it's now made in huge "booyah kettles" to serve large gatherings of people in the upper Midwest. This version uses beef, chicken, and just about every vegetable you can imagine.

Get the recipe: Green Bay booyah

This recipe combines beef, peppers, cauliflower rice, onions, tomatoes, and salsa into a summery meal bursting with fajita flavor. (Margaritas optional!)

Get the recipe: Paleo fajita steak soup

This bright and colorful soup requires only 15 minutes of prep — perfect for those nights when you have little time to cook. Lentils and smoked sausage add protein to the tomato base.

Get the recipe: lentil soup with smoked sausage

This version of Italian wedding soup uses gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs for a healthy, allergy-friendly meal. Carrots, celery, and spinach make it even more nutritious, and the crushed red pepper adds a hint of heat.

Get the recipe: Italian wedding soup

Summer calls for lightened-up vegetarian fare. You can make this soup in your Instant Pot, where you'll combine sautéed veggies with warming spices for a flavorful dish.

Get the recipe: lentil vegetable soup

When you get bored with the same old recipes, whip up a batch of this Greek turkey soup. It uses a few unconventional (but still healthy) ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and chickpeas that will freshen your dinner menu right up.

Get the recipe: Greek turkey soup

This recipe takes a tried-and-true soup to the next level with the inclusion of coconut milk and traditional Moroccan spices. It'll add a little extra cooking time, but don't skip the sprinkle of crispy chickpeas on top for protein and crunch.

Get the recipe: creamy Moroccan tomato soup

If zuppa toscana soup is your go-to Olive Garden order, you'll dig right in to this copycat recipe. Spicy Italian sausage, chopped potatoes, and kale come together to make a creamy, flavorful, soup so good you won't mind staying home to cook.

Get the recipe: zuppa toscana soup

This coconut curry chicken noodle soup is gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with Thai flavors. Don't let the 45-minute cook time scare you; the prep time is minimal, and the rest is spent letting it simmer on the stovetop.

Get the recipe: coconut curry chicken noodle soup

Burgers are quintessentially Summer, but if you aren't in the mood to fire up the grill, get out the slow cooker and make this soup instead. You can even lighten it up by using ground turkey in place of beef.

Get the recipe: slow-cooker hamburger soup

This softly hued soup is dairy-free and delicious. The blend of asparagus, leeks, and fresh tarragon is even more amazing when topped with more fresh herbs and crispy, roasted asparagus tips.

Get the recipe: cashew cream of asparagus and spring onion soup