Spring Lemon Rice Soup

Name: Spring Lemon Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 stalk celery, diced; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup cooked rice; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen); 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Meals

I absolutely adore this Spring Lemon Rice Soup; it’s an invigorating way to enjoy seasonal ingredients. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs create a bright and refreshing flavor, perfect for a light meal or a cozy dinner. Using homemade broth really elevates the dish, but a quality store-bought version will work in a pinch. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, and I've found that adding some vibrant spring vegetables really takes it to another level. It's a dish that celebrates the freshness of spring while being comforting at the same time.

Created by

Xenia Radcliffe

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:55:34.946Z

When I first made this Spring Lemon Rice Soup, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could create such a harmonious and delightful dish. The bright, lemony flavor paired with the tender rice creates a wonderful balance, and I've found that using fresh dill and parsley brings a burst of herbaceous goodness that really enhances the overall taste.

One tip I learned was to let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving; it allows the flavors to meld perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to warm up during springtime evenings or to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon flavor that brightens your day
Comforting consistency with tender rice
Versatile and perfect for using seasonal veggies

      

About the Ingredients

The combination of fresh herbs in this Spring Lemon Rice Soup is essential for achieving its vibrant flavor. Dill and parsley not only contribute aromatic qualities but also complement the zesty lemon beautifully. Fresh herbs yield the best results, so try to avoid dried varieties in this recipe. If you can't find fresh dill, you could substitute with tarragon for a different yet delightful herbal note that pairs well with lemon.

Rice plays a critical role in the texture of this soup, providing a comforting body that balances the broth's lightness. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use brown rice or even quinoa; just keep in mind that cooking times will vary. Brown rice takes about 30 to 40 minutes to cook, while quinoa takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.

Tips for Cooking

When sautéing the vegetables, aim for a medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning. The vegetables should be tender and just translucent—not browned. If you notice any browning, lower the heat immediately as you want to retain that fresh flavor rather than develop a roast note.

Simmering after adding the rice is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together. A gentle simmer will help the rice absorb the broth's zestiness and soften to a tender texture. If the soup seems too thick after cooking, simply stir in additional vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency, ensuring nothing is wasted.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your soup:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
6 cups vegetable broth
1 cup cooked rice
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything ready, you'll be all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Now, let’s proceed to make this delightful soup:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the cooked rice, lemon juice, and zest. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Add Peas and Herbs

Stir in the green peas, dill, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra herbs or lemon zest if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the refreshing flavors!

Your soup is ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for any occasion.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite vegetables or even add some protein like shredded chicken for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Spring Lemon Rice Soup can be served as a light meal on its own or as an elegant starter. To make it heartier, consider pairing it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a vibrant mixed green salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette. This enhances the soup's citrus notes while adding textural variety to the meal.

You can also transform this dish into a more filling option by adding protein. Cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or tofu are excellent additions that can be incorporated during the simmering phase. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly if you add protein, as they can bring their own flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Spring Lemon Rice Soup is a great candidate for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the rice might absorb too much liquid upon storage, so it's best to store the rice separately and combine it with the soup when ready to serve in order to maintain its texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion. It can be kept for 2 to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency if needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a vegetarian option for the broth?

Absolutely! Use a high-quality vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian soup.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just leave out the fresh herbs and peas, and add them when you reheat.