Greek Lemon Chickpea Soup

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Greek Lemon Chickpea Soup

Greek Lemon Chickpea Soup

This Greek lemon chickpea soup is the ultimate healthy comfort food, brimming with bright citrus and savory vegetables. Made from simple pantry staples, this easy Mediterranean soup comes together in under an hour for a satisfying vegetarian meal. It’s the perfect light lunch or cozy weeknight dinner that feels both nourishing and deeply flavorful.

How to Make Greek Lemon Chickpea Soup

I first fell in love with this style of soul-warming soup while traveling through the Greek islands, where lemon trees grow abundantly. The way the fresh juice cuts through the hearty chickpeas creates a vibrant balance I crave, especially as the seasons change. I often serve it with my favorite homemade dinner rolls for dipping, or pair it with a simple vegetable grain bowl for a more substantial meal. It reminds me that the most memorable dishes are often the simplest.

What Makes This Chickpea Soup Special

  • Bright, Fresh Flavor: The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing that elevates the entire bowl.
  • Effortlessly Wholesome: Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and vegetables for a truly healthy vegetarian soup.
  • Quick Weeknight Solution: From chopping to serving, it’s ready in about 55 minutes.
  • Meal Prep Champion: The flavors deepen when made ahead, making it perfect for lunches.

Everything for Your Greek Lemon Chickpea Soup

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

  • Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best base flavor.
  • Yellow onion, carrot, and celery: This classic trio, finely chopped, creates the soup’s aromatic foundation.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic provides essential savory depth. Be careful not to burn it.
  • Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained, make this recipe incredibly fast and convenient.
  • Vegetable broth: Choose a low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
  • Dried oregano: This herb offers that signature Mediterranean flair.
  • Lemon juice: Always use freshly squeezed juice for the brightest, most vibrant taste.
  • Fresh dill: The garnish adds a final pop of herby freshness.

Easy Greek lemon chickpea soup

Greek Lemon Chickpea Soup

Warm up with this easy Greek lemon chickpea soup. Packed with protein and Mediterranean flavors, this comforting vegetarian soup comes together in under an hour.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring spoons
  • measuring cups
  • immersion blender

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 1-2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped yellow onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
  • Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
  • Stir in the 2 rinsed and drained cans of chickpeas, 6 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become very tender. The soup should be gently bubbling.
  • Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
  • Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill before serving immediately.

Notes

For a slightly thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend about 1 to 2 cups of the soup directly in the pot, then stir to combine.
Keyword chickpea, lemon, soup, vegetarian

Ways to Customize Your Soup

  • Add Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Make it Creamier: For a richer texture, blend half the soup with an immersion blender before adding the lemon.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a gentle heat.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

  • Sauté the Aromatics: Take your time cooking the onion, carrot, and celery until they are truly softened for the best flavor base.
  • Add Lemon Off Heat: Stir in the fresh lemon juice after removing the soup from the burner to preserve its bright, fresh flavor.
  • Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup at the end and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon to your personal preference.
  • Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the fresh dill. Pair it with a side of irresistible olive oil bread dip for a complete experience.
Cozy Serving of Greek Lemon Chickpea Soup

How to Store and Reheat Your Soup

  • Store: Cool the soup completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: This Greek lemon chickpea soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the vegetables a day in advance to make the cooking process even quicker. It’s as easy as prepping for a cottage pie recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but they require pre-soaking and a longer cooking time. I recommend using canned for this particular recipe to keep it quick and easy, similar to the approach in many ginger chicken soup recipes.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh dill?

If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute with a teaspoon of dried dill, but the flavor will be milder. Fresh parsley or a pinch of dried oregano would also work nicely as a garnish.

Is this Greek lemon chickpea soup vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan as written, using vegetable broth. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy, plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on satisfying flavor.

How can I make the soup thicker?

For a thicker consistency, use an immersion blender to purée about one to two cups of the soup right in the pot, then stir it back in. This creates a creamier texture without any added cream.

More Cozy Soups to Try

Make This Greek Soup Tonight

With its vibrant lemon flavor and hearty chickpeas, this soup is a guaranteed favorite for a simple, comforting dinner. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and always delivers a restaurant-quality taste right at home. I hope it brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine.