This Dairy-Free Tomato Soup delivers all the silky comfort of the classic cream version—without any actual dairy. A surprise hero makes every spoonful rich and velvety: chickpeas. Blended into a savory tomato broth, they give luscious texture while adding protein and fiber. With just pantry staples and a handful of fresh herbs, this soup is both wholesome and elegant.
Quick enough for weeknight dinners yet cozy enough for chilly weekends, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly—a versatile, crowd-pleasing staple. Blend it smooth, season it bold, then garnish with fresh rosemary or a swirl of olive oil to elevate every bowl.
Dairy-Free Tomato Soup Recipe
Recipe Details
Yield: 6 servings
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced rosemary
- 3 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable stock (or broth)
Recipe Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add sliced onion; reduce heat to medium after 1 minute and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Add minced garlic and rosemary; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, honey (or maple syrup), salt, pepper, one can of chickpeas, and the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Puree the soup in batches until smooth, then return to pot.
- Add the remaining chickpeas and gently warm through. Adjust seasoning, then serve garnished with fresh rosemary or olive oil.
Dairy-Free Tomato Soup Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 6 servings).
| Serving Size | 1 soup bowl (1/6 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 155 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 5 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 22 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 14 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 7 g |
| Fat | ≈ 5 g |
Variations & Tips for This Soup
- Maple syrup adjustment: Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
- Herb swap: Replace rosemary with basil or oregano for different flavor profiles.
- Texture tweak: Blend more chickpeas for extra creaminess, or less for a looser soup.
- Use fresh tomatoes: Swap canned tomatoes for fresh in season—peeled and diced—for brighter flavor.
- Garnish idea: Top with a swirl of olive oil, fresh basil, or roasted chickpeas for texture.
Best Pairings for This Soup Recipe
- Gluten-free grilled cheese sandwich — classic combo with dairy-free twist.
- Crusty gluten-free bread or herbed crackers — for dipping and texture contrast.
- Simple green salad (arugula, spinach, lemon vinaigrette) — fresh, light side to complement the warm soup.
- Roasted vegetable side (zucchini, bell peppers) — hearty sides that echo flavors of tomato and herbs.
- Whipped cashew “cream” or yogurt alternative — drizzle on top for extra creaminess and layer of flavor.
Popular Times to Enjoy Soups
- Weeknight dinner comfort — quick, nourishing meal option.
- Lunch meal-prep — makes and stores well in the fridge for warming later.
- Vegetarian or vegan dinner parties — inclusive main or starter soup option.
- Farmers market produce season — ideal use of fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Soup & sandwich lunch combos — perfect pairing at café-style lunches or gatherings.
Photo credit: Paul Delmont