Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe

Tomato soup: it’s one of those dishes that never fails to comfort, no matter the season. Whether you’re curled up on a rainy day or looking for something light to accompany your grilled cheese, tomato soup is a timeless classic. But when you go vegan, it can sometimes feel like you’re missing out on the creamy goodness that makes traditional tomato soup so indulgent.

Well, good news! This Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup recipe brings all the comforting richness of a creamy tomato soup without a drop of dairy. Packed with flavor and loaded with nourishing ingredients, this vegan version keeps all the things we love about the classic while being completely plant-based. Plus, it’s super easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the full recipe, break down the essential ingredients, offer pro tips to elevate your soup game, and even explore some variations to suit different tastes. Ready to dive in?

This creamy vegan tomato soup is smooth, savory, and bursting with the tangy goodness of ripe tomatoes. It’s perfect for any time you crave a bowl of comfort, and you’d never guess it’s dairy-free! Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients Needed

Tomatoes – Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key to getting that deep, rich flavor. You can use canned whole tomatoes as a substitute for convenience.
Coconut Milk (or other plant-based milk) – This is your dairy replacement to add creaminess and richness. Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness, but almond, oat, or soy milk works too!
Onion – A staple in most savory dishes, onion brings a nice, caramelized depth to the soup.
Garlic – Adds a burst of aromatic flavor, giving the soup a savory base.
Olive Oil – For sautéing and infusing flavor into the soup base.
Vegetable Broth – Adds more depth and umami to the soup. You can also use water, but broth brings an extra layer of richness.
Basil (fresh or dried) – Essential for that herbal freshness that cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes.
Sugar – Just a teaspoon to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring out their natural sweetness.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the soup to taste.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – For a little heat and spice, if you’re into that.

Cooking Instructions

Prep the vegetables: Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, chop them into chunks. This will speed up the cooking process and make blending easier later.
Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Add the tomatoes and broth: Now, toss in your fresh or canned tomatoes, along with the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their flavors.
Blend the soup: Once the tomatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blending until velvety.
Add the coconut milk and season: Pour in the coconut milk (or your chosen plant-based milk) and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and basil. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Optional – Add some heat: If you like your soup spicy, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes and stir.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! This is where you can get creative-garnish with fresh basil, a swirl of coconut milk, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.

Ingredient Insights

Tomatoes: The foundation of the soup, tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and acidity. The key here is to use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the freshest taste, but canned tomatoes are always a reliable choice.
Coconut Milk: Not only does it provide creaminess, but coconut milk is also a great fat source, making the soup hearty and satisfying. If you’re not a fan of coconut, cashew milk or oat milk can also do the trick, though they won’t bring quite the same richness.
Onions & Garlic: These two ingredients form the aromatic base of most savory dishes, and they’re just as vital here. They add depth and complexity to the flavor profile, helping to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Vegetable Broth: Adds umami and savory depth to the soup. You can make your own if you’re feeling ambitious or use store-bought.

Expert Tips

Don’t skip the sugar: It’s not to make the soup sweet, but rather to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes. A little bit of sugar can really balance the flavors and make a big difference.
Use an immersion blender: It makes blending the soup so much easier! If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too, but be careful not to burn yourself by blending hot soup in batches.
Simmer the soup longer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors develop. Let it cook for at least 15 minutes after adding the broth to let the tomatoes break down.
Use high-quality coconut milk: If you can, opt for full-fat coconut milk for the richest texture. Some cheaper brands may have additives that affect the flavor or consistency.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some chili powder on top when serving.
Herbed Vegan Tomato Soup: Fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary can be added for an aromatic twist. Simply toss in a few sprigs of your chosen herb while the soup simmers, then remove before blending.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: While this recipe already includes basil, you can amp it up with a handful of fresh, chopped basil just before serving for an extra punch of freshness.
Roasted Tomato Soup: For an even deeper, smokier flavor, try roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the soup. Roast halved tomatoes at 400°F (200°C) with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and slightly charred, then blend them into the soup.
Vegan Grilled Cheese: Pair your soup with a vegan grilled cheese for the ultimate comforting meal. Use your favorite vegan cheese and bread-this combo never fails.

Final Words

This vegan tomato soup is a staple you’ll want to make over and over. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for cold weather, cozy meals, or a quick lunch. The best part is that it’s entirely plant-based, so you can enjoy a comforting bowl without any guilt.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, this soup is a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Plus, it’s so simple to make and can easily be customized based on your tastes and preferences.

Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe