Few meals are as universally comforting and adaptable as soup. Whether it’s a chilled gazpacho in summer or a steaming bowl of lentil stew in winter, soups offer a way to showcase seasonal ingredients with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Rooted in rustic cooking traditions, seasonal soups bring out the best in what’s fresh—making them a go-to for home cooks all year long.

Spring: Light and Leafy

• Asparagus and Leek Soup: Bright, grassy, and silky, this soup welcomes spring with its delicate flavor and vibrant green hue.
  
• Spinach and White Bean Soup: A protein-packed option that’s still light and ideal for early spring days.
  

Summer: Chilled and Refreshing

• Tomato Gazpacho: Made with sun-ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive oil, this Spanish classic is as refreshing as it is flavorful.
  
• Sweet Corn Chowder: Take advantage of peak-season corn with a creamy base and just a hint of heat from jalapeño.
  

Fall: Earthy and Comforting

• Butternut Squash Soup with Sage: Velvety, slightly sweet, and finished with browned butter for a deep, nutty flavor.
  
• Mushroom and Barley Soup: Hearty and earthy, this is the kind of soup that feeds you from the inside out.
  

Winter: Hearty and Warming

• Rustic Lentil and Sausage Soup: A one-pot meal filled with protein and spice, perfect for cold nights.
  
• Cabbage and Potato Stew: A humble, filling dish that celebrates winter’s simplest vegetables.
  

Tips for Making the Most of Seasonal Soups

• Use homemade broth when possible for a deeper, more authentic flavor.
  
• Garnish with seasonal herbs or seeds to elevate simple bowls into beautiful meals.
  
• Freeze leftovers in portions to make future meals quick and easy.
  
• Shop seasonally to get the most flavor and value—Bon Appétit’s seasonal recipe guide is a helpful starting point.
  

Soup is more than just a starter—it’s a canvas for local ingredients, rustic techniques, and nourishing traditions. Whether you’re stirring a pot for the first frost or blending something cool for a summer lunch, seasonal soup recipes make it easy to eat well and feel good, year-round.