Name: Creamy Green Olive Soup with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil (plus more for garnish); 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried); 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried); 1 ¼ cups olives (160g), green or black or any type; 1 ¼ cups white beans (240g), canned (substitute butter beans if desired); ½ quart vegetable stock (473ml); ½ quart water (473ml); 1 large red bell pepper, diced (optional); ½ lemon, juiced

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 172 reviews

There is nothing quite like indulging in a bowl of the Creamy Green Olive Soup with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Recipe to brighten up a chilly day or to impress friends with an elegant yet comforting starter. This soup blends the briny depth of green olives with the smooth creaminess from white beans, enhanced further by fresh herbs and the vibrant zest of lemon. It’s a flavor-packed, velvety delight that’s simple enough for any home cook but sophisticated enough to be a conversation starter at your next dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several small white bowls and whole ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a whole brown onion with a dry stem at the top left, a white garlic bulb next to it, and a small white bowl filled with yellow olive oil to the right. Below the onion is an empty white bowl of water, and next to it is a white bowl filled with dark green vegetable stock. At the bottom left, a white bowl holds many green olives, while to the right is a white bowl filled with white beans. Below these bowls, a white small plate holds dried thyme and parsley. Next to this plate is a whole bright red bell pepper, and to the far right, a whole yellow lemon completes the scene. The objects are clean and bright, arranged neatly with labels above or below each item photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this soup is a joy because it relies on a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the bowl. Every piece, from the olives to the herbs, works harmoniously to create a soup bursting with complexity and freshness.

Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil—this will also serve as a garnish and flavor booster.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed to translucent perfection.
Garlic cloves: Minced for a warm, earthy depth that complements the olives beautifully.
Parsley (fresh or dried): Adds a fresh, bright herbal note both in the soup and as a garnish.
Thyme (fresh or dried): Offers an earthy, slightly minty flavor to elevate the olive base.
Green or black olives: The star ingredient, delivering the signature salty tang and fruity complexity.
White beans (canned or butter beans): Provide creamy texture and added body to the soup.
Vegetable stock: Creates a flavorful, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
Water: Balances and extends the broth without overpowering flavors.
Red bell pepper (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and gorgeous splash of color.
Lemon juice: A must for brightening and cutting through the richness, finishing the recipe perfectly.

How to Make Creamy Green Olive Soup with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook it until it turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the onion and releases a sweet base that sets the tone for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic cloves and continue cooking gently for another minute. Toss in your parsley and thyme now, allowing these herbs to release their vibrant flavors and fragrance without burning. This layer of aroma is key to enhancing the soup’s complexity.

Step 3: Incorporate Olives, Beans, and Liquids

Add your green or black olives and white beans directly into the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock followed by water to create the perfect broth base. Bring everything to a boil. This step melds flavors and starts softening the olives and beans to prepare them for blending.

Step 4: Simmer and Add Red Bell Pepper

Reduce the heat to medium-low, maintaining a gentle simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes. If you’re adding red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and added color, mix it in during the last 5 to 10 minutes. This timing keeps the pepper tender but still vibrant.

Step 5: Blend to Creaminess

Turn off the heat and carefully use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until the olives are mostly pureed — you can decide whether you prefer a chunkier texture or a silky smooth soup by adjusting the blending time. The creaminess from the beans combined with the smooth olive paste is simply irresistible.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Herb-Infused Olive Oil

Don’t forget to drizzle the soup with the juice of half a lemon — this brightens and balances every bite like magic. Next, drizzle more olive oil, ideally one infused with herbs like thyme and parsley, to echo the ones used in the soup. Garnish with fresh herbs and prepare to impress your taste buds.

How to Serve Creamy Green Olive Soup with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Recipe

A large shiny silver pot filled with thick orange-yellow soup with visible bits of herbs and small chunks of vegetables and beans. A black ladle is held above the pot by a woman's hand, scooping a portion of the soup that includes round green olive slices and white beans mixed in the textured soup. The pot rests on a soft gray cloth on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are blurred white bowls of ingredients, including green sauce and olives. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best garnishes highlight the soup’s bright herbal notes and creamy texture. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves over the top, and offer a final drizzle of your homemade herb-infused olive oil. A twist of lemon zest can add even more brightness and a lovely aroma that invites eager spoons.

Side Dishes

Rustic bread, crusty baguettes, or warm, soft rolls are perfect companions, ready for dipping and soaking up every luscious drop. For a heartier experience, serve with a light salad or some crisp soup pasta—these pairings provide balance and variety to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in small bowls with a swirl of herb olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. You could also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche on top for extra creaminess and a tangy contrast. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can add a visually stunning touch to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture. Before storing, let the soup cool to room temperature to avoid condensation that could dilute the flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Be mindful that freezing can slightly change the texture; however, when reheated and stirred well, it remains delicious and comforting. Avoid freezing the garnishes—fresh herbs and lemon juice are best added after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Adding a small splash of water or vegetable stock might be necessary to return it to its original consistency. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon and an extra drizzle of herb-infused olive oil to revive the soup’s vibrant character.

FAQs

Can I use black olives instead of green?

Absolutely! Both green and black olives work well in this recipe. Green olives tend to be a bit tangier, while black olives provide a milder, sweeter flavor. Feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Is the soup vegetarian and vegan-friendly?

Yes, this Creamy Green Olive Soup with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Recipe is completely vegetarian and can be vegan if you ensure the vegetable stock is free of animal products. It’s a wholesome, plant-based delight.

How do I make herb-infused olive oil?

To make your own herb-infused olive oil, gently warm extra virgin olive oil with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for 10-15 minutes, then let it cool and strain. The result is a fragrant, flavorful oil perfect for drizzling over your soup.

Can I add cream or dairy for extra richness?

You can float a little cream, crème fraîche, or coconut cream on top if you want a richer soup. However, the white beans already lend a lovely creaminess, so it’s not necessary unless you desire a more indulgent texture.

What else can I serve with this soup for a complete meal?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a mixed green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple grain like quinoa or farro. Adding a protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp can also round out the meal beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful soup that feels both luxurious and homey, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try the Creamy Green Olive Soup with Herb-Infused Olive Oil Recipe. It’s an absolute joy to make, bursting with fresh herbs and olive goodness that will warm your soul and impress anyone lucky enough to share a bowl with you. Give it a go and watch this become one of your favorite go-to recipes.