Name: Easy Green Pea Soup Recipe with Fresh Basil — A Bright, Creamy Twist
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Worldwide
Ingredients: 3 cups green peas, fresh or frozen; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 garlic clove, chopped; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 cups fresh basil (green or purple); 1 liter (about 4 cups) vegetable broth; 1 liter boiled water (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup natural yogurt, for garnish; 1 cup croutons, for garnish; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

*This post may contain affiliate links, please read full disclosure here.

If you’ve only ever had heavy split pea soups, this Easy Green Pea Soup Recipe with Fresh Basil might surprise you — in the best, most tasteful way. It’s light, silky, and full of bright flavor that feels like spring in a bowl, no matter the season. Actually, you can serve this soup just warm or hot when the weather turns chilly, like in fall or winter.

What makes this soup special is the basil — absolutely. In this recipe, I used purple basil. I have a small kitchen garden where I grow it along with a few other herbs I simply can’t live without. It turns something humble into something a little elegant, without adding any extra fuss. Just a handful of fresh leaves, and suddenly your kitchen smells like sunshine and good memories. I just love the smell of fresh basil.

It’s one of those simple recipes that makes you feel good while you cook — quick to make, easy to love, and comforting without being heavy. Stay with me, and I’ll show you how to bring all that flavor together in just a few easy steps.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Green Pea Soup Recipe

It’s fresh, light, and beautifully green — a welcome change from traditional split pea soups.
The basil adds an elegant twist and a garden-fresh aroma you’ll adore.
Made with simple ingredients, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.
It’s perfect year-round: serve warm in winter or slightly chilled in summer.

Recipe at a Glance

Main star: green peas and basil.
Flavor profile: creamy, herbal, and fresh.
Cook time: about 30 minutes.
Why it works: blending peas and basil together gives you a naturally sweet, fragrant soup that tastes far more complex than its short ingredient list suggests.

What You’ll Need

3 cups green peas, fresh or frozen
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups fresh basil (green or purple)
1 liter (about 4 cups) vegetable broth
1 liter boiled water (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup natural yogurt, for garnish
1 cup croutons, for garnish
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Helpful Tools:

A sturdy immersion blender (so much easier than transferring to a blender).
A tall soup pot (this one’s roomy enough to avoid splashes).

Prep & Cook

Step 01

Sauté the aromatics. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until golden. Add the garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant.

Step 02

Add the peas. Stir in the peas and let them simmer briefly. If you want to save a few to garnish later, set aside about 2 tablespoons.

Step 03

Simmer. Pour in the vegetable broth and 1/2 liter (about 2 cups) of boiled water. Let everything cook until the peas are tender. Add the freshly ground pepper and a dash of salt (adjust later if needed; remember that broths are usually salty). As I love it spicy, I add a tidy bit more pepper, but do it to your taste. You can always adjust it after blending.

Step 04

Blend until silky. Use an immersion blender or regular blender (in batches if needed) and blend until smooth. If you prefer it more silky, add the remaining 1/2 liter (about 2 cups) of boiled water slowly until you reach your desired texture.

Step 05

Season and serve. Taste for salt and pepper. Garnish with yogurt, basil leaves, and croutons. Remember, croutons get soggy quickly, so add them right before serving or serve them on the side.

Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours

If you have leftover peas or broth, freeze them in small portions — next time, you’ll have the base ready for a quick soup.
Want extra creaminess? Swap the yogurt garnish for a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of coconut milk.
Fresh basil is best, but if you’re using dried, add it while the soup simmers so it releases its aroma.
Try different basil types: green for brightness, purple for a slightly spicy edge.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Green Pea Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with:

A grilled cheese sandwich for cozy comfort.
Roasted chicken or Honey Glazed Salmon for a heartier meal.
Or enjoy it solo with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables — Roasted Chicken

Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe Featured 02 — **Honey Glazed Salmon**

Put Your Spin on It

Add a handful of spinach or zucchini for extra greens.
Make it vegan by skipping the yogurt or using coconut yogurt.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a brighter, zesty note.
Garnish with toasted nuts or herb oil for a restaurant-style touch.

Tasty Thoughts

This easy green pea soup is a little reminder that the simplest ingredients can make something truly special. A handful of peas, a touch of basil, and suddenly you have a dish that feels both fresh and comforting. That’s what I love about cooking — small things making a big difference.

So, whether it’s a cozy winter night or a breezy spring lunch, this Easy Green Pea Soup Recipe with Fresh Basil will fit right in. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and it always makes me smile.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen peas?
Yes! Frozen peas work perfectly and save prep time. No need to thaw; just toss them in.

Can I make this soup ahead?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a month. Just blend again before serving if it separates.

What if I don’t have basil?
You can replace it with fresh mint or parsley for a different but equally fresh flavor. But the basil is what makes this soup taste fantastic and unique.

Nutrition Notes

Curious about calories or carbs for this Easy Green Pea Soup? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.