🍲 Zucchini Tomato Italian Sausage Soup (Mediterranean Style)

This comforting soup is packed with Italian sausage, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a rich, savory broth with fresh garden flavor. It’s light enough for everyday meals but hearty enough to satisfy—great for meal prep or a cozy dinner.

🧾 Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp thyme
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving

🔪 Instructions

1. Brown the sausage
   In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Break it into crumbles. Remove excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté aromatics
   Add olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add vegetables & broth
   Stir in zucchini, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
4. Season
   Add oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Simmer
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Finish & serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan if desired.

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this soup low-carb or keto?
Yes—this soup is already quite low in carbs. Just skip carrots or reduce them further for stricter keto.

Q: Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, or green beans all work well.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or white beans and use vegetable broth.

Q: How do I store it?
Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. It reheats beautifully.

Q: What makes this “Mediterranean”?
The use of olive oil, tomatoes, herbs like basil and oregano, and fresh vegetables reflects classic Mediterranean flavors.

💡 Tips

• Use fresh garden zucchini and tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Let the soup sit for a few hours—flavor deepens over time.
• Add a squeeze of lemon before serving to brighten the dish.