Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup

Name: Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped; 1 medium onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love cozying up with a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s as comforting and wholesome as this Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup. The ease of preparing this dish is one of my favorite parts. Just toss in fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, let the slow cooker do its magic, and you'll have a deliciously rich and healthy soup ready to enjoy in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for batch cooking—great for meals throughout the week!

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:10:13.588Z

Every time I make this Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup, I’m reminded of late summer afternoons when tomatoes are at their peak. The freshness of the ingredients truly shines through, and I enjoy the calming process of watching the soup slowly develop its flavors while I carry on with my day. The aroma wafting through the house is simply magical!

Additionally, I’ve discovered that this soup becomes even tastier the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect option for meal prep. A dash of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a burst of brightness that takes it over the top!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Fresh ingredients that are low in calories but high in flavor
A cozy, comforting dish perfect for any season
Easy preparation with minimal cleanup

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The base of this soup is the fresh tomatoes, which provide a rich, vibrant flavor and natural sweetness. When selecting tomatoes, opt for ripe, seasonal varieties like Roma or heirloom for the best results. Dicing them helps to release their juices, which enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup during the slow cooking process. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, you can substitute them with two 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes, but fresh tomatoes give a superior taste and texture.

Onions and garlic are aromatic components that build a flavorful foundation for this soup. Sautéing them briefly before adding them to the crockpot could boost their sweetness; however, the slow cooking process will render them deliciously soft and fragrant even without this step. Using fresh garlic over powdered forms can significantly impact the flavor, so stick with fresh to capture that herby garlic punch that truly shines in this dish.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

While it’s tempting to rush the cooking process, low and slow is the best approach for this soup. Cooking it on a low setting for six hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, producing a delicate balance between the acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the basil. If you're short on time, you can set it to high for about three hours, but this might not achieve the same depth of flavor, so plan ahead if you can.

Using an immersion blender to puree the soup creates a smooth texture, but be careful to blend only until your desired consistency is achieved. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend just half of the mixture, allowing some of the tomato pieces to remain. Additionally, you can adjust the seasoning at this point; taste for salt and pepper to ensure everything is balanced according to your palate.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful soup:

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or some cream for added richness!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your soup:

Prepare the Slow Cooker

In your crockpot, add the chopped tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth.

Season It Up

Stir in the salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Mix everything well.

Cook Low and Slow

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours.

Blend and Serve

After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh basil right before serving.

Enjoy your warm bowl of tomato basil soup with a slice of crusty bread!

Pro Tips

Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze just before serving to elevate the presentation and flavor.

For a fun twist, consider adding different toppings like croutons, avocado slices, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you're feeling adventurous, mix in cooked pasta or rice to create a heartier soup that can serve as a main course.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is ideal for meal prep, as it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but take care not to overheat, which can change the texture of the soup.

If you want to enjoy this delicious soup later, consider freezing it. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This soup can be frozen for up to three months. To defrost, place the bag in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes work well in this recipe. Use about 2 cans of diced tomatoes for a similar flavor.

→ How can I adjust the spice level of the soup?

To spice things up, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix.

→ Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This soup freezes well, so feel free to make a double batch and store it in airtight containers.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches or a fresh garden salad.