Soul Warming Zesty Carrot Soup
As the temperatures begin to dip and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite as soothing as a bowl of warm, nourishing soup. And when it comes to comforting flavors that evoke feelings of coziness and well-being, few dishes rival the charm of Zesty Carrot Soup with Orange. This vibrant concoction of earthy sweetness and citrusy brightness is not only a feast for the senses but also a nutritional powerhouse that warms the body and soul.
Jump to RecipeRecipe card, instructions and description updated 8/17/23

The Dynamic Duo: Carrots and Oranges
At first glance, the pairing of carrots and oranges might seem unexpected. But when you delve into the world of culinary alchemy, the magic that unfolds is truly enchanting. The natural sweetness of carrots finds its counterpart in the tangy zest of oranges, creating a delicious blend of flavors that are bright on the palate.
A Burst of Nutritional Goodness
Beyond its tantalizing taste, Carrot Orange Soup is a treasure trove of nutritional benefits. Carrots, rich in beta-carotene, provide a potent dose of Vitamin A, essential for healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Oranges, bursting with Vitamin C, contribute to immune support and add a refreshing zing to the soup. This delightful blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants makes every spoonful a healthy one. I love to bring this soup to friends when they aren’t feeling well.
Creating Culinary Magic – How to Make Carrot Orange Soup
The process of crafting Carrot Soup is as gratifying as the end result itself. The preparation is simple: carrots, celery, onion and garlic are sautéed until tender, allowing their natural sweetness to deepen. They are then simmered in vegetable stock. Finally, freshly squeezed orange juice and zest are then added, infusing the soup with a burst of citrusy vitality. If you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of warming spices like ginger or cumin can be introduced to elevate the flavor profile, making the soup an even more cozy for chilly days.
A Touch of Creaminess
To take the comfort factor up a notch, many recipes incorporate a touch of creaminess. Whether through the addition of coconut milk, almond milk, or a dollop of Greek yogurt, this velvety element adds a luxurious texture that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
A Personal Note…
I love the color orange. It’s perky and assertive at the same time. It conjures up a fragrance (that can be used to cover some not-so-pleasant odors in certain urban areas), and the bright hue is worn by inmates to make it easier to spot them. When I was little, kids said my hair was orange. They called me carrot top (but carrot tops are green I would shout back) and teased me incessantly about my ginger locks. I hated my orange hair….until I got much older. Old enough to appreciate how being a redhead made me special, made me different, made me awesome. (Ok, I’d probably be awesome anyway, just ask my sister). Sure my hair continued to get me in trouble–you have heard that redheads are hotheads and troublemakers, right? And I was pulled aside all through my life by those in authority because I was so easy to pick out of a crowd. Sigh.
Many say it isn’t easy being green…well, it isn’t easy being orange either. Unless you’re a carrot. Carrots are indeed lovely and appreciated for their bright color. Orange fruits and vegetables are high in carotenoids like beta carotene, which help the body absorb vitamin A and prevent free-radical damage, and vitamin C. Plus they are delicious and many are in season right now like carrots, oranges, winter squash and persimmons.
It’s soup season, and I often find myself with a pot of something simmering on the stove. I used to make this soup a lot when I was first married (it’s that easy), but have only recently come back to it. Try adding a hunk of peeled ginger as it simmers (and discard it before pureeing the mixture) to spice it up a bit if you want.
Soups on! Here are a few more of my favorite gluten free soup recipes:
- Easy + Delicious Gluten Free Cream of Celery Soup
- Quick and Easy, Creamy Tomato and Roasted Bell Pepper Soup
- Cheesy Potato Soup with Truffle Cheddar
- Delightful Kale and Sausage Soup for Fall
Did you make this Carrot Soup recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and star rating below (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) and post a picture and tag us on Instagram using the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!

Zesty Carrot Soup with Orange – Naturally Gluten Free Soup Recipe
Equipment
- large stock pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter or additional olive oil
- 2 pounds carrots scrubbed and chopped into ½-inch slices
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 stalks of celery washed and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- Pinch salt and pepper
- 1-2 quarts vegetable stock
- Zest from one orange
- Juice from one orange
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, celery, garlic and salt and cook for 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Do not let vegetables brown. Add one quart of vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, a blender, or a food processor, puree soup in batches until completely smooth. Take care not to over fill the blender and make sure to vent the lid so the soup doesn’t explode. Return soup to pot and add orange zest and orange juice and stir well. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if necessary. If soup is too thick, add additional broth until it is the right consistency. Drizzle with cream or a dollop of plain yogurt if desired.
Nutrition
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Hi Alison. Just saw you on Twitter and then saw the comment you left on my blog. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of you until now. Your photography is gorgeous and I want to eat every single thing I just saw as I scrolled through your blog. You can bet I’ll be back. 🙂
Just made your almond cookies, absolutely lovely…my son should be home soon I am sure they will disappear ! I am going to try your carrot orange soup next, thank you for these recipes, Vicki