Creamy Mediterranean Cauliflower Soup

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How to make creamy Mediterranean cauliflower soup with roasted vegetables, cumin, and lemon for a healthy, velvety vegan meal.

james carter jr for recipes by clare
By James Carter Jr
Updated on Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:50:01 GMT

I discovered this Mediterranean cauliflower soup recipe during a particularly chilly evening when I craved something both nourishing and soul-warming. The combination of roasted cauliflower with aromatic cumin and bright lemon creates a velvety, restaurant-quality soup that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

There’s something magical about the way roasted cauliflower transforms in the oven, developing those golden, caramelized edges that add incredible depth to this Mediterranean cauliflower soup. I love how this recipe delivers bold Mediterranean flavors while staying completely plant-based and naturally gluten-free. The creamy texture comes purely from the cauliflower itself, no heavy cream required. This comforting soup has become my go-to for busy weeknight dinners and meal prep sessions alike.

What You’ll Need for This Flavorful Soup

I always recommend using the freshest cauliflower you can find for the best flavor and texture. Pro tip: look for heads with tight, white florets and bright green leaves.

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for roasting)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (I prefer low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

My personal preference is using extra virgin olive oil for both roasting and sautéing as it adds a subtle fruity note that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking and using a large 4-6 quart pot for the smoothest experience.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown with caramelized edges and tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Add minced garlic and cumin to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture becomes aromatic.

Step 5: Add the roasted cauliflower and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Blend the soup using an immersion blender until completely smooth, or transfer to a regular blender in batches. Safety note: Allow soup to cool slightly and never fill blender more than halfway with hot liquid. For the silkiest texture, blend for at least 2 minutes.

Step 7: Stir in fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Taste and add more lemon if you prefer a brighter flavor.

Step 8: Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.

Perfect Pairings for Your Mediterranean Soup

This Mediterranean cauliflower soup pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its creamy, savory profile.

Crusty sourdough bread: The tangy bread contrasts perfectly with the soup’s rich, earthy flavors while providing satisfying texture.

Greek salad: Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives add a crisp, refreshing balance to the warm, velvety soup.

Grilled pita chips: These provide the perfect vehicle for dipping while adding a delightful crunch that enhances the Mediterranean theme.

Roasted chickpeas: Sprinkle these on top for extra protein and a satisfying textural contrast that makes this the best side for cauliflower soup.

More Mediterranean-Inspired Low-Carb Soups

This Mediterranean cauliflower soup brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your low-carb lifestyle without compromising on satisfaction. For another keto-friendly Mediterranean option, the herb-rich Tuscan White Bean Soup offers similar regional flavors with plant-based protein – though slightly higher in carbs, it’s worth the indulgence for special occasions.

Expand your Mediterranean soup collection with the creamy Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup for indulgent low-carb comfort, the satisfying Hearty Keto Soup for additional keto-friendly options, or the protein-packed Cottage Cheese Mushroom Soup when you want vegetarian protein alongside Mediterranean herb flavors.

Storage and Reheating Made Simple

Store your Mediterranean cauliflower soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.

When reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Pro tip: this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and deepen overnight.

Common Questions About This Recipe

Can I substitute the cauliflower with other vegetables?

Yes, broccoli or parsnips work well, though they’ll create different flavor profiles than this classic Mediterranean cauliflower soup.

How can I make this soup even creamier?

Add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream during the final step for extra richness without dairy.

Why is my soup too thin?

Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid, or blend in additional roasted cauliflower for thickness.

Your New Favorite Comfort Food

This Mediterranean cauliflower soup proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. The roasted cauliflower creates incredible depth while the cumin and lemon brighten every spoonful in the most delicious way.

Try this recipe tonight and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality Mediterranean cauliflower soup in your own kitchen!

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Creamy Mediterranean Cauliflower Soup

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This Mediterranean-style cauliflower soup is creamy, comforting, and packed with nutrients. Roasted cauliflower blends with garlic, cumin, and lemon for a flavorful and velvety vegan soup.

  • Author: James Carter Jr
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Roast, Simmer
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for roasting)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender with caramelized edges.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cumin, cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add roasted cauliflower and vegetable broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Blend soup using immersion blender or transfer to blender in batches until smooth. Safety note: allow to cool slightly and fill blender only halfway with hot liquid.
  7. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh cauliflower with tight, white florets for best results. Roasting develops deeper flavors than steaming.
  • Use a large 4-6 quart pot for best results. Soup can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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