If you’re looking for a delicious, light, and nutritious dish that embraces the freshness of seasonal greens, Green Borscht (Ukrainian Spinach Soup) is your perfect go-to. Known in Ukraine as Zeleny Borshch, this spinach healthy soup is not only a beloved comfort food but also a vibrant expression of summer in a bowl.
Packed with fresh spinach, tangy sorrel (optional), vegetables, and hearty potatoes, this vegetarian soup offers a balance of flavor and health. Whether served hot or cold, Green Borscht is one of those easy soup recipes that fits well into your weekly rotation—especially during warmer months when lighter meals are preferred.
🌱 What is Green Borscht?
Unlike its red counterpart made from beets, Green Borscht gets its name and color from leafy greens, primarily spinach, and sometimes sorrel. It’s a traditional summer soup in Ukrainian and Eastern European households. The soup features a medley of vegetables simmered in a light vegetable broth, and often finished with a hard-boiled egg and a dollop of sour cream.
Each region and household has its own twist on the dish. Some add beet greens, others use nettles in the spring, and many grandmothers in the countryside rely on whatever their gardens are producing. The name “borscht” itself can be a bit misleading to those unfamiliar with Ukrainian cuisine, as many assume all borscht is red. In truth, green borscht is just as classic and cherished.
🥦 Health Benefits of Green Borscht
As a spinach healthy dish, Green Borscht offers a wide array of nutritional benefits:
- 🌿 Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, and antioxidants. It supports immune health and promotes bone density.
- 🥔 Potatoes add satiety, fiber, and potassium, contributing to cardiovascular health.
- 🥕 Carrots and onions provide vitamin A, fiber, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
- 💧 A base of vegetable broth keeps the dish low-calorie and hydrating.
- 🥚 Additions like eggs and sour cream introduce high-quality protein and healthy fats, promoting sustained energy.
This dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy vegetarian soup options without sacrificing flavor or texture. It also supports digestion thanks to the fiber content and is gentle on the stomach, making it suitable for people recovering from illness or following a detox diet.
Moreover, the use of lemon juice or vinegar not only enhances flavor but may help increase the bioavailability of iron from spinach—a useful trick for vegetarians and vegans.
☀️ Why It’s Perfect for Summer
When you think of easy soup recipes for summer, Green Borscht checks all the boxes:
- ❄️ Can be enjoyed hot or cold, offering flexibility for the weather.
- 🌱 Uses fresh, in-season greens like spinach, sorrel, and chard.
- 💪 Light yet filling, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
- ⏳ Quick to prepare (under 30 minutes).
- 🌤️ Naturally hydrating and ideal for warm days.
The high water content of the soup helps prevent dehydration, and the inclusion of mineral-rich vegetables replenishes essential electrolytes.
🧄 Ingredients for Green Borscht
Here’s what you need to make this comforting yet refreshing spinach soup:
Vegetables:
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup sorrel (optional, can substitute more spinach, chard, or kale)
- 2 medium zucchini, diced (adds a twist for a zucchini soup version)
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely sliced (optional for extra flavor and crunch)
Broth:
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water with 2-3 bouillon cubes for added depth)
Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (to enhance the tangy green flavor)
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved or chopped
- 2 tbsp sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Fresh dill, parsley, or chives
- Crushed garlic (for a pungent Eastern European kick)
🍲 How to Make Green Borscht
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Wash and chop your spinach, zucchini, sorrel, and other greens. Peel and cube the potatoes. Grate the carrot and chop the onion and celery.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft and golden (about 5-7 minutes). This helps develop the soup’s base flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Vegetables
Add the cubed potatoes, zucchini, and bay leaves. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add the Greens
Add the spinach and sorrel (or chard/kale). Stir gently and cook for another 5-7 minutes, just until the greens are wilted and vibrant. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with halved boiled eggs, a spoonful of sour cream, and fresh herbs. Alternatively, chill in the refrigerator and serve cold for a refreshing summer soup.
🔄 Variations on Green Borscht
1. Zucchini Soup Fusion
Add extra zucchini and blend the soup partially for a creamier texture, creating a hybrid of green borscht and zucchini soup. You can also stir in a splash of oat milk or cream for a smoother finish.
2. Vegan Green Borscht
Skip the eggs and dairy. Use coconut yogurt, soy-based sour cream, or avocado slices for a fully plant-based vegetarian soup. Add tofu or tempeh for protein.
3. Protein Boost
Add chickpeas, white beans, lentils, or tofu cubes. These ingredients blend well and turn the soup into a high-protein main course.
4. Grain Additions
Toss in a handful of cooked quinoa, barley, brown rice, or buckwheat to make it even more filling. Perfect for meal prep.
5. Herbal Infusion
Infuse your broth with a sprig of thyme, oregano, or a clove of garlic for added aroma and complexity.
6. With Fermented Additions
Some traditional variations include a spoonful of sauerkraut or a touch of kvass (fermented bread beverage) to enhance gut health and bring a sour depth.
🧊 Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for 1-2 months. Prepare a big pot and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Pro tip: Add sour cream or eggs only when serving to keep the soup fresh and prevent separation.
To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium-low heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
You can also store individual portions in jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Easy Soup Recipe
Whether you’re new to Ukrainian cuisine or looking for easy soups to refresh your meal plan, this dish offers:
- ✨ Nutrient density with few calories
- 🌿 A great way to use garden or market greens
- 🧘 Comfort food appeal with a light, tangy edge
- 🕒 Customizable options for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike
- 🍽️ Perfect for batch cooking, meal prep, or light detoxing
Green Borscht is also great for people on calorie-conscious diets, providing filling volume without excess fat or sugar.
🥖 Pairing Suggestions
Green Borscht pairs wonderfully with:
- 🥖 Rye or sourdough bread
- 🥒 Pickled vegetables, cucumbers, or sauerkraut
- 🍵 Cold herbal tea (like mint or chamomile) or a glass of dry white wine
- 🍞 Traditional Ukrainian pampushky (garlic buns) for an authentic meal
- 🧀 A slice of fresh farmer’s cheese or a boiled potato on the side
🇺🇦 Cultural Roots and Celebrations
Green Borscht is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of spring and summer in Ukrainian culture. Often prepared after the Orthodox Easter fast, it symbolizes renewal, abundance, and the return of life to the earth.
In rural communities, it’s common to gather wild greens like sorrel, nettle, and dandelion to make this soup—a practice that connects families to the land and seasons. Sharing a pot of green borscht brings people together around a table, often accompanied by stories, laughter, and a sense of home.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Green Borscht is more than just a spinach soup – it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients, wholesome nourishment, and culinary tradition. With its bright flavor, simplicity, and health benefits, it has earned a spot among the best easy soup recipes to make all year round, but especially as a refreshing summer soup.
This dish will transport you to a Ukrainian countryside kitchen with every spoonful. Share it with family, serve it at a picnic, or enjoy it solo as a soul-soothing bowl of green goodness. ✨
