May is a rollercoaster of seasons here in the Midwest, when it can go from cold and frosty to a blazing blast of heat and humidity without flipping the calendar. In soup terms, we basically start out by continuing to hover over our favorite warmth-radiating bowls, but by Memorial Day, we come around to thinking a thoroughly chilled soup sounds really refreshing. For me, the warmer weather only heightens my impatience for summer’s new crops of fresh vegetables, and my list of Seasonal Soups to Cook in May reflects that craving.
Cinco de Mayo
Celebrating the hefty influence of Mexican cuisine on the cooking that occurs in the Casa SoupAddict kitchen is an easy decision. The American recognition of Cinco de Mayo might not be fully in sync with the historical significance of the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but we can respectfully honor the day with a meal that reflects the fusion of American and Mexican food cultures. Or in my case, soup.
Variations on elote — grilled corn on the cob slathered with spicy crema — were really having a moment last summer, going viral on social with everything from Mexican street corn dips to pasta salads and meal-level casseroles. For once in my life, I was ahead of the trends, having created this soup six years ago *brushes off shoulders*. Summer sweet corn will be here soon, and this is an indulgent soup that celebrates it deliciously.
A vibrant twist on chicken tortilla soup, this Chile Verde Tortilla Soup is packed with green chiles, salsa verde, and seasoned chicken for a unique and flavorful meal.
I've always wished that celebrating Mexican cuisine were a full month event, rather than just a single day we've singled out to justify our taco cravings. Chicken Enchilada Soup is this soup fanatic's humble way of giving a heart-felt hat tip to the influence of the amazing flavors and textures embraced from south of the border. Salud!
This soup was my favorite for years and years, and I can trace my infatuation with Mexican and Tex-Mex leaning soups back to this one. It's a can't-miss of a soup, and I hope to one day update it with photos that better show off its considerable charms.
Mother’s Day is a fun holiday when you’re a kid and encouraged to follow your creativity when it comes to presents for Mom (think, dandelion necklaces and hand-drawn cards). As an adult, however, it’s a little more challenging to find unique and heartfelt ways to make the day extra special, year after year. I, of course, vote for food. Making soup is an act of caring, nourishing, and comfort, whether for a family meal or Mom-only container of something special, just for her.
Loaded with flavor and smoothly creamy — without cheese or cream — Broccoli Cauliflower Soup is nutritious, delicious, and irresistible, and glows like the sun, thanks to a generous dose of the colorful super spice, turmeric.
Creamy, chilled avocado soup gets a fresh summery kiss from lemon and basil. This easy-to-make summer soup is so refreshing with the bright flavors of the season. It's perfect for a light lunch, summer appetizer or brunch starter.
This African groundnut stew-inspired soup is a delightful twist, blending the creamy richness of peanut butter with a vibrantly spiced tomato base. It’s a surprisingly comforting and deeply flavorful soup, packed with vegetables and plant-based protein, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
This creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup recipe is a family treasure passed down through generations. Made with plenty of fresh mushrooms, aromatic dill, Hungarian paprika, and a splash of sherry, this rich and flavorful soup is perfect for a special meal for someone extra special.
Spring soups are light and lovely. For more spring cooking inspiration, browse my roundup of favorite Spring Soups.
Gnocchi
It’s not always thought about like this, but gnocchi is a lovely transition away from the heavy pasta soups of winter. That’s not to say that pasta doesn’t have its place in summer meals, but the lighter puffs of gnocchi sit comfortably in brothy, vegetable-forward soups without missing a single beat of deliciousness.
It's the season for broccoli soup, and the only thing better than broccoli cheese soup, in my book, is adding tender clouds of potato gnocchi. It takes a cheesy-rich soup and adds that light and lovely carby bite that's unique to gnocchi.
The most nourishing — and colorful! — soup you’ll see this season! Roasting the vegetables rather than cooking them in the soup adds lots of flavor, and pesto and bok choy add green goodness and bright notes that make this soup irresistibly tasty. The soft, pillowy texture of the gnocchi is a lovely contrast to the crunchy veggies.
Loosely inspired by Olive Garden’s famous soup, this creamy version has extra veggies, fluffy gnocchi, and a little bacon for savory craveability. It’s soothing and hearty and ready to brighten any gloomy spring day.
I hope you’ll try something from this list that makes your May feel fresh and new. For more soup inspiration, please browse my entire collection of Soup Recipes.
