Hearty Slow Cooker Quinoa Minestrone

While slow cookers are famously excellent for tenderizing tough cuts of meat, yielding succulent dishes like slow cooker Italian pot roast, it’s time to rediscover their incredible versatility for crafting delicious vegetarian meals. Don’t limit your crockpot’s potential; it’s a true champion for effortless Meatless Mondays and wholesome plant-based cooking. The inherent magic of slow cooking lies in its patient, low-and-slow approach, which allows ingredients to gently simmer together over an extended period. This process doesn’t just tenderize; it encourages a profound marriage of flavors, transforming simple vegetables, aromatic herbs, and hearty beans into deeply rich, complex, and utterly satisfying soups and stews. Every component is given ample time to “mix and mingle,” resulting in a harmonious blend that creates a comforting dish far greater than the sum of its individual parts. This method is particularly advantageous for vegetarian recipes, as it meticulously extracts maximum flavor from every vegetable and legume, ensuring a robust, well-rounded, and incredibly flavorful meal that nourishes both body and soul.

If this delightful crockpot minestrone soup with quinoa captures your heart and tantalizes your taste buds, then you’re truly in for a treat with our other slow cooker creations! You’ll absolutely appreciate the rich, savory flavors and straightforward preparation of our vegetarian quinoa chili with black beans, another fantastic plant-based option that bursts with hearty goodness. For those seeking a comforting, creamy soup with a satisfying texture, our slow cooker creamy chicken soup with quinoa and squash is an absolute must-try. These recipes are perfect additions to your rotating meal plan, offering wonderful variety, ultimate convenience, and wholesome ingredients that integrate seamlessly into any busy lifestyle. Discover the joy and ease of creating delicious, nourishing meals with minimal fuss, all thanks to the incredible power of your slow cooker. It’s time to expand your culinary repertoire with these wholesome, set-it-and-forget-it dishes!

Hearty Crockpot Minestrone Soup: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal

Our Crockpot Minestrone Soup isn’t just another vegetarian recipe; it’s a meticulously designed meal that promises maximum flavor and exceptional nutrition with minimal effort. This soup is poised to become an indispensable staple in your weekly meal rotation, and here’s precisely why it stands out:

The Quinoa Advantage: A Healthy & Hearty Twist: We understand that the idea of quinoa in minestrone might initially raise an eyebrow for traditionalists. “But… quinoa?!” you might exclaim. Let us assure you, this innovative substitution is a stroke of culinary brilliance, offering significant benefits that elevate the classic minestrone. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it an invaluable asset for any vegetarian dinner seeking true satiety and nutritional richness. Unlike the more assertive flavors of some grains, quinoa boasts a wonderfully mild, almost neutral taste, ensuring that even the most discerning palates or picky eaters are unlikely to object to its inclusion. Furthermore, its unique, slightly chewy texture adds an inviting mouthfeel to the soup, reminiscent of minestrone made with rice or barley, enhancing the overall dining experience. Beyond its protein content, quinoa is an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and contributing to a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. This ingenious swap not only substantially boosts the soup’s nutritional profile but also makes it a naturally gluten-free option, catering to a broader spectrum of dietary needs without sacrificing the hearty, comforting essence that minestrone is known for. It’s a modern twist that truly makes this soup a nutritional powerhouse.

Satisfying and Wholesome: The Perfect Balance: It’s a common culinary challenge: recipes that are genuinely filling often tend to be heavy and calorie-dense, while healthy, lighter options sometimes leave you feeling unsatisfied. Our Crockpot Minestrone is one of those rare, magical culinary gems that masterfully defies this convention. It strikes an exquisite balance, delivering profound satisfaction and robust flavor alongside an abundance of healthy, whole ingredients. The harmonious blend of vibrant vegetables, protein-rich beans, and the added fiber from quinoa creates a remarkably substantial and fulfilling soup that deeply nourishes your body without ever feeling overly heavy. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a wholesome dinner that truly satisfies, providing sustained energy and delightful flavors in every single spoonful. It’s a win-win for both your palate and your well-being!

The Unbeatable Convenience of Slow Cooker Recipes: In our fast-paced world, the allure of a slow cooker meal is undeniable, and for good reason. While we certainly appreciate modern kitchen marvels like the Instant Pot and air fryer, nothing quite compares to the sheer ease and effortless charm of a slow cooker dinner, especially on a bustling weekday. The remarkable simplicity of simply tossing all your ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and returning home to a fully cooked, incredibly delicious, and ready-to-serve meal is a true revelation. This hands-off approach grants you invaluable time back in your day, allowing you to focus on other priorities, run errands, or simply unwind and relax. As a delightful added bonus, the gentle, prolonged simmering process will envelop your entire home with the most incredible, comforting aromas all day long, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere that makes dinner all the more anticipated. Our Crockpot Minestrone Soup perfectly embodies this convenience, practically preparing itself while you go about your day, consistently delivering a warm, fragrant, and profoundly delicious meal precisely when you need it most.

A Beloved Seasonal Staple: Perfect for Fall & Beyond: This Crockpot Minestrone is far more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished staple in our household, particularly as the cooler seasons arrive and the demands of back-to-school routines kick in. It’s a fundamental component of our fall menu, providing comforting sustenance and making meal planning incredibly efficient. One of its greatest advantages lies in its exceptional suitability for batch cooking. You can effortlessly prepare a large, generous batch, enjoy a portion for immediate meals, and then conveniently freeze the remainder for future dinners. This intelligent and proactive approach to meal prep means that with just a few minutes of initial chopping and combining, you can secure two or three wholesome, delicious meals, significantly easing the burden of daily cooking and reducing food waste. Our family absolutely adores this soup for its inherent heartiness, its vibrant, layered flavors, and the comforting warmth it brings to the table. It’s the kind of nourishing dish that naturally brings everyone together, a testament to its widespread appeal and undeniable deliciousness, making it a truly indispensable recipe for the fall and winter seasons, and indeed, all year round.

Ingredient Notes: Crafting the Perfect Minestrone

The inherent beauty of this crockpot minestrone lies in its thoughtfully selected yet simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in contributing to a symphony of balanced flavors and delightful textures. Here’s an in-depth look at what goes into our hearty soup and the unique purpose each component serves:

• Onion, Celery, Carrots (The Aromatic Foundation): Like the backbone of countless classic soup and stew recipes, this crockpot minestrone artfully begins with the beloved aromatic trio known as mirepoix. Finely chopped yellow onion, crisp celery, and sweet carrots are gently layered into the slow cooker, where they slowly release their natural sugars and infuse the entire soup with a profound depth of flavor. This creates a comforting and essential savory base that truly makes all the difference in the final, complex taste profile of your minestrone.
• Zucchini (A Touch of Summer Freshness): A quintessential vegetable in traditional minestrone soup, zucchini contributes a touch of delicate, mild sweetness and a wonderfully tender texture to the overall dish. While classic zucchini is an excellent choice, this is a fantastic opportunity to embrace culinary creativity! Feel free to substitute with any other summer squash you might have on hand, such as pattypan, yellow squash, or even zephyr squash. These alternatives are particularly delightful if you’re harvesting fresh produce from your garden or exploring the seasonal bounty at a local farmers’ market. They absorb the rich broth beautifully, adding vibrant visual appeal and a pleasant, soft bite.
• Garlic (The Irresistible Flavor Powerhouse): In any Italian-inspired culinary creation, and especially in a robust and rustic soup like this crockpot minestrone, garlic is not just an optional ingredient – it is an absolute necessity. Its pungent, incredibly aromatic qualities are undeniably non-negotiable for building truly authentic and utterly irresistible flavor. We recommend starting with two cloves as a solid foundation, but for those who are true garlic enthusiasts, do not hesitate to mince and add an extra clove or two for an even more intense and fragrant soup. As the old adage goes, you can never really have too much garlic in Italian cooking!
• Diced Tomatoes (The Tangy & Rich Base): Canned diced tomatoes are an indispensable cornerstone of this recipe, providing a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet foundation along with essential liquid that enriches the broth. It’s crucial to utilize both the tomatoes and their juices directly from the can – do not drain them, as the liquid is packed with flavor. Opting for quality canned tomatoes is a brilliant time-saving strategy that consistently delivers excellent flavor and quality without the seasonal limitations or extensive preparation of fresh tomatoes. For a health-conscious approach, always look for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties, which gives you greater control over the overall seasoning of your finished soup.
• Frozen Green Beans (Convenience Meets Nutrition): Embrace the remarkable convenience and robust nutritional benefits of frozen green beans in this recipe. These unsung heroes of the freezer aisle are every bit as healthy as their fresh counterparts, and often even more so, because they are expertly flash-frozen at the peak of their ripeness. This rapid freezing process locks in all their vital vitamins, minerals, and vibrant flavor, ensuring maximum freshness. They cook down perfectly in the slow cooker, adding a lovely pop of green color and a tender texture to the soup without requiring any additional prep work or blanching.
• Dried Herbs and Seasoning (Mediterranean Soul): A carefully curated blend of dried herbs and essential seasonings is what truly elevates this minestrone to aromatic perfection. Basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme collectively contribute a classic, warm Mediterranean flavor profile, infusing the soup with wonderful depth and herbaceous complexity. Alongside these fragrant herbs, kosher salt and freshly coarse ground black pepper are absolutely crucial for enhancing, balancing, and harmonizing all the individual flavors, bringing everything into delicious equilibrium. These readily available pantry staples ensure your soup is seasoned to perfection, offering a taste reminiscent of rustic, sun-drenched Italian kitchens.
• Beans (Protein, Fiber & Heartiness): For a truly hearty, satisfying, and filling minestrone, beans are absolutely indispensable. We specifically utilize a combination of cannellini beans (also known as white kidney beans) and red kidney beans, which collectively contribute both a creamy texture and robust body to the soup, along with a significant boost of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. If you have a preference, feel free to use two cans of the same variety, or get creative by experimenting with other complementary beans like great northern beans or chickpeas. Regardless of your choice, always remember to rinse and drain canned beans thoroughly before adding them to remove any excess sodium and improve their digestibility.
• Vegetable Broth (Flavorful Liquid Base): To ensure this crockpot minestrone soup remains wonderfully vegetarian and fully vegan-friendly, vegetable broth serves as the ideal liquid base. It provides a savory, umami-rich backdrop that exquisitely allows the natural flavors of all the vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs to shine through. If dietary restrictions are not a primary concern for you, chicken broth can certainly be a suitable substitute if that’s what you happen to have readily available in your pantry. As with canned tomatoes, consistently choosing a low-sodium broth is always an excellent culinary practice, granting you greater precision and control over the final seasoning and salt content of your delicious dish.
• Dry Quinoa (The Healthy, Gluten-Free Twist): This is precisely where our minestrone takes a delightful and remarkably healthy modern turn! Any color of dry quinoa – be it white, red, or black – will integrate beautifully and function perfectly in this recipe. The critical step here is to rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water before adding it to the slow cooker; quinoa naturally possesses a bitter outer coating called saponin that needs to be washed away, although some commercially available brands do come pre-rinsed. The strategic decision to use quinoa instead of traditional pasta is what inherently makes this a naturally gluten-free minestrone soup recipe, while simultaneously boosting its essential protein and dietary fiber content. This makes the soup incredibly satisfying, exceptionally nutritious, and widely accessible for various dietary needs.
• Frozen Green Peas (Sweetness, Color & Freshness): Incorporating frozen green peas towards the end of the cooking cycle introduces a lovely burst of vibrant green color, adding visual appeal, and a delicate hint of natural sweetness that beautifully complements the savory, slow-cooked flavors of the minestrone. If you happen to be among those who are not particularly fond of peas, you can certainly opt to omit them without any detriment to the core integrity or deliciousness of the soup. However, they do provide a pleasant textural contrast and a refreshing touch of freshness that many appreciate.
• Fresh Parsley (Brightening Garnish): A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley just before serving is not merely for enhancing visual appeal; it also provides a wonderful burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that distinctly brightens the entire dish. Its clean, slightly peppery notes offer a fantastic counterpoint to the rich, slow-cooked flavors developed within the soup, adding a final touch of vibrancy.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (The Savory Finishing Touch): For an ultimate touch of indulgent, savory goodness and a classic Italian finish, a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese over each bowl is highly recommended. As it gently melts into the warm minestrone soup, it infuses every spoonful with its characteristic umami depth and nutty complexity. If you are aiming to keep this recipe fully vegan or dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese altogether or opt for your favorite high-quality plant-based cheese alternative that mimics the flavor profile.

How to Make This Effortless Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Creating this delicious, hearty, and wholesome minestrone soup in your slow cooker is wonderfully straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor reward. Follow these simple, easy-to-understand steps to bring a comforting and nourishing meal to your table with ultimate ease:

Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients in Your Slow Cooker

Begin by carefully adding all the foundational minestrone ingredients into the basin of your slow cooker. This includes your finely chopped yellow onion, diced celery, diced carrots, diced zucchini, minced garlic, the full can of undrained diced tomatoes, frozen green beans, all the dried herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme), kosher salt, coarse ground black pepper, rinsed and drained cannellini beans, rinsed and drained red kidney beans, vegetable broth, water, and the thoroughly rinsed dry quinoa. Once all components are in, use a large spoon or ladle to stir everything thoroughly, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined within the crockpot for consistent cooking and flavor development.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Once all the ingredients are combined in your slow cooker, securely place the lid on top. Set your slow cooker to cook on the “Low” setting for a duration of 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, if your schedule demands a faster meal, you can select the “High” setting and cook for approximately 4 hours. The true magic of slow cooking is this gentle, prolonged simmering process, which allows all the distinct flavors to meld together beautifully and the vegetables to become wonderfully tender, creating a deeply satisfying broth and perfectly cooked quinoa.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches Just Before Serving

As the cooking time draws to a close and you’re nearly ready to serve your delicious soup, carefully remove the lid from your slow cooker. If your slow cooker has this function, switch the setting to “Keep Warm.” Now is the opportune moment to stir in the vibrant frozen green peas and the freshly chopped parsley. The residual heat from the soup will be sufficient to gently cook the peas to tender perfection and slightly wilt the parsley, enhancing the fresh flavors and adding a beautiful pop of color without overcooking them. Allow them to sit for about 5-10 minutes to warm through.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish with Freshness

With your hearty minestrone perfectly cooked and fragrant, ladle generous portions of the hot, aromatic soup into individual serving bowls. For an extra flourish, a burst of fresh flavor, and a creamy texture, garnish each bowl with an additional sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a generous mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful of this homemade goodness. Enjoy your effortless and delicious slow cooker meal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Minestrone

Recipe Variations: Customize Your Crockpot Minestrone

One of the many delightful joys of cooking minestrone is its incredible adaptability and forgiveness. This recipe serves as a fantastic culinary canvas, allowing you to easily customize it to perfectly match your taste preferences, utilize whatever fresh produce you have on hand, or simply suit your current mood. Here are several exciting and flavorful ways to put your own unique spin on this comforting soup:

• Elevate with a Pesto Swirl: Take an inspired cue from the exquisite French soupe au pistou by adding a generous dollop of rich homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto to your individual bowl just before serving. Gently stirring it in introduces a vibrant burst of fresh basil, pungent garlic, and nutty pine nut flavors, instantly adding a layer of sophisticated aromatic complexity that truly transforms the soup. For an extra touch of freshness and vibrant color, consider sprinkling a few additional fresh basil leaves over the top.
• Utilize Your Crisper Drawer (Seasonal Bounty): This minestrone soup is wonderfully forgiving and remarkably adaptable to whatever fresh vegetables you happen to have on hand, find at your local market, or harvest from your garden. Don’t hesitate to experiment and be creative! Instead of, or in addition to, the suggested vegetables, consider adding finely chopped cabbage for a rustic and earthy touch, nutrient-dense leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for an extra boost of vitamins (stir these in during the last hour of cooking to prevent over-softening), or even cubes of potatoes or sweet potatoes for an even heartier, more substantial, and filling meal. Bell peppers, corn kernels (fresh or frozen), or even spinach can also be fantastic additions, making this a truly versatile “clean out the fridge” meal that minimizes food waste.
• Cook It on the Stove for a Quicker Option: While the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience and hands-off cooking, this versatile recipe can effortlessly be converted for stovetop preparation if you’re looking for a faster turnaround or simply prefer that method. To do so, begin by sautéing the finely chopped aromatics (onion, celery, carrots, zucchini, and garlic) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until they begin to soften and become fragrant (approximately 5-7 minutes). Next, add the remaining ingredients (excluding the peas, parsley, and cheese) into the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the quinoa is perfectly cooked through. Stir in the frozen peas and fresh parsley just a few minutes before you are ready to serve, as detailed in the full recipe card below.
• Make It Wholly Vegan: This minestrone soup is already predominantly plant-based, which makes adapting it for a fully vegan diet incredibly simple and straightforward. To ensure it is completely vegan, simply omit the freshly grated Parmesan cheese when serving. Fortunately, many excellent plant-based Parmesan alternatives are readily available in most grocery stores today, which can provide a remarkably similar savory, umami-rich finish. Always remember to double-check that your chosen vegetable broth is certified vegan, as some brands may surprisingly contain hidden animal products, although the majority are entirely plant-based.
• Embrace the Traditional Route with Pasta: If your heart yearns for the quintessential, classic minestrone experience, you can certainly choose to skip the quinoa and incorporate traditional pasta instead. Small pasta shapes work best in soups, such as ditalini, small elbow macaroni, or tiny shells, as they cook efficiently and are easy to spoon. For the best texture and to prevent the pasta from becoming overly mushy or absorbing too much of your delicious broth, we recommend cooking the pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Then, stir the cooked pasta into the soup just before you are ready to serve. For a truly quick, one-pot pasta minestrone solution, you might also consider trying our popular Instant Pot minestrone soup, which features ditalini and is ready to eat in under 45 minutes, offering ultimate speed and convenience.

What to Serve With This Hearty Minestrone Soup

A warm, comforting bowl of minestrone soup is often a satisfying meal in itself, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can truly elevate your dining experience to new heights and make it feel like a complete feast. Here are some perfect pairings to complement the rich, savory flavors of this crockpot minestrone:

Crusty Bread for Dipping: You simply cannot go wrong with a generous loaf of fresh, crusty bread. Pick up a freshly baked baguette from your local artisan bakery, or for a truly rewarding and homemade baking project, try making your own Dutch oven bread! Thick, warm slices of crusty bread are absolutely ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delicious, herb-infused broth at the bottom of your bowl, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. For an extra special treat, consider crafting your own cheesy bread; our easy pizza dough recipe can be quickly transformed into delectable garlic or cheesy breadsticks, perfect for dipping and adding a savory crunch.

Fresh and Vibrant Salads: A classic soup and salad combination is always a winner for dinner, offering a wonderful balance of comforting warmth and refreshing crispness. Our Gazpacho salad provides a cool, tangy, and vibrant contrast with its medley of fresh, uncooked vegetables, offering a different textural experience. Alternatively, a simple yet elegant arugula salad offers a delightful peppery bite that beautifully cuts through the richness of the soup, cleansing the palate. For a more classic approach, a straightforward green salad generously topped with crunchy homemade croutons and dressed with either our zesty Italian dressing or a creamy creamy Italian dressing makes for a delightful complement, reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant experience. And don’t forget, those homemade croutons aren’t just for salads – they’re also incredibly delicious sprinkled directly on top of your minestrone for an added textural dimension and satisfying crunch!

Storage & Reheating Tips: Enjoy Your Soup Later

This Crockpot Minestrone Soup with Quinoa is truly fantastic for meal planning, as it stores and reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day! Follow these practical tips to ensure your delicious leftovers remain fresh, safe, and utterly enjoyable:

Refrigerate: Always allow any leftover crockpot minestrone soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an appropriate airtight container. Once cooled, store it securely in the refrigerator for a period of up to 5 days. You’ll often find that the flavors have deepened and married even further overnight, making it an even more delicious and satisfying meal the following day!

Freeze: Minestrone soup is an excellent candidate for freezing, providing a convenient solution for homemade meals even on your busiest days. It can be safely frozen for an extended period of up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. For optimal convenience and efficient freezer organization, consider freezing individual portions in sturdy zip-top storage bags, laying them flat on a baking sheet until they are frozen solid. This method creates easily stackable “soup bricks” that save valuable freezer space. Always remember to clearly label the bags with the date of freezing for easy tracking! This intelligent freezing method works wonders for other freezer-friendly comfort meals too, such as our Italian sausage stew with white beans and kale and slow cooker Texas chili, ensuring you always have quick, healthy dinners on hand when time is of the essence.

Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, the best approach for even reheating is to first thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For individual servings, simply transfer the desired amount to a microwave-safe bowl and reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly hot and steaming. For larger quantities, transfer the soup to a saucepan or Dutch oven and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed completely through. If, after reheating, the soup appears too thick or has absorbed too much liquid, you can easily adjust its consistency by stirring in a bit more water or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired texture. Always ensure the soup is piping hot throughout before serving.

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Recipe

Crockpot Minestrone Soup With Quinoa

4.75 from 16 votes

By Rachel Gurk

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 8 hrs

Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 8

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This crockpot minestrone soup is filled with fresh veggies and quinoa – healthy, delicious, and it cooks practically on its own! It’s a satisfying, gluten-free vegetarian meal perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients 

• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 large yellow onion)
• 1 cup diced celery (2 stalks celery)
• 1 cup diced carrots (2 carrots)
• 1 ½ cups diced zucchini (1 medium zucchini, about 10 oz.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups frozen green beans
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, more to taste
• 1 can (14 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth (low or no sodium)
• 1 cup water, more if desired
• ¾ cup dry quinoa, rinsed (any color is fine)
• 2 cups frozen green peas
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, additional for garnishing if desired
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions 

• Place all ingredients into the slow cooker, except for the peas, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure it is well combined.
  1 cup finely chopped yellow onion, 1 cup diced celery, 1 cup diced carrots, 1 ½ cups diced zucchini, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained, 2 cups frozen green beans, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste, ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, more to taste, 1 can (14 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, 1 can (14 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup water, more if desired, ¾ cup dry quinoa, rinsed
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 4 hours, until vegetables are tender and quinoa is cooked.
• When the soup is nearly ready, uncover the crockpot and change the setting to Warm. Stir in the frozen green peas and freshly chopped parsley. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes for peas to warm through.
  ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 cups frozen green peas
• Serve immediately. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your wholesome homemade minestrone!
  freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Notes

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: To ensure this soup is completely vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with your preferred plant-based alternative. Always verify that your vegetable broth is vegan-certified.
• Stovetop Instructions: For a quicker cooking method, begin by sautéing the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrots in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until they begin to soften (about 5-7 minutes). Add the diced zucchini and minced garlic, continuing to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), frozen green beans, all dried herbs and seasonings, rinsed beans, vegetable broth, water, and rinsed quinoa. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pan, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender and the quinoa is fully cooked. Stir in the frozen peas and fresh parsley just before serving.
• Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, this minestrone soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2cupsCalories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 13gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 918mgPotassium: 971mgFiber: 11gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 3777IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 138mgIron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

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