Skip to main content

Three-Greens Soup with Spinach Gremolata

This vibrant three-greens soup with spinach gremolata is a nutrient-dense choice for those seeking a heart-healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavour. It combines robust collard greens, earthy Swiss chard, and fresh spinach with creamy Yukon Gold potatoes to create a soup that is both light and satisfying. The addition of a zesty, raw gremolata provides a bright contrast to the simmered greens, while toasted pine nuts add a subtle crunch and nutty finish.

Perfect as a restorative lunch or a simple starter, this homemade soup is packed with vitamins and minerals. The recipe relies on store-cupboard staples like garlic and lemon to elevate the seasonal greens, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to enjoy a wholesome, vegetable-forward dish. Serve it with a slice of crusty wholemeal bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Three-Greens Soup with Spinach Gremolata

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 small onion (about 200g ), thinly sliced

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 garlic cloves, 3 thinly sliced, 1 finely grated

  • 950ml low-salt chicken broth

  • 450g Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2" pieces

  • 1/2 bunch collard greens (230g), centre ribs and stems removed, chopped (about 475ml )

  • 1 bunch Swiss chard (350g), centre ribs and stems removed, coarsely chopped (about 8 cups)

  • 1 140g bag packaged spinach (not baby), stems removed (about 950ml ), divided

  • 2 teaspoons (or more) fresh lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts

How to make Three-Greens Soup with Spinach Gremolata

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add thinly sliced garlic to pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add broth, potatoes, collards, and 475ml water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer soup until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes.

Add Swiss chard to pot and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cups spinach and 2 teaspoons lemon juice until spinach is wilted.

Meanwhile, chop the remaining 1 cup spinach; place in a small bowl. Add lemon zest, finely grated garlic clove, and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to chopped spinach; toss to coat. Season spinach gremolata to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.

Season soup with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls. Mound spinach gremolata on top of soup in bowls. Garnish with pine nuts.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.