9 Summer Seafood Soup Recipes That Are Light, Fresh, And Full Of Flavor

Summer calls for meals that are both refreshing and satisfying, and seafood soups strike the perfect balance between the two. When the weather heats up, nothing feels better than a bowl filled with vibrant, fresh ingredients that don’t weigh you down but still deliver bold, comforting flavors. From the ocean to your table, these soups bring the best of summer’s bounty — fresh fish, succulent shrimp, tender clams, and more — all simmered in broths bursting with herbs, citrus, and subtle spices.

This collection of 9 summer seafood soup recipes offers a variety of light yet flavorful options, perfect for everything from a casual lunch to a festive dinner party. Whether you crave a bright tomato-based broth, a creamy chowder with a twist, or a spicy, aromatic bowl that awakens your senses, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Each recipe is crafted to highlight the natural taste of seafood while keeping the overall dish fresh and satisfying.

As you explore these recipes, you’ll also discover helpful tips on selecting the freshest seafood, balancing flavors, and pairing your soups with crisp summer sides or chilled beverages. These soups not only celebrate the season’s best ingredients but also bring a touch of coastal elegance to your kitchen.

Dive in and enjoy these light, fresh, and flavorful seafood soups that are sure to become summer favorites!

Lemon Basil Crab Chowder

Lemon Basil Crab Chowder is a light and refreshing seafood soup that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With the sweetness of crab meat combined with a zesty lemon kick and the aromatic notes of fresh basil, this chowder offers a delightful taste experience. It’s simple to make, allowing you to enjoy a delicious bowl of soup with minimal fuss.

This chowder is not just flavorful but also packs a nutritious punch. The creaminess balances the tanginess of lemon, making it a great dish for warm days when you want something satisfying yet light. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this chowder is sure to impress your family and friends.

Tomato and Fennel Seafood Soup

This Tomato and Fennel Seafood Soup is a light and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every spoonful. The blend of ripe tomatoes and aromatic fennel creates a vibrant base, while the seafood adds a delightful touch of the ocean, making it perfect for warm weather dining. It’s simple to make and comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The soup is hearty yet light, allowing the flavors of shrimp, mussels, and fresh herbs to shine through. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping, and you have a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bulb fennel, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 4 cups seafood stock
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound mussels, cleaned
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped fennel, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, seafood stock, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add the shrimp and mussels to the pot. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels are open and the shrimp is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by crusty bread.

Spicy Coconut Fish Soup

Spicy Coconut Fish Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings a taste of the tropics right to your kitchen. The creamy coconut milk pairs perfectly with vibrant spices, creating a rich broth that warms your soul. With a kick of heat from fresh chili peppers, this soup is both refreshing and satisfying.

What makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy summer days when you still want a delicious meal. You can easily customize it with your favorite seafood or veggies, allowing you to get creative while keeping it light and fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1-2 fresh red chili peppers, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable or fish broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups white fish fillets, cut into pieces
• 1 cup mussels, cleaned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced chili peppers. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the broth and coconut milk to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Once boiling, add the fish and mussels. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the mussels open up.
5. Add the sliced bell pepper and lime juice. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Mango and Avocado Ceviche

Mango and Avocado Ceviche is a refreshing dish perfect for those hot summer days. The sweetness of ripe mango paired with creamy avocado creates a delightful combination that bursts with flavor. This recipe is not only simple to whip up, but it also brings a vibrant splash of color to your table.

This ceviche is all about fresh ingredients and zesty lime juice, making it light and enjoyable. Whether as an appetizer or a quick snack, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 jalapeños, minced (optional)
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeños if using.
2. Pour the lime juice over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
3. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Let the ceviche sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, either on its own or with tortilla chips.

Chilled Gazpacho with Shrimp

Chilled Gazpacho with Shrimp is a refreshing twist on a classic summer dish. This vibrant soup combines fresh vegetables, zesty flavors, and succulent shrimp, making it a perfect choice for warm-weather dining. It’s light, colorful, and bursting with flavor, yet simple to prepare, making it an ideal starter or a light meal on a hot day.

The chilled soup is smooth and creamy, thanks to ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, while the shrimp adds a delightful texture. You can easily customize it to fit your taste by adjusting the spices or tossing in your favorite herbs. Serve it in a chilled bowl for an extra refreshing experience!

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Blend the Base: In a blender, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, vegetable broth, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Chill: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add Shrimp: Before serving, stir in the cooked shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve: Ladle the gazpacho into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and enjoy chilled.

Mediterranean Fish Stew

This Mediterranean fish stew is a light and refreshing dish bursting with flavor. It combines the natural sweetness of fresh fish with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for warm summer days. Simple to prepare, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen.

With its rich tomato broth and the inclusion of ingredients like olives and bell peppers, each spoonful offers a taste of the sea. It’s a comforting yet healthy option that can be served as a main course or as part of a light meal with crusty bread on the side.

Ingredients

• 2 whole fish (like snapper or sea bass), cleaned
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup black olives, pitted
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Add the bell pepper and cherry tomatoes, sautéing for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and smoked paprika, mixing well.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Carefully add the whole fish and olives to the pot, cooking for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Corn and Clam Chowder

This Corn and Clam Chowder is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the flavors of summer. With sweet corn and briny clams mingling in a creamy broth, it’s both light and satisfying. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a gathering with friends.

The combination of fresh ingredients brings a bright taste that makes every spoonful enjoyable. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those warm evenings when you crave something delicious yet comforting.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4-5 ears of corn)
• 2 cups chopped clams (canned or fresh)
• 4 cups clam broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the diced potatoes and corn to the pot, stirring well. Pour in the clam broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Once the potatoes are cooked, add the clams and heavy cream. Stir well and allow to simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives for an extra pop of flavor.

Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup

Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings the essence of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. This soup features succulent shrimp simmered in a creamy coconut milk base, fragrant with lemongrass, ginger, and a hint of lime. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for summer days when you crave something refreshing.

The preparation is quite simple, allowing you to whip it up in under 30 minutes. A touch of chili adds a spicy kick, while fresh herbs like cilantro bring a burst of brightness. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this soup is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• Cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
2. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the bruised lemongrass and broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove the lemongrass, then stir in the coconut milk, shrimp, and red chili peppers. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with fish sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Zesty Lemon Dill Salmon Soup

This zesty lemon dill salmon soup is a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer. It blends the delightful flavors of fresh salmon with the tangy brightness of lemon and the aromatic touch of dill, creating a light yet satisfying meal. Perfect for warm days, this soup is simple to make and will leave you feeling invigorated and ready for whatever comes next.

The combination of herbs and citrus not only enhances the taste but also complements the rich salmon perfectly. Each spoonful is a burst of flavor, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a casual gathering. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh salmon, cut into cubes
• 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, sliced
• 1 medium potato, diced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and sliced carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced potato and cook for a few more minutes until slightly softened.
4. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer.
5. Add the salmon cubes, lemon juice, and dill. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
6. Season with lemon zest, salt, and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy your refreshing soup!

Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for something new to brighten your summer meals, these 9 recipes offer a wonderful variety of tastes and textures. Each one is designed to refresh your palate and keep you cool while enjoying the rich flavors of the sea. Embrace the season with these delicious soups that are as vibrant and lively as summer itself.