Nothing beats curling up with a bowl of rich, creamy tomato soup on a chilly evening – especially when it’s completely dairy-free. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, ever since my cousin (who’s lactose intolerant) begged me to recreate that classic comfort food taste without the cream. The secret? Full-fat coconut milk. It gives that velvety texture we all crave, while letting the bright, tangy tomatoes shine. Trust me, after one spoonful of this dairy-free creamy tomato soup, you won’t miss the dairy one bit. It’s become my go-to for cozy weeknights, and even my dairy-loving husband asks for seconds every time.
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Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
This isn’t just another tomato soup recipe – it’s a game changer. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:
- So creamy you won’t believe it’s dairy-free – The coconut milk gives that luxurious mouthfeel without any heavy cream
- Ready in just 35 minutes – Faster than waiting for takeout, but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- Packed with hidden veggies – Carrots and celery melt right into the soup, adding nutrition without changing the flavor
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free – Perfect for serving to friends with dietary restrictions
- Tastes even better the next day – The flavors develop beautifully when stored overnight
Ingredients for Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Grab these simple ingredients – most are probably already in your pantry. The magic happens when they all come together:
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing those veggies to perfection
- 1 onion, chopped – Yellow or white, whatever you’ve got
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh is best here
- 1 carrot, diced – Our sneaky veggie for natural sweetness
- 1 celery stalk, diced – Adds just the right earthy note
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes – The star of the show
- 4 cups vegetable broth – Homemade or store-bought works
- 1 tsp dried basil + 1 tsp dried oregano – That classic Italian flavor
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat) – The creaminess secret weapon
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season until it sings
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No coconut milk? No problem, You can use:
- Cashew cream – Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth
- Almond milk – Though it’ll be thinner, so maybe add less broth
- Fresh tomatoes – About 3 lbs roasted first for maximum flavor
And hey – if you’re out of vegetable broth, chicken broth works fine (just not vegan anymore). The soup is super forgiving.
How to Make Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking. This dairy-free tomato soup comes together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one so it turns out perfect:
- Sauté those aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your biggest pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and your whole kitchen smells amazing – about 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally so nothing burns.
- Tomato time: Pour in both cans of crushed tomatoes (juices and all – we want every bit of flavor). Add the vegetable broth, basil, and oregano. Give it a good stir and crank up the heat until it starts bubbling.
- Simmer to perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer for 20 minutes. This is when the magic happens – the flavors meld together, and the carrots become tender enough to blend smoothly.
- Blend it up: Now for the fun part. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree until silky smooth. Careful – hot soup splatters. If using a countertop blender, work in batches and leave the lid’s center piece off (cover with a towel) to let steam escape.
- The creamy finish: Stir in that luscious coconut milk until fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper – I usually start with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper, then adjust from there.

Tips for the Best Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Here are my pro secrets for soup success:
- Too thick? Add splashes of broth until it’s just right.
- Seasoning shy? A pinch of sugar balances acidity if your tomatoes are super tart.
- No immersion blender? A food processor works, but a countertop blender gives the smoothest texture.
- Extra richness? Swirl in another 1/4 cup coconut milk at the end.
Serving Suggestions for Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Oh, the joy of dunking. My favorite way to serve this dairy-free tomato soup is with crispy dairy-free grilled cheese sandwiches – the melty vegan cheese and crunchy bread are absolute perfection together. For fancy nights, top bowls with:
- Fresh basil ribbons – That pop of green makes it Instagram-worthy
- Dairy-free croutons – Extra crunch.
- A drizzle of olive oil – For that restaurant-quality finish
Bonus tip: Serve with crusty bread for wiping the bowl clean – no delicious drop left behind.
Storing and Reheating Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
This soup keeps like a dream. Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow – medium heat on the stove with frequent stirring prevents the coconut milk from separating. If it does, no worries. A quick whirl with your immersion blender brings it right back to silky perfection. For freezing, I’ve had great results if I leave out the coconut milk until after thawing (just stir it in when reheating). Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight – it’s like the soup gets better as it waits for you.
Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (based on my exact ingredients – yours might vary slightly):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g (4g saturated)
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
Remember, these are estimates – actual numbers depend on your specific veggie broth and tomato brands. But hey, with zero cholesterol and all those veggies, this soup’s practically a health food that tastes like comfort.
FAQs About Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup
Can I freeze this dairy-free tomato soup?
Absolutely, Just leave out the coconut milk before freezing (add it when reheating). Portion it into freezer-safe containers with some headspace, and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove while stirring in that creamy coconut milk.
What’s the best type of tomato to use?
I swear by good-quality canned crushed tomatoes – they’re consistently flavorful year-round. But in summer? Roast fresh Roma tomatoes with garlic first for an incredible depth of flavor. Just peel them after roasting for the smoothest texture.
Any other dairy substitutes besides coconut milk?
Oh yes, Cashew cream makes an ultra-rich alternative (soak 1 cup cashews, blend with ¾ cup water). For nut-free, try silken tofu blended until smooth. Both give that luxurious mouthfeel without overpowering the tomato flavor.
Why does my soup taste too acidic?
A pinch of sugar or a teaspoon of maple syrup balances tart tomatoes perfectly. But first, make sure you’re simmering long enough – those 20 minutes really mellow the acidity naturally. And always taste after adding the coconut milk – it works magic on sharp flavors.
Ready to make the creamiest dairy-free tomato soup ever?
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the dairy version. It’s that good. Now grab those cans of tomatoes and let’s get cooking – your future self will thank you when you’re cozying up with a bowl tonight. Follow us on Facebook for more delicious recipes.
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Print35-Minute Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup You’ll Crave
A rich and creamy tomato soup made without any dairy. Perfect for those with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add more coconut milk.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Garnish with fresh basil or dairy-free croutons.
