Easy Italian Minestrone Soup » Salads for Lunch

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 carrots (chopped)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 zucchini (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g diced tomatoes)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g white beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup green beans (chopped)
• ½ cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (1 liter)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 handful fresh spinach or kale (chopped (or frozen spinach))
• Fresh parsley (for serving - optional)
• Grated parmesan cheese (for serving - optional)