These healthy winter soups combine comfort and nutrition with whole food ingredients, plenty of vegetables, and satisfying flavors for the cold-weather season.
1/30
Beefy Sweet Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I hate being cold, but one of the best remedies for that is warm soup. I took my mother’s water-based vegetable soup recipe and worked with it to make the flavors richer. The meat and veggies in this dish are the perfect cure for a cold night and a hungry family. —Lisa Cooper, Leander, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 260 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
2/30
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is Greek, so I'm always trying new Mediterranean recipes. This lemon chicken orzo soup is his favorite dish that I make. Serve it with a little feta or Parmesan and a side of toast. —Kristine Kosturos, Olympia, Washington.
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 223 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/30
Yellow Split Pea Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This yellow split pea soup is an amazing new twist on the traditional soup. It tastes wonderful and has a sunny yellow color. —Lynn Jurss, Thousand Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 267 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 687mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 15g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
4/30
English Pub Split Pea Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to “soup’s on.” Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
5/30
Potato Leek Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I crave a steaming bowl of potato leek soup on a cold winter evening, but we don't want the butter and fat content of regular soup recipes. So I created this lighter version. I have shared it with many folks, and everyone who has tried it loves it for the robust, satisfying flavor. —Christine Frye, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
6/30
Spanish Chicken Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A hearty soup made from scratch is the perfect antidote for chilly weather. Save leftovers for weekday lunches sent to work in a Thermos or quickly reheated in the microwave. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 324 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/30
Instant Pot Corn Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy this chowder’s rich, slow-simmered flavor in record time by using an Instant Pot. Corn chowder is a classic staple, with its hearty flavors of creamy sweet corn, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
8/30
French Lentil and Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave it out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 338 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
9/30
Tomato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
10/30
Chicken Noodle Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans. —Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 239 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
11/30
Couscous Meatball Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
12/30
Vegetable Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
13/30
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 215 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
14/30
Vegan Cabbage Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Comforting soups that simmer all day long are staples on cool, busy days. For a heartier version of this vegan cabbage soup, stir in canned beans, such as cannellini or navy beans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 110 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 866mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein.
15/30
Hearty Vegetable Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 488mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
16/30
Chickpea Tortilla Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan tortilla soup recipe is healthy, filling and family-friendly! We love how hearty and flavorful it is. We like to play around with the different toppings we add each time it’s served. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 289 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
17/30
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is perfect for those days when you’re craving something just a little bit different. It’s spicy, flavorful and a delightful excuse to open up a bar of chocolate—if you’re the type of person who needs an excuse! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 203 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
18/30
Greens and Beans Turkey Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
On winter evenings, we like nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup. —Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
19/30
Pressure-Cooker Vegetable Wild Rice Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and hearty soup is packed with colorful vegetables. It’s wonderful for lunch alongside a healthy salad or a light sandwich. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
20/30
Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Life can get really crazy with young children, but I never want to compromise when it comes to cooking. This recipe is healthy and so easy, thanks to the slow cooker! —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 117 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
21/30
Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 135 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 645mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
22/30
Hazelnut Asparagus Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My heart is happy when bundles of tender local asparagus start to appear at my grocery store in spring. No one would ever guess this restaurant-quality vegetarian soup can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 164 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
23/30
Cabbage Barley Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian cabbage soup was the clear winner—they ate the whole pot! —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 197 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
24/30
Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this stew, and I’m happy to make it since it’s so simple! You can serve with cornbread instead of corn chips to make it an even more filling meal. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 218 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
25/30
Vegan Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Yukon Gold potatoes—instead of cream—make this smooth carrot soup vegan and add a mild sweetness. If you don't have Yukon Golds on hand, russet potatoes will work too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 176 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
26/30
Turkey Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter got this recipe from her husband's mother. As in many households, our turkey gets picked over for a few days after the holidays. This soup is especially good on cold winter nights when it's snowing...which happens a lot where I live! —Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 147 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
27/30
Pumpkin-Coconut Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Thai food lovers will go crazy for this soup. It has a deep flavor from the combination of onion, coconut milk and spices. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
28/30
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t be shy about loading up the spices and shredded chicken into your pressure cooker. Chicken tortilla soup tastes great as leftovers the next day. Your family will thank you for this one! —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
29/30
Lemony Mushroom-Orzo Soup for Two
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a versatile soup that works as an appetizer or as a side for a sandwich lunch. It’s loaded with mushrooms and orzo pasta—and lemon livens up its mild flavor. —Edrie O’Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
30/30
Roast Pork Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This well-seasoned, satisfying soup has a rich, full-bodied broth brimming with potatoes, navy beans and tender chunks of pork. It's been a family favorite for years. Served with cornbread, it's one of our comfort foods in winter. —Sue Gulledge, Springville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 meat.
Healthy Winter Soups FAQ
Can creamy soups still be healthy?
Yes! While many creamy soups rely on heavy cream, cheese and butter, there are many ways to make soup creamy without cream. For example, you can achieve a similar velvety, luscious texture from pureed vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash or peas, which are naturally low in calories and fat but high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
What are some healthy soups that are still filling
For a healthy soup that’s still filling, focus on recipes with plenty of protein and fiber from ingredients like beans, lentils, lean meats, quinoa and peas. Some great soup options include a vegetarian yellow split pea, which provides 15 grams each of protein and fiber per bowl. For a meaty soup option, Mexican beef soup is a complete meal in one, featuring hearty beef and plenty of filling veggies, like potatoes, corn and carrots.
Are there freezer-friendly healthy soup recipes?
Healthy soups that freeze well will retain their texture and taste throughout the freezing and reheating process. That mostly excludes soups with a lot of dairy, pasta or rice. Dairy tends to separate or become grainy, and pasta and rice can become mushy or overcooked when reheated. Many soups on our list freeze and reheat well, especially ones with a broth base loaded with chicken, beef, beans or vegetables.
