Add some variety to your spring menu with these vegetarian and pescatarian Lenten soup recipes, perfect for Friday dinner and easy enough for any night of the week.
33 Delicious Lenten Soup Recipes
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Spinach Tortellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple tomato-enhanced broth is perfect for cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Increase the garlic and add Italian seasoning to suit your taste. —Debbie Wilson, Burlington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 164 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Sweet Potato and Crab Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 994mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
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Caribbean Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
An interesting blend of veggies that includes okra, kale and black-eyed peas goes into this bright and hearty soup. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 213 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
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Fennel Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is perfect as a first course for a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
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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 soup was the clear winner. —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.
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Carrot Ginger Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This light, flavorful carrot ginger soup is vegan. It's made with pantry staples and comes together in a hurry, yet it always seems to impress. Fresh ginger makes a big difference—and what isn't used can be wrapped tightly and tossed in the freezer for later use. —Jenna Olson, Manchester, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 80 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 551mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Broccoli Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I serve this comforting soup on chilly stay-at-home evenings. Nutmeg seasons the light creamy broth that’s chock-full of tender broccoli florets and diced potatoes. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Vegan Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Double the recipe and share this hearty soup with neighbors and loved ones on cold winter nights. I serve it with cornbread for dunking. —Michelle Curtis, Baker City, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 138 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
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Tomato Tortellini Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess that you cheated by using canned tomato soup. This lovely soup tastes homemade all the way! —Sandra Fick, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 245 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
10/33
Mushroom & Broccoli Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my girls won’t eat meat and the other struggles to get enough fiber. This recipe is a perfect way to give them what they need in a dish they love to eat. I save my broccoli stems in the freezer until I have about two small bags, and then I make soup. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 69 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Tomato Basil Soup
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 125 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
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Mexican Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
It never hurts to have a few meals that you can whip up in very little time, and this hearty soup is one of my busy-day favorites. Green chiles and chili powder give it some oomph. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 214 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 893mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
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Moroccan Chickpea Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
14/33
Slow-Cooked Manhattan Clam Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this simple, delicious soup years ago when my husband and I both worked. It’s easy to dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning…and wonderful to come home to the aroma of dinner ready. —Mary Dixon, Northville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Slow-Cooked Vegetable Wild Rice Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and hearty soup is packed with colorful vegetables. —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.
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Market Basket Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 110 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
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Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Even the pickiest eater will request this vegetarian split pea soup recipe time and again. Thick and well-seasoned, it's a nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber and protein. It's wonderful with a slice of crusty French bread. —Michele Doucette, Stephenville, Newfoundland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 227 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 771mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 15g fiber), 14g protein.
18/33
Shrimp Ramen
From the Recipe Creator:
A package of store-bought ramen noodles speeds up assembly of this colorful broth with shrimp and carrots. My mother passed the recipe on to me. —Donna Hellinger, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
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Easy Mushroom Barley Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I surprised my mother with a visit some years ago, and she was preparing this soup when I walked in. It was so wonderful that I asked for the recipe, and I’ve been fixing it ever since. —Edie Irwin, Cornwall, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 whole milk, 1/2 fat.
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Hearty Vegetarian Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 238 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Maryland Crab Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this hearty soup that incorporates the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab. I break whole crabs and claws into pieces and drop them into the soup to cook, then serve it with saltine crackers and a cold beer. —Freelove Knott, Palm Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 202 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1111mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
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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.
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Ginger Butternut Squash Bisque
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is filling enough for my husband, and it’s vegetarian, which I love. The couple who introduced us made it for us on a freezing night and we’ve been hooked ever since. —Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 386 calories, 21g fat (14g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 749mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 7g protein.
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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.
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Cioppino
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
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Hearty Quinoa & Corn Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother lived in the Appalachian Mountains and always served straight-from-the-garden corn and beans. I updated her dish with quinoa and herbs. — Kari Napier, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
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Sweet Potato Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My whole family enjoys this sweet potato black bean chili, but my daughter especially loves it. I like to make it because it's so easy and very flavorful. —Joy Pendley, Ortonville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 283 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 11g fiber), 9g protein.
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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.
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Onion Cheese Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I made a few adjustments to this savory soup recipe I came across in a community cookbook. It's rich, buttery and cheesy, plus it's so quick to prepare. —Janice Pogozelski, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 308 calories, 22g fat (15g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them. In this healthier version, the soup's velvety texture makes it feel rich and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
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Shrimp Gazpacho
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Curry Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This curry soup might be vegan, but it's still as creamy as ever. If you prefer a meatier bowl, toss some chicken and chicken broth into the recipe. —Kijan Zendi, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 365 calories, 16g fat (16g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein.
Lenten Soup FAQ
How do I make Lenten soup without meat?
Lenten soup without meat starts out the same as almost any soup: with aromatics like onions, celery and garlic creating a flavorful base. Instead of meat, vegetarian soup options for Lent use ingredients like lentils, potatoes, beans, grains and seasonal vegetables for bulk. Since fish is eaten during Lent, you can also use clams, shrimp or fish in a Lenten soup. Richness and umami can come from a spoonful of miso, a dash of soy sauce or tomato paste. If you are looking for Lenten plant-based soups, our vegan soup recipes use simple ingredients and methods to maximize flavor.
What meatless soup recipes can I make ahead of time for Lenten meals?
Meatless soups are great make-ahead meals, especially hearty soups with lentils, beans and root vegetables, since they won’t fall apart as they sit in the broth. For creamy soups, reheat gently to prevent them from boiling and separating. If you’re prepping a few weeks or months ahead, try portioning cooled soups into freezer-safe soup containers for easy reheating.
What ingredients are allowed in Lenten soups?
Lenten soups skip meat in favor of vegetables, grains, legumes and seafood. Lenten plant-based soups use chickpeas, tofu and lentils for protein, and on Fridays, seafood, such as clams or white fish, is common. Some people may still use chicken broth during Lent, but this collection avoided any form of meat or poultry, including broth, so they are perfect for any day during the Lenten season.
