In This Recipe
There is something quietly joyful about a pot of soup on the stove, the kitchen filling with savory steam and good memories. This weight loss soup recipe is simple, forgiving, and endlessly customizable. It works for weeknight dinners, healthy potlucks, meal prep, or as a fun weekend cooking project the whole family can join. Read on for an easy recipe, step-by-step instructions, smart variations, and pro tips to make a satisfying, low-calorie soup you will want on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low in calories but high in volume, so it helps you feel full without overeating.
- Fast and simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Flexible ingredients let you use what is in the fridge while keeping it healthy.
- Great for parties or gatherings as a light starter or a comforting main.
- Easy to adapt to vegetarian, vegan, or low-carb needs.
- Freezer friendly, so you can make a big batch and portion it for later.
how to make Weight Loss Vegetable Soup
This version is a hearty vegetable and chicken broth soup that balances fiber, lean protein, and plenty of flavor while staying low in calories.
PrintComforting Weight Loss Soup Recipe You Will Make Weekly
A light, nutrient-rich vegetable soup with optional lean protein — filling, flavorful, and perfect for healthy eating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup green beans
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
6 cups low-sodium broth
2 cups cooked chicken or 2 cans beans, drained
2 cups spinach
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes; stir to combine.
3. Pour in the low-sodium broth along with oregano and basil; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in cooked chicken or beans along with the spinach; cook until wilted.
6. Finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use beans or tofu instead of chicken.
Freeze in single-portion containers for quick healthy meals.
Always adjust seasoning before serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional, for flavor and sautéing aromatics.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced, for savory depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced, for aroma.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced, for natural sweetness and fiber.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced, for crunch and low-calorie bulk.
- 1 medium zucchini, diced, a water-rich vegetable to add volume.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut, for texture and nutrients.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices, adds acidity and body.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, base of the soup.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or 1 can rinsed white beans for vegetarian protein.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped, for vitamins and color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional, to brighten flavors.
- Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish, optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and celery, stir, and cook for 4 minutes to soften slightly.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and the broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the zucchini and green beans, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken or white beans, dried herbs, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the spinach or kale, cook until wilted, then finish with lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Weight Loss Soup
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt and reduce water retention.
- Sauté aromatics in a small amount of oil or use a splash of broth to keep calories lower.
- Add beans or shredded chicken for protein to increase satiety.
- Use seasonal produce for peak flavor and lower cost.
- Chop vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Finish with acid like lemon or vinegar to make flavors pop without extra calories.
- Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months for easy healthy meals.
- Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if the soup thickens in the fridge.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Soup tastes flat: add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to brighten it.
- Vegetables overcooked: add delicate greens only near the end.
- Too thin or watery: simmer uncovered to reduce, or stir in a small handful of cooked barley for texture.
- Too salty: add unsalted cooked vegetables or a peeled potato while simmering for 10 minutes, then discard the potato.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian bean soup: replace chicken with 2 cans rinsed cannellini or navy beans.
- Spicy kick: add 1 pinch red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno when sautéing onions.
- Low-carb: skip carrots and beans, increase green vegetables like cabbage and zucchini.
- Asian-inspired: swap broth for low-sodium miso broth, add ginger and mushrooms, finish with scallions.
- Creamy without cream: blend half the soup and return it to the pot for a silky texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Fridge: cool completely, store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
- Freezer: portion into meal-sized containers, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: rewarm gently on the stove over low to medium heat; add a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes, use vegetable broth and swap chicken for beans or tofu.
Q: Is this soup suitable for weight loss?
A: Yes, when paired with portion control and an overall calorie-conscious plan it is a low-calorie, high-volume meal that supports satiety.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Add frozen vegetables a few minutes earlier in step 6 and adjust cook time as needed.
Nutrition or Dietary Adaptations
- Low-calorie: reduce or omit oil and use more high-water vegetables like zucchini and celery.
- High-protein: add extra shredded chicken or a scoop of cooked lentils.
- Nut-free: this recipe contains no nuts by default.
- Gluten-free: use naturally gluten-free ingredients; check canned goods for additives.
Equipment Recommendations
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
- Sharp chef knife and cutting board.
- Ladle and wooden spoon.
- Airtight containers for storage.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of whole-grain toast or a small side salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
- Package in jars or attractive containers for healthy meal gifts or potluck share.
Conclusion
This weight loss soup recipe is warm, practical, and forgiving. It proves that healthy eating can be delicious, simple, and social. Try making a double batch, share a photo, and tell us how you customized it in the comments. If you loved the recipe, please share it with a friend.