When it comes to weight loss, nourishing your body with wholesome, low-calorie meals is essential. Healthy vegetable soups are a fantastic way to fill up on nutrients without overloading on calories.
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, these soups support digestion, boost metabolism, and keep you feeling full longer. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying dinner.
In this post, you’ll discover several delicious and easy-to-make vegetable soup recipes that are not only light and healthy but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, these recipes will inspire you to enjoy vibrant, comforting meals while staying on track with your wellness goals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegetable soups are a perfect blend of taste and nutrition. They use fresh, colorful vegetables and herbs, making each bowl a feast for your senses.
Low in calories but rich in fiber and essential nutrients, these soups help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings, which are crucial for weight loss.
Another great reason to love these recipes is their flexibility. You can customize them to your liking or based on what’s in season or in your pantry.
They also reheat beautifully, making them ideal for batch cooking and saving time during busy weekdays.
Lastly, these soups are naturally vegan and gluten-free, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for a lighter option)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Ladle for serving
- Optional: immersion blender (for creamy texture)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the carrots, celery, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the soup with dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Optional: For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree half of the soup, then stir it back into the pot.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
“Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—this soup is very forgiving and adaptable!”
- Add a handful of cooked lentils or beans for extra protein and fiber, making it even more filling.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan.
- Swap kale for Swiss chard or collard greens for different textures and flavors.
- Use homemade vegetable broth or low-sodium store-bought broth to control salt content.
- Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 4 grams |
Carbohydrates | 22 grams |
Dietary Fiber | 6 grams |
Fat | 3 grams |
Saturated Fat | 0.4 grams |
Sodium | 500 mg (varies based on broth) |
Vitamin A | 80% Daily Value |
Vitamin C | 70% Daily Value |
Iron | 15% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain bread or a light side salad for a complete meal. For a protein boost, add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top.
If you prefer a heartier option, serve alongside a quinoa or brown rice dish.
For more delicious and healthy meal ideas, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Healthy Vegetable Soup Recipes for Weight Loss
Classic Minestrone Soup
A hearty Italian-inspired soup loaded with fresh vegetables, beans, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for batch cooking and very filling without being high in calories.
- Ingredients: Onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, small pasta (optional).
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add chopped vegetables and broth, simmer until tender, add beans and pasta if using, cook until pasta is al dente.
Spicy Lentil and Tomato Soup
This soup is rich in protein and fiber, thanks to lentils, and features a spicy tomato base that helps rev up your metabolism.
- Ingredients: Red lentils, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, chili powder (use our homemade chili powder blend), salt, pepper, fresh cilantro.
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic with spices, add lentils and broth, simmer until lentils are soft.
Creamy Cauliflower and Leek Soup
Low in calories yet creamy and satisfying, this soup uses cauliflower and leeks to create a velvety texture without cream.
- Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, leeks, garlic, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, pepper, olive oil.
- Instructions: Sauté leeks and garlic, add cauliflower and broth, simmer until soft, then puree until smooth.
Detox Green Soup with Spinach and Kale
Loaded with green veggies and herbs, this detoxifying soup is packed with antioxidants to support your weight loss journey.
- Ingredients: Spinach, kale, zucchini, green peas, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, lemon juice, fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add greens and broth, simmer briefly, blend partially for texture.
Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup
Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and fiber, while carrots boost the vitamin A content, making this both delicious and nutrient-dense.
- Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, ginger, vegetable broth, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger, add sweet potatoes, carrots, spices, and broth, simmer until tender, blend until smooth.
Explore more flavorful and healthy dishes in our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals collection for dairy-free inspiration.
Conclusion
Incorporating healthy vegetable soups into your meal plan is a smart and delicious strategy for weight loss. These soups are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and highly satisfying, helping to curb hunger and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
With endless variations, you can keep your meals exciting while supporting your health goals.
Remember, the key to successful weight loss is consistency and balance, so enjoy these soups as part of a diverse diet rich in whole foods. Try our recipes, tweak them to suit your taste, and don’t hesitate to batch cook for convenience.
For more wholesome meal ideas, be sure to check out our other recipes like Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal.
Happy cooking and here’s to your health and wellness journey!
📖 Recipe Card: Healthy Vegetable Soup for Weight Loss
Description: A light and nutritious vegetable soup packed with vitamins and fiber to support weight loss. This easy recipe is perfect for a low-calorie meal that keeps you full and energized.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme and basil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 18 g
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