10 Healthy Low-Carb Soup Recipes to Warm You Up

Do you remember that popular commercial where the snowman comes in from outside, sits down at the kitchen table, and melts into a boy as he eats a bowl of hot soup? That commercial captures what soup means for so many of us: Comfort. When you’re dieting, comfort foods aren’t typically recommended but a healthy soup is a wonderful, welcome exception. These ten low-carb soup recipes will warm your body and soul but won’t wreck your weight loss. Eat up, warm up!

1. Cream of Broccoli Soup >

Any soup recipe that begins with bacon and butter has got to be good. And that’s exactly the case for this low-carb broccoli soup. Don’t be intimidated by the sharp flavors of the shallots, garlic, lemon and chives. The whole milk, Greek yogurt and chicken broth soften it beautifully.

2. Creamy Tomato Soup with Parmesan Crisps >

The best soups are basic and require no extra trips to the grocery store. This tomato soup—plus the Parmesan crisps—uses pantry staples and is ready in minutes. Don’t keep heavy cream on hand? Use milk, yogurt, sour cream or even a little cream cheese.

3. Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Taco Soup >

Don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen? Instant Pot to the rescue! In about 25 minutes, this hearty soup comes together and it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Trying to meal prep? Double this recipe and freeze it in individual containers so you can grab one on your way out the door. By noon, the soup will be thawed and you’ll have an awesome low-carb lunch.

4. Chockfull of Veggie Chili >

Hate salad? Have soup. This chili has twice the veggies of your average salad but tastes warm, cozy, comforting and satisfying. Definitely use a chopper to speed up the kitchen prep or buy frozen ingredients. Garnish this low-carb soup with sour cream, shredded cheddar or even a dollop of guacamole.

5. Apple Butternut Squash Soup >

Fall has been served. Out of all of our low-carb soup recipes, this has to be one of our favorites. It’s basic and pure. No need to feel guilty about enjoying the sweetness of the butternut squash and apple cider. In fact, why not celebrate with some of the Parmesan crisps we mentioned with our Creamy Tomato Soup.

6. Simple and Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup >

Looking for a low-carb chicken soup that’ll knock your socks off? This recipe offers the same comfort of mom’s cure-all soup but doesn’t contain a single noodle. You can really use your noodle, though, and double this recipe. Eat some for lunch this week and freeze the rest for a snowy winter day.

7. Instant Pot Tuscan Soup >

Here’s another low-carb chicken soup that actually uses chicken sausage. Build flavor by browning the sausage, onion, garlic and oregano. Then add broth and sundried tomatoes. Just five minutes under pressure will infuse juice and flavor in those tomatoes. Finally, add the kale and cream. Easy. Delicious!

8. Healthy Cod Chowder Recipe >

You don’t have to go to New England for a great chowder. Just grab some turkey bacon, a turnip, onion, celery, clam juice and skinless cod or haddock filets. Don’t buy much fish? Opt for frozen. It can be tricky to select fresh fish if you’re a newbie and frozen is always fresh (because it’s usually frozen right after it’s caught).

9. Lobster Bisque >

One doesn’t typically think of lobster bisque as a diet food. It’s creamy, satisfying and flavorful. How can that be allowed!? Remember: The South Beach Diet is a low-carb diet, not a low-fat diet. You can have milk and cream (in moderate amounts) and you’ll absolutely love this smooth, indulgent recipe.

10. Mexican Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe >

Meet comfort with a kick. This low-carb chicken soup is brothy and salty but boasts peppery jalapenos, cumin, salsa and garlic. You can up the hearty factor by adding even more veggies: think mushrooms, carrots and bell peppers.