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Why Low-Carb Soups Are Great for Weight Loss
Soups are one of the most underrated tools for healthy weight management. When made with clean, low-carb ingredients, they provide volume and satiety with minimal calories — keeping you full without the crash.
Top Benefits of Low-Carb Soups:
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✅ Low in calories, high in volume – Helps you feel full faster.
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✅ Blood sugar-friendly – No spikes or energy crashes.
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✅ Easy to digest – Great for evening meals or light lunches.
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✅ Hydrating and nourishing – Especially important in cooler months.
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✅ Great for meal prep – Make once, eat all week.
Let’s dig into some flavorful, carb-light recipes perfect for your weight loss plan.
Best Low-Carb Soup Recipes for Fall and Winter
All recipes below are free of pork, bacon, and alcohol — just wholesome, weight-loss-friendly ingredients you can feel good about.
Chicken Zoodle Soup (Zucchini Noodle)
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
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2 carrots, sliced thin
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp turmeric (optional anti-inflammatory boost)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions:
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In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
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Add chicken breasts, broth, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
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Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
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Add zucchini noodles and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
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Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Carbs: ~7g net per serving
Why it works: Light, hydrating, and packed with protein and fiber-rich veggies.
Creamy Cauliflower & Leek Soup
Ingredients:
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1 medium cauliflower head, chopped
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1 large leek, white part only, sliced thin
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic
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3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
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½ cup unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk
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1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, and leeks until soft.
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Add cauliflower and broth. Simmer for 20 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
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Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or blender.
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Stir in coconut milk. Season to taste.
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Garnish with fresh thyme.
Carbs: ~6g net per serving
Why it works: Creamy without cream. Cauliflower gives it body and fiber.
Egg Drop Spinach Soup (Low-Carb & High-Protein)
Ingredients:
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4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 cups baby spinach
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1 tsp ginger, grated
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Heat broth in a saucepan. Add ginger and soy sauce.
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Bring to a gentle boil, then slowly pour in eggs while stirring.
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Add spinach and green onions. Cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
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Serve immediately.
Carbs: ~4g net per serving
Why it works: Protein from the eggs + greens = a light, filling meal.
Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Dairy-Free Option Included)
Ingredients:
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1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
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½ small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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½ cup shredded cheddar (or vegan cheese for dairy-free)
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¼ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
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Salt and pepper
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1 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and garlic in oil until fragrant.
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Add broccoli and broth. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
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Blend half the soup for a thicker texture, then stir in coconut milk and cheese.
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Season to taste and serve hot.
Carbs: ~6g net per serving
Why it works: Classic comfort with minimal carbs and a creamy finish.
Spicy Cabbage Soup (Metabolism-Boosting)
Ingredients:
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3 cups chopped green cabbage
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1 bell pepper, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 small onion
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1 can diced tomatoes
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 tsp chili flakes
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp cumin
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Stir occasionally until vegetables are tender.
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Adjust spice level and serve hot.
Carbs: ~7g net per serving
Why it works: Cabbage is low in carbs and calories, yet super filling.
Turkey Meatball & Spinach Soup
Ingredients:
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½ lb ground turkey (lean)
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1 egg
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2 tbsp almond flour
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 garlic clove, minced
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups baby spinach
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Salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Mix turkey, egg, almond flour, garlic, and seasoning. Form into small meatballs.
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In a soup pot, bring broth to a simmer. Gently drop in meatballs.
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Cook for 12–15 minutes until meatballs are done.
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Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of herbs.
Carbs: ~5g net per serving
Why it works: High in protein, low in carbs, and easy to freeze for later.
Smart Swaps to Lower Carbs in Any Soup
Instead of | Use This |
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Pasta | Zucchini noodles, shirataki, cabbage strips |
Potatoes | Cauliflower, turnip, rutabaga |
Rice | Cauliflower rice |
Flour or cornstarch | Blended veggies, xanthan gum |
Cream-based soups | Coconut milk, almond milk |
Tips for Making the Best Low-Carb Soups
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Use an immersion blender: Makes soups creamy without adding carbs or dairy.
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Layer your seasoning: Salt, herbs, lemon juice, and garlic elevate simple ingredients.
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Make it a meal: Add shredded chicken, turkey, or tofu for extra protein.
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Portion wisely: Make big batches and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
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Batch spiralize zucchini: It saves time and makes a quick noodle swap for any soup.
FAQ – Low-Carb Soup Recipes for Weight Loss
Can I freeze low-carb soups?
Yes! Just avoid freezing soups with too much zucchini or dairy, as textures can change. Broth-based soups freeze best.
Are these soups keto-friendly?
Most are! Just keep an eye on your total net carbs and adjust ingredients like carrots or tomatoes if needed.
How do I thicken soup without flour or cornstarch?
Use blended vegetables (like cauliflower or zucchini), almond flour, or a small amount of cream cheese.
Is it okay to eat soup every day on a low-carb diet?
Absolutely. As long as you balance your macros and include protein and fats, soup can be a daily go-to meal.
Can I make these soups in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes. All recipes here work well in both. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What’s the best protein to add to low-carb soup?
Chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu, or lean beef are great options. Canned wild-caught salmon or tuna also work in certain recipes.