To celebrate all things soup, I’ve put together this list of our best soup recipes with something for everyone. If you're a chicken soup lover, I've got you covered! And if you're looking for healthy vegetable soup recipes, or new ways to use up your lentils, beans, or grains, you're in for a treat. 

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I've also included some fish soup recipes and meaty stews, amped up with bold spices, for those days that require something extra cozy like Nonna’s Stracciatella or Yia-Yia’s Youvarlakia. I’ve even included cold soup recipes for those hot summer days when you need to slurp a spoonful of cool and refreshing. 

Not only is soup the ultimate comfort, but it’s also a great way to use up vegetables and whatever you have lingering in the pantry or fridge to create a nourishing meal on the fly. And, it’s one of the best ways to meal prep for the Mediterranean diet.

Make easy soup recipes like vegetarian Lablabi when you’re tight on time and spend the afternoon stirring a pot of Persian Chicken and Barley Soup when you want to linger in the comfort of your kitchen. 

Wherever you are and whatever the season I have a soup recipe for you!

Table of Contents
  1. Our Top 5 Soups Right Now!
  2. Comforting Chicken Soups & Stews
  3. Lentil Soup Recipes
  4. Easy Vegetable Soup Recipes
  5. Crockpot and Instant Pot Soup Recipes
  6. Seafood Soup Recipes
  7. More Chickpea Stew Recipes
  8. Hearty Meat Soup Recipes
  9. Bean Soup Recipes
  10. Creamy Soup Recipes
  11. Cold Soup Recipes
  12. You'll Also Like: Best Recipe Roundups
  13. Save When You Bundle Our Best-Selling Olive Oil Collection!
  14. Easy Soup Recipes (54 Soup Recipes You’ll Make on Repeat!) Recipe
Pin image 2 for easy soup recipes.


Our Top 5 Soups Right Now!

These 5 healthy soups are big fan favorites and are on my regular rotation these days. And they're all easy and quick enough for a weeknight.

a dutch oven with cioppino ingredients including fennel, onion, roasted red peppers, oregano and thyme.

Cioppino (Seafood Stew)
Clams, mussels, white fish and shrimp stewed in a tomato-fennel broth is a show-stopping Sunday supper. Serve with a citrusy fresh salad to start, like orange pomegranate salad or radicchio salad

Greek avgolemono soup being spooned up

Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)
Chicken and rice soup is prepared Greek-style with lemon-egg sauce called avgolemono, which makes this soup rich and silky with no dairy needed. This is a very weeknight-friendly recipe–you can even use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.

close up of a bowl of potato soup topped with green onions and parsley next to two pieces of toasted bread.

Healthy Potato Soup
A healthy twist on classic cream of potato soup! Fresh herbs and warming spices bring a welcome depth of flavor and whole milk adds a velvety quality without weighing it down. Serve this vegetarian soup with a bright and crunchy salad like our radicchio salad.

Close up overhead shot of chicken gnocchi soup.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup
A welcome twist on a classic chicken noodle soup, with tender, pillowy gnocchi and a few handfuls of spinach for extra nutrition. This recipe is very versatile: Frozen, homemade, fresh, gluten-free, and shelf stable gnocchi all work well. You can even stir in a touch of cream or a pureed can of cannellini beans for a creamier version.

Close up of a blue bowl with Stracciatella Soup and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Stracciatella Soup
A pantry soup that comes together in 20 minutes! You only need 4 ingredients (spinach, egg, chicken stock, and parmesan), but I like to dress mine up with just a touch of nutmeg and lemon zest. Serve for lunch, as a first course to roasted whole chicken, or for dinner with crusty bread or focaccia.


Comforting Chicken Soups & Stews

A big batch of chicken soup is sometimes inspired by homemade chicken stock in my freezer taking up space. Other times, it’s a sick kiddo needing some extra comfort–and I absolutely use store bought chicken stock to save time, by the way. I just try to grab the low sodium variety so I can season as I go. Here are the chicken soups I’ve been loving this year:

two bowls of soupe jo with spoons garnished with half and half and chopped parsley, surrounded by a small bowl of chopped parsley, and a slice of crusty bread.

Soupe Jo (Persian Chicken Barley Soup)
Called “Persian penicillin,” Soupe Jo is a rich chicken soup packed with veggies and nutrient-rich barley (you can stock up at our shop). I like to make mine a bit creamy with a touch of half and half or Greek yogurt, but you can leave it out if you’re avoiding dairy. It’s hearty enough to go without sides, but barbari (Persian flatbread) makes for good dipping.

Lemon chicken orzo soup in a blue serving bowl with a spoon.

Turmeric Lemon Chicken Soup
This chicken soup is loaded with fresh lemon juice and amped up with vegetables, fresh herbs, and warm spices like coriander, Aleppo pepper, and turmeric (head over to our spice shop to stock up). If you like, add some noodles or drained canned chickpeas for a bit more heft, and feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand. 

a serving of chicken stew garnished with parsley in a blue bowl.

Chicken Stew
This rich chicken stew is brimming with aromatic Italian-style seasonings. It’s very freezer-friendly, great for getting ready for the winter blues to hit. It’s gluten free, dairy free, and made in just one pot in under an hour! Serve on its own, over a bed of farro, or with freshly baked focaccia for dipping. 

White Bean and Kale Soup served in bowl

White Bean and Kale Soup with Chicken
A hearty soup stacked with protein thanks to beans and chicken--very satisfying. I use a couple cans of white beans here to save time, but you can use dry beans. Just soak them overnight and then cook them in water for about 1 to 2 hours (this guide for how to cook chickpeas will work in this case).


Lentil Soup Recipes

Lentils are a staple of the Mediterranean pantry. They are not only affordable, but they’re also high in plant-based protein, fiber, and more. Here are some lentil soup recipes to try (and be sure to check out our round up of Vegetarian Soup Recipes if you're looking for more hearty vegetarian soups!:  

Kırmızı Mercimek Çorbası in a blue bowl.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kırmızı Mercimek Çorbası)
This easy, economical pantry soup is one to make on repeat! Aromatic vegetables and spices and a hit of fresh lemon juice load the lentils with tons of flavor. It’s blended for a nice creamy quality, though it’s completely vegan! Serve with pita bread or simit (Turkish Sesame Bread Rings)

vegan lentil vegetable stew in a dutch oven with a wooden spoon, next to a glass of water, a bowl of chopped parsley and an empty bowl with two spoons.

Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew
A medley of vegetables and warming spices make this vegan stew so cozy and nourishing. Potatoes and lentils are very filling, so a sprinkling of fresh parsley and lemon juice just before serving is all you need. But if you’d like to round out the meal, crisp salad like Maroulosalata and pita bread go well alongside. 

Greek red lentil soup served in a bowl with a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. Crusty bread to the side

Greek Red Lentil Soup
Red lentils combined with onions, garlic, and sweet carrots in a tomato-based broth. It's infused with oregano and rosemary and finished with lemon juice and fresh herbs. Keep it vegan, or add a sprinkle of creamy feta!

Harira (Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup)
Tomato-based vegan Moroccan soup, made with lentils and chickpeas, fresh herbs, and plenty of flavor from turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon. If you’d like to make it a bit heartier, try serving over a bed of broken vermicelli pasta or rice. And, for a spicy twist, stir in a spoonful or two of harissa paste (homemade or from our shop). 

curried red lentil soup in a bowl with pita bread in the background.

Curried Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup
In this creamy vegetarian soup recipe, I pair tiny red lentils with sweet potatoes for a soup that is as filling as it is tasty. The subtle sweetness of the sweet potato is nicely enveloped in the warmth and earthiness of mild curry powder, paprika, and bay leaf. I use heavy cream for extra comfort, but you can always substitute with coconut milk, whole milk, or unsweetened plant-based milk if you’d like to make this soup vegan. 

close up of lentils, spinach, and fresh parsley

Spicy Lentil Soup with Spinach
The combination of vitamin-rich spinach and protein-packed lentils makes this vegan recipe a powerhouse meal. You can use green, brown or black lentils to make this easy soup–whatever you like best or have on-hand. Serve with a cooling salad to balance the spiciness, like our creamy cucumber salad.


Easy Vegetable Soup Recipes

If you ever need a way to push your body's reset button, vegetable soup can be a delicious and comforting way to do that without going on a harsh detox diet. Plus, what better way to use up those veggies and herbs in the bottom drawer of your fridge? Here are some vegetable and vegan soup recipes I love (and there are more in the sections below as well):

vegetable soup in a dutch oven with a wooden spoon.

Vegetable Soup
A gluten free, vegan soup recipe layered with colorful veggies, aromatics, fresh herbs, and a big splash of lime juice for the brightest finish. To make it even more hearty, add chickpeas for some plant-based protein.

A large pot of mushroom barley soup garnished with parsley

Mushroom Barley Soup
Hearty mushrooms, chopped vegetables, and tender pearl barley make up this simple and satisfying vegan mushroom barley soup. As comforting as your favorite deli's barley soup, but with even more flavor and a subtle smoky finish. And, because there’s no cream, it freezes very well. 

Bowl of vegetarian sweet potato stew

Vegetarian Sweet Potato Stew
Chunks of melt-in-your mouth sweet potatoes, tender carrots, tomatoes, and wilted baby spinach come together in one pot. To me, the perfect flavor makers here are warm seasonings like cumin and turmeric that compliment the sweetness of the tender vegetables.

Vegan Potato Leek Soup | The Mediterranean Dish. Warm, rustic vegan potato leek soup, prepared Mediterranean style with garlic, cilantro (or other fresh herbs), and great spices! Not your average potato leek soup! on TheMediterraneanDish.com #soup #veganfood #potatosoup #potatoleeksoup #veganrecipes #glutenfreesoup #glutenfreefood #glutenfreelife #mediterraneanfood #mediterraneandiet #mediterraneanrecipes #onepotdinner #easyrecipes

Herbed Vegan Potato Leek Soup
This is not your standard potato leek soup! A healthy dose of garlic and cilantro pack a nice punch and give the creamy soup a vibrant green color. Finish with a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice to lift its earthy flavors. 

Minestrone soup in a pot with herbs and vegetables.

Minestrone
This Italian-style vegetarian minestrone soup is brimming with vegetables, beans, and a little pasta. The draw here is in the flavorful tomato broth with lots of fresh herbs. Minestrone is meant to be adapted, so feel free to make this recipe your own by using what vegetables you have on hand, and use gluten free pasta or leave it out to fit your dietary needs.


Crockpot and Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Your instant pot or crockpot is a great way to get a rich, slow-simmered stew with less tending to. If you’re in the market for a set-it-and-forget-it Crockpot stew, here are a few ideas:

Easy Chickpea Instant Pot Soup | The Mediterranean Dish. Mediterranean style chickpea soup, with vegetables, fresh herbs, and great spices. You can make this in minutes in the Instant Pot, or see stovetop and slow cooker instructions. Great for make ahead and meal prep. #chickpeasoup #chickpearecipe #instantpotsoup #instantpotrecipe #instantpot #slowcooker #mediterraneandiet #veganrecipe #glutenfree #lowcarb

Instant Pot Chickpea Soup
This vegan chickpea soup is full of vegetables, plant-based protein, fiber, and more! You can prepare it in your slow cooker or on the stove. I share all 3 methods.

Vegan cabbage soup with a side of crusty bread

Vegan Cabbage Soup (3 ways)
A slow cooker works particularly well here because the cabbage lingers in the broth, tenderizing and becoming infused with flavor from the spices and aromatics. You can also use the Instant Pot or make it on your stovetop, if you like. No matter the method, a splash of lemon juice and some fresh herbs, stirred at the very end, make all the difference. 

A big bowl of chickpea chili topped with toasted almonds

Tomato And Chickpea Chili (Two Ways)
Hearty and warm, this vegan chickpea chili makes a hands-off dinner any night of the week! I love the layers of vegetables (onions, peppers, scallions, and jalapeño) in this unconventional chili recipe. Stir a spoonful of za’atar into your cornbread batter for a fun Mediterranean twist on the classic combination.

Vegan chili in a bowl with quinoa and jalapenos

Vegan Quinoa Chili
Arguably one of the coziest crockpot soup recipes on the site! Two cans of beans, a medley of crunchy veggies, and a big splash of lime juice are all you need to make this delicious quinoa chili. And it tastes even better the next day!

Italian beef stew made in a Crockpot

Italian Beef Stew
This simple rustic Italian beef stew recipe is loaded with aromatics and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots and mushrooms. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making a meltingly tender stew everyone will love. Serve on its own or with crusty bread or garlic ciabatta for dipping.


Seafood Soup Recipes

Fish and seafood are a big part of eating the Mediterranean way. One of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh fish and shellfish is in soups and stews! The fish gets so tender when it’s simmered in an aromatic broth, and it returns the favor by infusing the broth with so much flavor. Here are a few recipes that are popular with my family:

Sicilian Fish Stew Recipe | The Mediterranean Dish. Italian comfort in a bowl! My favorite! Fish fillet pieces cooked in a white wine and tomato broth with garlic, capers and more! Super easy and quick recipe. See it on TheMediterraneanDish.com

Sicilian-Style Fish Stew
Fish filet pieces, cooked in a white wine and tomato broth with punchy garlic, briney capers, sweet-tart raisins and more! Don't worry, the raisins do not make it too sweet. A common ingredient in Sicilian food thanks to the Arabic influence in the region, they beautifully balance the acidity in this flavorful dish. 

Mediterranean fish soup

Mediterranean Fish Soup
This fish soup leans toward warm Eastern Mediterranean flavors, with a tomato sauce enriched with deeply savory, herbaceous, and warming flavors. Do not skip the lemon juice at the end; it makes all the difference in adding a bit of zing and balance. It's filling enough as-is, but you can serve over a bed of pearl couscous for added texture if you’d like. 

Mediterranean Shrimp Soup

Shrimp Soup
Shrimp soup in a tomato-based broth with orzo, vegetables, baby spinach, and loads of fresh herbs. You can omit the orzo, if you don't want the carbs. Or use another pasta like pearl couscous or a cooked grain like farro or barley (the grains take longer to cook, so it is best to make them ahead of time and add them to the soup toward the end of the cooking process).

Salmon soup in a bowl. A side of bread

Easy Salmon Soup
Delicate salmon filets gently poach in a flavor-packed broth with potatoes, carrots, and fresh dill. Ready in just 20 minutes, but tastes like it took all day! And you can use any tender, flaky fish you like, including more economical options like cod. 

Clams in a dinner bowl with lots of broth

Steamed Clams in White Wine Broth
Clams, prepared the Mediterranean way in a white wine broth with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and fresh herbs. My daughter calls it “clam soup” and loves to dunk crusty Italian bread in the broth.


More Chickpea Stew Recipes

I am a huge fan of chickpeas in soup (and hummus, salads, and as a crispy snack for that matter). They’re a nutritious vegan protein that adds a nice texture to soup, both when they’re puréed or left whole. All of these recipes use canned chickpeas to make them quick and easy, but you can cook from dried if you’d like more control over their texture. You can even use their broth, called “aquafaba” as a thickener. Here are some of my favorite chickpea soup recipes:

lablabi tunisian chickpea stew in a bowl, next to bowls of various toppings.

Lablabi (Tunisian Chickpea Stew)
This hearty North African stew with chickpeas, rustic bread, warming spices and harissa is traditionally served with breakfast, but I love it any time of day. Serve on its own for an easy vegan meal or with a fried egg on top. And for more healthy breakfast ideas, check out our round up: Healthy Breakfast Ideas (37 Healthy Recipes To Start Your Day!).

close up of two bowls of creamy pesto braised chickpeas topped with jalapeno and fried lemon slices, next to a plate of sliced jalapeno.

Braised Chickpeas in a Creamy Pesto Sauce
This creamy vegetarian chickpea stew turns a can of chickpeas into a comforting meal in less than 40 minutes. A fresh homemade pesto takes things up a notch, but you can use a high quality store-bought variety to save some time. I love to add fried lemon rings on top for a nice brightness, but you can skip them if you’d like.

A blue bowl of Mediterranean spinach stew

Spinach Stew with Chickpeas
There are many versions of this spinach stew recipe with tomatoes throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. My mom made her spinach stew Egyptian-style using lean ground beef, but I opted for a vegan option, which is just as hearty and satisfying, thanks to a handy can of chickpeas from the pantry. You can even skip the vermicelli to keep this stew gluten-free.

chickpea stew with cauliflower and carrots, served in dinner bowls

Cauliflower and Chickpea Stew
This chickpea stew is a winner in my family, with a warm Mediterranean spice mixture with cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric adding deeply cozy flavors. Serve this vegan stew over quick-cooked couscous or rice. Some rustic bread to sop up all the goodness won't hurt, either!

chickpea soup in a blue bowl with a silver spoon

Easy Mediterranean Chickpea Soup
Filled with sweet potatoes and hearty veggies and laced with bold flavors like cumin and fresh ginger, this vegan, gluten free chickpea soup is satisfying and flavorful. 


Hearty Meat Soup Recipes

These meaty soup and stew recipes are perfect for chilly nights when you need some extra sustenance and comfort. 

tortellini soup in a blue bowl.

Easy Sausage Tortellini Soup
A hearty, comforting soup that’s loaded with fresh veggies and ready in 20 minutes! Store bought tortellini does most of the heavy lifting. Serve with plenty of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top, and a rustic loaf of bread for dipping.

Youvarlakia Greek Meatball Soup web story poster image.

Youvarlakia (Greek Meatball Soup)
I could eat this hearty dish all year round! This traditional Greek soup uses the same egg and lemon mixture that gives Avgolemono its signature velvety texture and bright flavor. And the herb-packed meatballs are so tender and juicy. Serve with a traditional Greek salad to start. 

a bowl of italian wedding soup next to a piece of crusty bread.

Italian Wedding Soup
This traditional recipe is the ultimate Italian-style comfort, with small beef and pork meatballs, tender greens, and delicate pasta. Give yourself about 3 ½ hours for this one–it needs time to simmer and develop the flavor. I love it as a Sunday project, along with freshly baked focaccia or garlic bread

a close up of a bowl of meatball soup.

Meatball Soup
This is my marry me meatball soup–I swear I get a marriage proposal every time I make it! The garlicky, herbaceous meatballs are so flavorful, and the rich tomato broth is so comforting. You can use gluten free pasta if you’d like, or leave it out if you’re avoiding carbs.

Italian Sausage Minestrone Recipe. The perfect weeknight meal! With chickpeas, artichoke hearts, green beans, fresh herbs like parsley and basil, and more! From The Mediterranean Dish

Italian Sausage Minestrone
Here's a tasty and fun twist on classic minestrone with bowtie pasta, Italian sausage, and a few unlikely additions like chickpeas, green beans, and artichoke hearts. This is a whole dinner in one pot situation, but a fresh green salad with a simple apple cider vinaigrette would be lovely on the side. 

Moroccan Lamb Stew with Vegetables in large pot

Moroccan Lamb Stew
Comforting, fall-apart tender braised lamb stew recipe with loads of veggies, chickpeas and warm Moroccan flavors. (You can also make this in your Crockpot or pressure cooker). Serve it with my 15-minute couscous!

Turkey Lasagna Soup Served In a Bowl

Turkey Lasagna Soup
This is what I make when I'm craving lasagna but don't feel like making a casserole, with ground turkey and part-skim ricotta in a rich tomato-based broth. You can use gluten free pasta if you’d like, and any ground meat you prefer. It’s ready in 40 minutes! 


Bean Soup Recipes

Beans are another staple in the Mediterranean Diet. Like lentils, they are affordable and packed with protein. They're also a great way to add bulk to soups to make them more filling. Here are some bean soup recipes to try:

Ribollita served with a garnish of Paremsan

Ribollita
Tuscan bean and vegetable soup that is thickened with day-old bread. Ribollita is a hearty and especially flavorful vegetarian soup thanks to the use of one secret ingredient: Parmesan rind–make sure to freeze your rinds rather than throwing them away! I like to use kale in this soup, but you can do spinach or another leafy green.

Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli Soup served in bowl

Pasta Fagioli
This vegetarian Pasta Fagioli recipe is more than the sum of its humble parts of beans and pasta, and it comes together in 30 minutes or less. It’s plenty hearty on its own, but you can add lean ground beef if you’d like.

Mediterranean bean soup

Bean Soup with Tomato Pesto
I used canned kidney beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas, but you can change the beans up according to what you have on hand. What takes the flavor in this vegetarian soup a few notches is the tomato pesto stirred at the very end (do not skip it!).

Easy Greek Bean Soup (Fasolada) | The Mediterranean Dish. Simple, flavor-packed Greek soup with white beans, celery, Mediterranean spices and aromatics. A satisfying weeknight dinner for a family on a budget! See the recipe on TheMediterraneanDish.com

Fasolada: Greek White Bean Soup
There are several versions of fasolada. This one is simple and vegan, with canned white beans, garlic, onions, and celery. Don't forget a big drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end.


Creamy Soup Recipes

There's nothing more luxurious than a rich, velvety soup! My approach to creamy soups is to bring a decadent richness without overpowering the natural flavor or weighing the soup down. Here are some of my favorite Mediterranean-style vegetable-forward and boldly flavored creamy soup recipes:

A bowl of roasted butternut squash soup with honey and tahini

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Vegan and gluten-free, this creamy butternut squash soup is subtly sweet with warming spices and a generous stir of nutty tahini! Surprising on many levels, this one is sure to delight. I love roasted hazelnuts on top, but you can swap them with any nuts you prefer. Or, substitute with croutons or crispy chickpeas for a nice crunch. 

tomato basil soup served in a bowl with a side of crusty bread

Tomato Basil Soup
This vegan roasted tomato soup recipe is creamy as ever with no heavy cream needed. I like using roasted carrots here, which give this soup a subtle sweetness and heft. Serve on its own, or with mozzarella and feta pita grilled cheese for a Mediterranean twist on the classic pairing.

Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup | The Mediterranean Dish. Flavor-packed with Mediterranean spices, fresh ginger and a little fresh mint. This easy to prepare creamy soup is perfect for any season! A new favorite in my house!

Roasted Carrot Soup with Ginger
This vegetarian carrot ginger soup is great for getting ahead, as it’s even better the next day. Aside from the fresh ginger, I love using garlic and a pinch of allspice which enhance the sweet roasted carrots. The mint is a nice complement to the charred carrot’s sweet flavor, but any tender herbs like basil or parsley work in its place. 

Bowl of pumpkin soup topped with jalapeno with a side of crusty bread

Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Lentils
Now this is a pumpkin soup with a bit of a Mediterranean twist. Red lentils are the perfect addition here because they collapse into creamy goodness, giving this soup more nutrition and a nice velvety texture. I like spooning a little zhoug (spicy cilantro pesto) on top for a bit of a kick.

Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower is lightly charred to concentrate its flavor in this rustic, rich vegetarian cauliflower soup. A touch of whole milk adds a nice creaminess, but you can substitute plant-based milk if you’d like–just be sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored. A foursome of earthy Mediterranean spices--turmeric, cumin, sumac, and paprika--take the flavor of this easy soup to new heights. 


Cold Soup Recipes

If you think soups are only for cold weather, you’re missing out on half the fun! Try these refreshing chilled soups to cool you down on hot summer days. 

close up of a bowl of salmorejo spanish cold tomato soup topped with chopped hard boiled eggs and prosciutto next to a glass of wine and a bowl of pepper.

Salmorejo (Spanish Chilled Tomato Soup)
This dairy-free soup is rich and creamy thanks to stale bread and quality extra virgin olive oil, which let the fresh tomato flavor shine. You can leave off the ham and egg to make it vegan, or serve simply with a chopped boiled egg for a light vegetarian lunch, perhaps with tuna or beef empanadillas to share. 

10-Minute Tomato Gazpacho Recipe
Gazpacho is a Spanish cold tomato soup, perfect to use up summer’s bounty of fresh ripe tomatoes! I keep it vegan, adding cucumber, onions, celery, and a good pinch of ground cumin for a fresh and layered flavor. Feel free to make this in large batches – gazpacho is very freezer-friendly! You can even keep it in a big pitcher in your fridge for easy snacking.

Persian Chilled Cucumber Soup (Abdoogh Kiar) | The Mediterranean Dish. A cold cucumber soup in a yogurt base with lots of fresh herbs, toasted walnuts, and raisins. Think detox soup to help you cool off and rest your body! See the recipe on TheMediterraneanDish.com

Persian-Style Cucumber Soup
Think of this as a cucumber gazpacho with a cool, creamy yogurt base. It’s perfect as an appetizer in small cups, or served along some crusty bread for a light lunch! A sprinkle of sumac is the perfect tangy finishing touch to this 10-minute vegetarian soup recipe.

You'll Also Like: Best Recipe Roundups

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Easy Soup Recipes (54 Soup Recipes You’ll Make on Repeat!)

Suzy Karadsheh
homemade chicken soup with lemon in a bowl
I've shared 54 of my best soup recipes in the post, and if you're not sure where to start, let me suggest this comforting Turmeric Lemon Chicken Soup. It is one of my most popular soups for a reason. I'm sharing the recipe here again for your convenience. Swap out the veggies if you like, and add a handful of chickpeas or even your favorite pasta for some bulk.
Prep – 10 minutes
Cook – 40 minutes
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Serves – 4 people
Course:
Entree, Soup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast
  • 1 yellow onion, quartered
  • 4 large garlic cloves, divided (2 whole, 2 minced)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons

Instructions
 

  • Cook the chicken. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine the chicken with 6 cups of water. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Add the onion and 2 whole garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and let simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes (or until the chicken is cooked).
  • Reserve both the chicken and the broth. When the chicken breast is cooked through, remove from the pot and carefully shred using two forks. Strain the broth using a mesh strainer over a large bowl. Discard the onion and garlic. Set the broth in its bowl aside for now.
  • Sauté the aromatics. Carefully wipe the pot or Dutch oven and return to the heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, carrots, and spices.
  • Simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken and season with a big pinch of salt. Add the broth and bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, and cover partly. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes (until the carrots are tender and cooked through).
  • Finish and serve. Stir in the spinach, herbs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Transfer to serving bowls and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Shortcut homemade chicken soup
    • Use leftover chicken. If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand (or rotisserie chicken), skip the step for boiling the chicken and use store-bought low-sodium chicken broth.
    • Make the homemade broth in advance. You can make and strain the broth in advance. Simply freeze it after it returns to room temperature (for broth, I like to use freezer-safe containers instead of bags). You can also freeze the boiled chicken in freezer-safe bags. Simply thaw both out in the fridge a night ahead of when you plan to make the soup.
  • Ingredient variations:
    • Add more or different vegetables! I love the idea of using up what vegetables I have on hand in a soup like this. You can add chopped celery or small-cubed zucchini, potatoes, or small broccoli florets, for example. If you do, make sure you add them in at the very beginning when you sauté the carrots and garlic. (Check out my vegetable soup for inspiration).
    • Add a grain or chickpeas to bulk up the chicken soup. If you’re after something thicker or want to add volume to your soup so it’s even more filling, you can add cooked rice or orzo, or canned chickpeas (just rinse the chickpeas and add them in early with the carrots and garlic).
      • Orzo pasta cooks faster, so you can either cook it in advance and add some to individual servings of soup, or add the uncooked orzo to the soup about 7 to 9 minutes before the soup is finished cooking.
  • Leftovers and storage: Store leftover turmeric chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3 days (unless you’ve worked in advance to cook the chicken or make the broth). To reheat, transfer to a pot and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and serve.
  • Visit Our Shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils and spices (like the coriander, Aleppo pepper, and turmeric used in this recipe).

Nutrition

Calories: 167.9kcalCarbohydrates: 8.3gProtein: 25.7gFat: 3.3gSaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 72.6mgSodium: 180.5mgPotassium: 736.8mgFiber: 2.3gSugar: 2.8gVitamin A: 7545IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 61.5mgIron: 1.9mg
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*This post has recently been updated with new information for readers' benefit.

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I'm Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I'm all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you're here...
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Comments

  1. Hi Suzy - I have made this soup in the past and love, love, love it. I'm making it again in a few days. I love to finish soups with a squeeze of lemon or vinegar. I have some extra large lemons. How many oz of lemon juice would you recommend - I don't want to overwhelm the dish - Although I typically do squeeze one lemon, taste and then add more if I feel it is necessary. Love your cookbook. (I'm also going out on a limb and my next recipe after this soup is the Salmon soup - -- I am a fail at Salmon most of the time -- hoping it will be as delicious as it looks.)

    1. Hi, Cherie. I think you should stick with your method of starting with the juice of one lemon, and adding more to suit your taste. That is the perfect way to do it! Hope you do give the salmon soup a try! I feel like it's pretty fool-proof! Enjoy!

  2. 5 stars
    Loved this! Really enjoyed the freshness of this soup.

    I made a extra large batch of this using a whole chicken that I cooked in the instant pot and shredded up, it worked really well.

    The herbs, spices and lemon really lift this soup.

    1. 5 stars
      So excited I found you and your recipes! I don’t need to lose weight but, my husband does. He is borderline diabetic. I helped him lose 30 lbs then he started cheating and gained 20. Men!!! I am a mega cook and will just keep him on Mediterranean for a few months and see how it. He gets mad when I lose weight! I am eating same as you and I don’t cheat! 5’8” and down to 104. Sure I should gain but I feel and look great! Thank you for all your recipes!

  3. 5 stars
    Turmeric Lemon Chicken Soup is my favorite! I plan on trying to cook the Italian Sausage Minestrone this weekend.
    Thanks for sharing these amazing recipes!

  4. Hi Susie, we have a local Greek family restaurant here in Florida, they make a soup that’s mostly a chicken and rice brothy(?) soup that they call “ Chicken cilantro “. I was wondering if you have heard of it and do you know a recipe for it?
    Thanks 😊

  5. 5 stars
    Sweet potato stew. This is a firm family favourite plus you can always throw in a few more root veggies like parsnips. We often have this just with some crusty bread to help soak up the sauce.

  6. I just love most of your recipes. I have told others to come and join over here. They are so simple,nutritious, don't have too many ingredient I wouldn't normally have on hand. The only thing I change most of the time is the amount of everything. Being single, living alone most recipes (from anywhere) make more than I can eat. Some feeeze well others not so much. I am not great about eatting out if the freezer either. There are too many recipes I wa t to try to eat left overs...lol.
    I can't wait for spring to grow my own fresh herbs. Parlsey will for sure make it in the ground. You are so right when you say parsley makes all the difference. And,yes, it needs to be fresh. Dried just doesn't do the same.
    Thank you for being such a great host. I am so looking forward to your cookbook.

  7. My family says that in my veins flows soup not blood
    I will try first the chicken with egg and lemon soup
    Love those Mediterranean dishes!

  8. Love all of these soup ideas!! They're perfect for these cooler winter months! I think the Harira Soup will be the first on my list of recipes to try - it looks delicious!