8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (2024)

1

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (1)

Cameron Whitman/Stocksy

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carotenoids, the plant-based pigments that make carrots orange, could also be the reason they excelat fending off illness, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). One, beta-carotene, is converted to vitamin A, a nutrient critical to enhancing immune function, according to past research. Ginger also has known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and the combo can help send colds packing. Have this low-cal soup as a starter or side.

4.5 out of 19 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

103

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

40 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 lb carrots, chopped (skin on)

4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

2 tsp grated fresh turmeric or 1 tsp ground turmeric

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

¾ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1

In a large stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and carrots begin to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes.

2

Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric, and stir to combine. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more.

3

Stir in the broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all ingredients are soft, about 25 to 30 minutes.

4

Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend soup until completely smooth. Alternatively, allow soup to cool slightly before carefully transferring it to a standard blender and blending until smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 cups

calories

103

total fat

3g

saturated fat

0.4g

protein

2g

carbohydrates

19g

fiber

4.9g

sugar

9.8g

added sugar

1g

sodium

366mg

TAGS:

Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Appetizer, Side Dish, Paleo Diet, Whole30 Diet

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2

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (2)

Olga Mazyarkina/iStock

Beef Barley Soup

You don’t necessarily think of beef when you think of immunity, but here’s one reason maybe you should: Beef is a top source of zinc, a mineral that has been shown to shorten the duration of colds in studies of zinc supplements, according to the NIH. And the low calorie count leaves room for a piece of whole-grain bread or baguette.

contains Soy, Wheat, Fin fish

4.8 out of 5 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

296

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

1 hr 10 min

TOTAL TIME

1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 ½ lbs chuck beef, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 yellow onion, diced

3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

2 ribs celery, sliced

5 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup tomato paste

8 cups low-sodium beef broth

1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried rosemary

¾ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 ½ cup barley

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

In a heavy stockpot or dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium high. Add half the beef and brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and brown the rest of the beef. Once all the beef is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

2

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring frequently until vegetables begin to brown and soften, about 5 minutes.

3

Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.

4

Add broth, worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a light boil. Add the beef back to the pot, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

5

Stir in barley, cover and continue to simmer until barley is tender, about 30 minutes more. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size2 cups

calories

296

total fat

16g

saturated fat

5.1g

protein

20g

carbohydrates

17g

fiber

2.7g

sugar

4.3g

added sugar

0.4g

sodium

376mg

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3

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (3)

Adobe Stock

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Research shows that tomatoes are a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin C and lycopene, another carotenoid with immune-boosting abilities, according to research. This speedy soup uses two different kinds of tomatoes (canned and sun-dried) for double the disease-fighting potential. Research shows that your body absorbs lycopene better from cooked tomatoes, so having them in soup form is smart. This low-calorie soup is the perfect partner to a grilled cheese sandwich.

4.7 out of 9 reviews

SERVES

6

CALORIES PER SERVING

152

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

35 min

TOTAL TIME

45 min

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 medium yellow onions, diced

3 medium carrots, chopped (skin on)

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

2 28-oz cans diced tomatoes, with juice

⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, dry packed

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp dried basil

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

Select the saute function and allow the pot to get hot. Add olive oil, onion, and carrots and cook, stirring frequently, until onions begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2

Add broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

3

Add diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, pepper, and dried basil and stir to combine. Cover with the lid, making sure the vent is set to seal, and set to cook at high pressure for 15 minutes (it will take several minutes to come up to pressure). Once the time has elapsed, let the Instant Pot depressurize naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the rest of the pressure.

4

Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth, or cool slightly and carefully transfer to a traditional blender and blend until smooth. To serve, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1½ cups

calories

152

total fat

5g

saturated fat

0.7g

protein

4g

carbohydrates

24g

fiber

6.7g

sugar

11.8g

added sugar

0.3g

sodium

533mg

TAGS:

Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, High-Fiber, Anti-Inflammatory, Side Dish, Appetizer

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4

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (4)

Iryna Grygorii/Shutterstock

Lemon Turkey and Rice Soup

The lean protein and vegetables in this savory bowl will give you the stamina and nutrients you need to convalesce, and the addition of lemon juice does more than just brighten up the flavors. It also adds a dose of antioxidant vitamin C, according to data from the USDA. As well, lemons and other citrus fruits contain hesperidin, a compound that some early research has found may help activate immune pathways that prevent the flu and other viruses from replicating. It’s also low enough in calories to add a piece of whole-grain bread or crackers.

5.0 out of 4 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

206

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

40 min

TOTAL TIME

50 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 large russet potato, diced

3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

2 ribs celery, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups cooked turkey, skin removed, chopped

½ tsp kosher salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 cup dry brown or wild rice

1 lemon, zested and juiced

Directions

1

In a large stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, potato, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables begin to soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, stir and cook for 1 minute more.

2

Stir in broth and bring to a simmer. Add turkey, salt, pepper, and rice. Cover and simmer until rice is tender, about 30 minutes.

3

Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cups

calories

206

total fat

3g

saturated fat

0.6g

protein

14g

carbohydrates

31g

fiber

2.5g

sugar

3.1g

added sugar

0.7g

sodium

359mg

TAGS:

Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Low-Fat, Family-Friendly, Appetizer

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5

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (5)

Darren Muir/Stocksy

Instant Pot Chicken Pho

Pho, a Vietnamese broth-based rice noodle soup, has been likened to the Asian version of chicken noodle soup. Many of its traditional ingredients have immune-boosting powers: Lime juice is rich in vitamin C, per USDA data, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and onions contain quercetin, a plant-based compound that research has found to have antiviral effects. Pho can be a fun dish because you can mix and match toppings using whatever ingredients you like or have on hand, like fresh herbs or mushrooms.

contains Fin fish

4.3 out of 3 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

301

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

45 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, quartered

8 ¼-inch thick slices fresh ginger

3 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

1 tbsp coriander seeds (not ground)

8 cups water

1 sweet apple (such as honeycrisp or fuji)

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

3 tbsp fish sauce

½ tsp kosher salt

14 oz rice noodles

2 cups bean sprouts

½ cup fresh cilantro

Garnish with lime wedges, sriracha, and/or thinly sliced red chili peppers (optional)

Directions

1

Select the saute function and allow the pot to get hot. Add the oil, onion, and ginger and brown lightly, stirring only a few times, about 5 minutes.

2

Stir in anise, cinnamon stick, and coriander. Add the water, apple, chicken, fish sauce, and salt. Close the lid and set the cooker to the manual setting on high for 15 minutes. Once it is done cooking, allow to naturally release for 10 minutes. If any pressure remains at that point, release it.

3

Place the rice noodles in a large bowl of warm water until al dente, about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking together.

4

Strain broth to remove any solids, reserving liquid. Pour broth over the prepared rice noodles and garnish with sprouts, cilantro, and any other desired ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cups

calories

301

total fat

5g

saturated fat

0.9g

protein

19g

carbohydrates

45g

fiber

0.6g

sugar

1.7g

added sugar

0g

sodium

681mg

Tips

No pressure cooker? No problem! Simply simmer the broth ingredients in a large stockpot for 45 to 60 minutes before straining.

TAGS:

Fin fish, Gluten-free, Dinner

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6

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (6)

Ivan Solis/Stocksy

Spicy Mexican Vegetable Soup

If you’re a fan of spicy food, it could have the unintended but pleasant side effect of clearing your sinuses if you’re suffering from a cold or congestion, according to the Ear and Sinus Institute. This vegetarian soup also delivers prebiotics, a kind of fiber that fuels beneficial bacteria in the gut, where research has found 70% of your immune system is located. And this veggie-heavy soup is so low in calories it makes a great partner to a salad or half-sandwich.

5.0 out of 5 reviews

SERVES

10

CALORIES PER SERVING

154

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

30 min

TOTAL TIME

40 min

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3 bell peppers (any color), diced

1 red onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp dried oregano

2 tbsp ground cumin

¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

1 28-oz can diced tomatoes

64 oz low-sodium vegetable broth

2 4.5-oz cans diced green chilis

2 15-oz cans reduced-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz can reduced-sodium corn, drained and rinsed

Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, tortilla strips, avocado, Greek yogurt

Directions

1

Place a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil, bell pepper, and red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peppers begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes.

2

Add garlic, stir, and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in oregano, cumin, and cayenne.

3

Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, diced green chilis, black beans, and corn. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cups

calories

154

total fat

2g

saturated fat

0.3g

protein

6g

carbohydrates

28g

fiber

9.4g

sugar

7.4g

added sugar

0.8g

sodium

427mg

TAGS:

Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Vegan, High-Fiber, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Cholesterol-Conscious, Appetizer, Side Dish

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7

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (7)

Bert Folsom/Adobe Stock

Manhattan Clam Chowder

While cream-based New England clam chowder tends to be high in calories and unhealthy fats, its tomato-based cousin nets you the benefits of the shellfish without the junk. Clams are one of the top sources of vitamin B12, according to the NIH, and that nutrient has been shown to assist the body’s immune response against viral infections. This low-cal soup makes a great starter or side.

contains Shellfish

4.3 out of 4 reviews

SERVES

8

CALORIES PER SERVING

145

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

15 min

COOK TIME

35 min

TOTAL TIME

50 min

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds

2 ribs celery

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups no-salt-added tomato passata (strained tomatoes) or canned crushed tomatoes

¼ cup no-salt added tomato paste

1 8-oz jar clam juice

2 6.5-oz cans clams, drained and juice reserved

4 medium gold potatoes, chopped

2 bay leaves

½ tsp dried thyme

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1

In a large stockpot over medium heat, add oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

2

Stir in tomato passata, tomato paste, jarred clam juice, reserved clam juice, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and pepper. Bring just to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.

3

Stir in clams and cook just until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cups

calories

145

total fat

4g

saturated fat

0.5g

protein

6g

carbohydrates

25g

fiber

3.3g

sugar

6g

added sugar

0.5g

sodium

399mg

TAGS:

Shellfish, Mediterranean, Gluten-free, Appetizer, Side Dish

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8

8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (8)

Susan Brooks-Dammann/Stocksy

Senegalese Chicken Soup

Peanut butter in soup either sounds crazy or like the best thing you’ve ever heard. (Trust us, it’s the latter.)This savory soup gets its flavors — which include coconut milk and curry spices — from the West African nation where it originated. Use natural peanut butter to get the protein, fiber, and healthy fats without the sugar shock.

contains Peanuts

5.0 out of 4 reviews

SERVES

10

CALORIES PER SERVING

316

AUTHOR

Kelly Kennedy, RDN

PREP TIME

10 min

COOK TIME

45 min

TOTAL TIME

55 min

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp curry powder

2 tsp ground coriander

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tsp red chili paste

1 cup natural peanut butter

1 13.5-oz can light unsweetened coconut milk

1 tsp kosher salt

Directions

1

In a large stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, 7 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, stir, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.

2

Add curry powder and coriander. Add broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add chicken and bring the mixture to a light simmer. Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.

3

Slowly whisk in peanut butter. Remove from heat, add coconut milk and salt, and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving

Serving size1 ½ cups

calories

316

total fat

21g

saturated fat

4.7g

protein

20g

carbohydrates

10g

fiber

2.7g

sugar

3.3g

added sugar

0.6g

sodium

382mg

TAGS:

Peanuts, Gluten-free, Low-Carbohydrate, Dinner

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8 Immune-Boosting Soup Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest soup to eat when sick? ›

Chicken and wild rice may be the best soup for a cold as each ingredient provides a number of health benefits. Chicken and rice are a great source of protein, onions are known to have antiviral properties, carrots support antibody production, and research has shown that garlic may reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

Does soup boost the immune system? ›

Many soups contain the nutrients the Mayo Clinic advises getting more of when you're not feeling well, mainly those that support your immune system, such as vitamins C and D, beta-carotene, zinc, probiotics, and protein.

What soup has the most benefits? ›

Bone broth-based soups

Bone broth has regained popularity due to its highly nutritious nature. It's made by simmering bones, which produces a broth filled with the bones' nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and collagen — the most abundant protein in your body ( 29 , 30 ).

Why do doctors recommend eating soup when we are sick? ›

Even the warmth of chicken soup can help. Drinking the liquid and inhaling the vapors increase the temperature of nasal and respiratory passages, which loosens the thick mucus that often accompanies respiratory illnesses. Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus.

What is the best broth for when sick? ›

Chicken broth - Chicken broth, chicken stock, or water mixed with one teaspoon Better Than Bouillon, one bouillon cube, or bouillon powder. I prefer an unsalted or low-sodium chicken broth because the miso can add quite a bit of saltiness and you don't want to overdo it.

How can I super boost my immune system? ›

Vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, build immunity against specific diseases. Some additional ways you can strengthen your immune system are eating well, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol use.

How can I boost my immune system very fast? ›

Good choices of foods to boost the immune system include citrus fruits, spinach, almonds, papaya, and green tea. It's worth remembering though, that diet alone can't keep us healthy. It's also essential to exercise, maintain a moderate weight, and limit habits such as smoking and a high alcohol intake.

What foods help fight viruses? ›

Foods that help your immune system

Specific veggies and fruits that reduce inflammation are apples, berries, tomatoes, celery and onions. Add fermented foods. Fermented foods have “good bacteria,” a.k.a. probiotics that help your immune system. Eating more fermented foods also reduces gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Which soup is best for weakness? ›

Broth-based soups are helpful, as it's important to stay hydrated when you're not feeling well. Recipes like Baked Vegetable Soup and Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Kale are flavorful and comforting for days when you need an easy, delicious nutrition boost.

What happens to your body when you eat soup everyday? ›

Your gut health may improve.

Along with adding fiber, getting a variety of vegetables in your soup can "help diversify the good bacteria in the gut, which studies have shown helps keep it healthy and in tip-top shape," says Michalczyk.

What is the No 1 soup in the world? ›

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

What is the best soup to eat every day? ›

6 delicious and healthy soups
  • Chicken Vietnamese Pho.
  • Green spring minestrone.
  • Herb and yoghurt-based soup.
  • Lamb shank and barley soup.
  • Pumpkin soup with star croutons.
  • Lentil and vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Apr 27, 2020

Are all soups good when sick? ›

Chicken noodle soup is commonly mentioned as a home remedy because of its vitamins and minerals; however, if you're not a fan or have dietary restrictions, Vyas says any soup works. "Whatever kind of broth you like or whatever kind of soups you like," Vyas said.

What can I eat instead of soup when sick? ›

The BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) Diet is a top choice of doctors for improving digestive function during a stomach illness. Eating certain bland foods can help alleviate symptoms. In addition to serving small portions of applesauce, bananas, rice and toast, you can also try foods such as: Clear broth.

What can I eat when I am sick but don't like soup? ›

Refined white bread, crackers, and pasta are easy on your stomach if you have diarrhea or vomiting. Foods that reduce inflammation, such as fatty fish and green leafy vegetables, may alleviate cold and flu-related symptoms like body aches. Staying hydrated is essential, no matter your symptoms.

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