This delicious, healthy Broccoli Soup is thick and creamy without using dairy or coconut cream. Topped with a robust nut and olive pesto, it’s flavoursome and satiating. This soup recipe is gluten-free, paleo Whole30, vegan-friendly, and rich in anti-ageing antioxidants. This post was recently updated!

Healthy Broccoli Soup

I love this broccoli soup for its health benefits AND taste. Made with nutritious vegetables, and lots of healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and olives, it is very high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. 

I originally made it as Whole30 and paleo broccoli soup, so I didn’t use any dairy or flour to thicken it. I also didn’t want the coconut flavour, so I avoided using coconut milk or cream. So what makes it thick and creamy?

Well, the hack is using some white potatoes. The starch in the potato is great for both thickening and making this soup more satiating. It adds that velvety, thick texture. If avoiding nightshades, feel free to use sweet potato or swedes/rutabaga instead. Are Potatoes Paleo? An In-Depth Analysis

This soup is quite satiating and can be served as a main dish. And, with only about 25-28 grams of net carbohydrates per serving, it will suit those following a low-carb or carb-restricted diet, plus it’s gluten-free and vegan-friendly!  

PS. If you want another dairy-free, gluten-free veggies soup, I have recently been obsessed with this curried broccoli cauliflower soup from Salted Plains. Or you can check out these other fall soup recipes.

Olive Pesto

To go with the soup, I made a nut and olive pesto. It’s similar to an olive tapenade – nutty, salty, garlicky with a note of bitterness. While the soup is tasty as is, I use this pesto as a bit of condiment or topping. It adds a more intense and interesting flavour and some crunchy texture.

These toppings would also work well instead of the pesto: crispy bacon bits, fried shallots, shredded chicken or diced smoked chicken, sun-dried tomato pesto or basil pesto.

Nutrition Notes

For a vegetarian dish, it’s very nutrient-dense. I call it an anti-ageing soup with high amounts of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium, indoles, and allium sulphur compounds). 

It’s also rich in vitamin K, which you need for bone health and blood clotting, and many essential minerals. Protein is decent with 8 grams per serving thanks to the nuts pesto, and you’ll be getting plenty of fibre, too. 

This healthy broccoli soup is paleo, gluten-free, Whole30, vegetarian and vegan-friendly. 

Nutrition Macros Per serving (with olive pesto): 365 calories, 35 g total carbs, 7.5 g fibre (28.5 g net carbs), 8 g protein, 24.7 g fat.

More Healthy Broccoli Recipes

How To Make Healthy Broccoli Soup

Find the full list of ingredients, instructions and extra cooking notes below. If you have questions or cook this recipe, please let me know in the comments and make sure to rate this recipe so it’s easy for others to find.

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A collection of healthy dinner recipes that actually taste amazing – flavorful, satisfying meals you’ll genuinely be excited to cook and eat!

Eating well shouldn’t feel hard, and it definitely shouldn’t mean not being excited about dinner. These healthy dinner recipes are proof that food can be both nourishing and genuinely delicious! Think bold sauces, cozy bowls, bright flavors, and meals that leave you feeling good and happy. The kind of dinners you actually look forward to making, not ones you force yourself through because you “should.”

This list is full of go-to recipes that prioritize flavor first, while still being balanced and feel-good. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, feeding a family, or just trying to get out of a dinner rut, these are healthy recipes that you’ll be excited to cook, happy to eat, and ready to make again and again.

Want more dinner ideas? Here are the quickest and easiest around!

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Healthy Dinner Recipes

Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks with Chipotle Sauce

Roasted sweet potatoes topped with creamy chipotle sauce, spicy ground chicken, avocado, cilantro, and pickled onion. My family loves them!

Carrot Soup with Spiced Ground Beef and Pine Nuts

Silky carrot soup topped with spiced ground beef and toasty pine nuts! Bright, savory, warming, all the best things!

Crispy Buffalo Tofu with Caesar Salad

This Buffalo Tofu is SO EASY! A two-ingredient sauce tossed with air-fried crispy tofu, laid on top of a kale caesar salad.

Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl with Balsamic Dressing

The BEST Grain Bowl! Roasted root vegetables, earthy grains, dried fruit, dark leafy greens, buttery goat cheese, and lusciously creamy balsamic dressing.

Crockpot Chicken Bowls with Yellow Rice and Cilantro Pesto

Saucy shredded chicken, yellow rice, pickled onions, greens, and cilantro pesto on top. It’s a flavor and color delight!

Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki

Part bowl, part salad, part sandwich folded up into any kind of bread you like, and I’m here for it in every form.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup with loads of veggies like carrots and kale, beans, chicken, and a lemon rosemary broth. So cozy.

Couscous Salad with Lime Basil Vinaigrette

A bright, zippy, unexpectedly delicious couscous salad that’s packed with sweet potatoes, black beans, spinach, feta, and more – all tossed with a life-changing lime basil vinaigrette!

Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Salmon

My go-to salmon recipe that’s perfect every time! Crisped and golden on the outside, buttery and juicy on the inside, and made in 15 minutes start to finish.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Lime Drench

These lettuce wraps are a SUMMER DREAM. Mountains of crumbled-crisp ground chicken, fluffy quinoa, and/or rice for added satisfaction, and garlicky gingery sautéed veggies in crisp butter lettuce leaves.

The Best Detox Crockpot Lentil Soup

Detox Crockpot Lentil Soup – a clean and simple soup made with onions, garlic, carrots, olive oil, squash, and LENTILS! Super healthy and easy to make.

Sheet Pan Meatballs with Tomato Salad and Green Sauce

Juicy little sheet pan meatballs that are salty, zesty, briney, and so so delicious. Pile them on tzatziki, spoon some punchy green sauce over top, and serve with a simple salad and crusty bread.

Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce

This bowl has it all! The crunch of the tomato cucumber salad, the thin slips of bitey red onion, the golden crisped air fryer chicken cut into tender little strips, a big pile of perfectly chewy Banza, and a dollop of tangy calabrian chile sauce on top.

Roasted Peanut Kale Crunch Salad

OOOH BABY, this salad is so good! Crunchy kale and cabbage, fresh herbs and fresno peppers, chopped peanuts, and a perfect roasted peanut vinaigrette that tucks into all the salad nooks and crannies.

Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad

We’re making a summery salmon with a beautiful, big-flavored basil sauce that is so good, you’re going to want to just drink it. Perfectly-spiced, fresh, and a dinner for everyone!

Avocado Mojo Bowls with Sweet Potato and Chicken

We are living our best bowl life this week. Seasoned sweet potato wedges and chicken meatballs or rotisserie chicken all piled onto a plate with a little puddle of punchy green avocado mojo sauce. Yes, wow, repeat.

Sheet Pan Jambalaya

Sheet Pan Jambalaya: maximum flavor, minimal dishes. Sausage, peppers, onions, shrimp, and cauliflower rice all roasted up on a sheet pan. Big flavor, easy dinner!

Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls

These Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls are LIFE-CHANGING. A bed of garlicky creamy hummus, piled high with spiced roasted cauliflower, and a speckling of fresh lemony tomatoes and herbs.

Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad

Lemongrass Vermicelli Salad – a summer showstopper! A twirl of vermicelli noodles, pan-fried tofu, fresh herbs and veggies, and a lime-and-lemongrass-based sauce that just slips all over the plate.

Chopped Thai-Inspired Chicken Salad

This simple chopped Thai chicken salad has BIG flavors – peanut, lime, soy, chili, cilantro. Topped with a homemade peanut dressing! Healthy and fresh.

Chipotle Tahini Bowls

Healthy and versatile bowls that come together under a generous drizzle of addictingly creamy vegan chipotle tahini sauce.

Chicken Teriyaki Burgers with Sesame Slaw

These Chicken Teriyaki Burgers are amazingly simple while also being ridiculously delicious. Caramelized burgers that are fried up in minutes, a pile of sesame slaw on top, and a perfectly toasted bun. YUM.

The Oliver’s Salad

We’re bringing you the most beautiful salad inspired by the restaurant Oliver’s in Minnesota. Tender salmon, savory peppers and garlic confit, buttery chunks of avocado, fire-roasted corn, bacon bits, and a river of homemade smoky ranch dressing.

Healing Chicken and Rice Soup

Healing Chicken and Rice Soup that is limey, salty, and so fresh! Garlic-ginger-infused broth, shredded chicken thighs, tender jasmine rice, fresh herbs, and peanuts. YUM.

Cilantro Lime Chicken and Lentil Rice Bowls

15 Minute Meal Prep Cilantro Lime Chicken and Lentils! The BEST easy protein powerhouse meal prep. Just 15 mins of prep and totally hands-off cooking!

Roasted Vegetable Bowls with Green Tahini

Roasted Vegetable Bowls! Crispy tender roasted veggies, buttery avocado, all together in a bowl with a drizzle of green tahini sauce.

Smoky Red Lentil Soup with Spinach

This Smoky Lentil Soup is ultra creamy and totally vegan! Packed to the brim with veggies, red lentils, coconut milk, and lots of spices, it’s a total win for the coziest months of the year!

Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

This Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad features red peppers, cabbage, chicken, soba noodles, and a quick homemade spicy peanut sauce. Salads don’t get much yummier than this.

Steph’s Chickpea Curry with Spinach and Rice

Amazingly creamy, saucy chickpea curry served over rice with a dollop of chili crisp and a side of cucumber salad. Ready in 20 minutes!

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato + Kale

Okay, YUMMMM. Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potatoes + Kale! Comforting and SUPER nutritious. Naturally vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free, ALL THE GOOD THINGS.

Yummy Salmon Burgers with Slaw

These salmon burgers are THE YUMMIEST! and made with just five ingredients. The best for a quick + easy high protein lunch or dinner.

Avocado Kale Caesar Salad + Sweet Potato Fries

Avocado Kale Caesar Salad is a life-changer! Kale, avocado, and crunchy seeds drenched in a quick creamy avocado caesar dressing that can easily be made vegan, too. Toss some crispy sweet potato fries in are you are SET FOR LIFE.

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce! A mix of quinoa, cucumbers or kale or spinach, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and pepperoncini!

Golden Soup

Cozy, bright, and healing with power-foods like turmeric, cauliflower, and cashews. Topped with crispy chickpeas. Super creamy and SO GOOD.

Tofu and Brown Rice Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

These lettuce wraps are ridiculously good! Crunchy, fresh, and packed with tofu, brown rice, crispy onions, plus a drizzle of peanut sauce and spicy mayo. Delicious!

Crunchy Roll Bowls

A block of tofu, nicely browned in teriyaki sauce, served on a bed of sticky rice with edamame, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, and a handful of crushed-up crunchy onions, buried under a thick drizzle of extra teriyaki and spicy mayo. 

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Healthy Dinner Sides

One of my favorite go-to healthy dinner formulas is air fryer chicken or salmon served along a few sides. It’s simple, easy, light, and feels like a win all around. Here are my go-to sides to pair with dinner!

• My Favorite Skillet: These healthy nonstick ceramic skillets are PFAS-free, made in the USA, and super versatile! Love them so much.
• Air Fryer: My original dinnertime lifesaver is the Air Fryer Chicken, and there are several recipes above that use the air fryer as well! It cooks food quickly, makes it super crispy, and is easy to clean.
• Instant Pot: I love to use an Instant Pot for healthy soups, but is also my go-to appliance for making perfect rice!
• My Favorite Sheet Pans: Simple, affordable, and perfect for loading up proteins and veggies to roast!

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This creamy chicken taco soup is loaded with protein, fiber, and all the Tex-Mex flavor. It’s easy, filling, and surprisingly light on calories.

Jump to: Overview | Ingredients | How To Make | Watch The Video | Recipe Tips |  Serving Suggestions | Full Recipe Card | More High-Protein Recipes

This high-protein chicken taco soup is a cozy meal with a healthy twist. It’s hearty like a stew, with chunks of tender chicken, smoky spices, sweet corn, black beans, and a creamy base, without the heavy cream. The real trick? Blending cottage cheese with light cream to get that smooth richness without the calorie bomb.

If you’re into high-protein and fiber meals, this one checks the boxes. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers with flavors deepening overnight, and it reheats like a dream.

Nutrition (per serving): ~560 calories, 38 grams protein, 7 grams fiber (estimates based on ingredients used).

 This healthy chicken taco soup is part of my high-protein and fiber meals series. You might also like this baked chia oats recipe, my avocado cottage cheese toast, or my high-protein butternut squash soup.

Watch The Video

What You’ll Need

Here is what you’ll need for this chicken taco soup recipe. Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

For the soup base:

• Chicken breasts – Raw or cooked (rotisserie chicken works!). Great protein source.
• Chicken stock – Builds the savory soup foundation.
• Onion, garlic, red bell pepper – Aromatics that bring the base to life.

Spices & seasoning:

• Ground cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano – Warm, smoky, earthy spice blend.
• Chili or chipotle powder – Optional kick, you can also add canned chipotle peppers.
• Salt & pepper for season in layers.

Veggies & fillers:

• Black beans – High in fiber and protein.
• Corn kernels – Sweet, chewy pops of goodness and high in fiber.
• Diced tomatoes – Adds a little acidity and tomato depth.

For the creamy finish:

• Cottage cheese – Blended for creaminess and protein.
• Light cream – Keeps it smooth without being too rich.
• Cheddar cheese – For that melty, cheesy vibe (low-fat optional, I used regular here).

Toppings (optional but encouraged):

• Avocado – a few cubes for creamy, healthy fats.
• Red onion – sharp and crunchy, finely diced is best.
• Fresh cilantro/coriander – bright and herby, swap for parsley or basil.
• Corn chips or tortilla chips – adds crunch and fun, don’t go overboard though.
• Lime wedges – a fresh squeeze makes all the difference in my opinion.

How To Make Healthy Chicken Taco Soup

Find the full recipe and nutritional information below. Here are some handy step-by-step photos for healthy chicken taco soup.

• Season chicken with salt and pepper and pan-fry in a little olive oil until golden on both sides, then set aside. Don’t worry if it’s not completely cooked through as it will go in the soup. If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step.
• In the same pot, sauté onion until soft, then add red pepper and garlic.
• Stir in all your spices and cornflour, just for a few seconds to wake them up.
• Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and stock. Return the chicken to the pot.
• Simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 10 minutes). If using rotisserie chicken, you can reduce cooking to 5 minutes.
• Blend the cottage cheese and cream until smooth, stir into the soup with the cheddar. If you don’t blend, you will have a few cottage cheese curds in the soup, not a biggy.
• Simmer gently until everything is creamy and thickened.
• Serve with toppings like avocado, red onion, lime juice, and crushed tortilla chips.

Recipe Tips

• Make-ahead: This soup keeps well for 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently so the dairy doesn’t split.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze in portions without toppings. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Skip the first step and just shred it in when you add the beans.
• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or extra chipotle if you like it hot.
• Smooth or chunky: Blend part of the soup if you want a smoother base.

Serving Suggestions

I love this soup as-is in a deep bowl with ALL the toppings: avocado cubes, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It also pairs nicely with a simple green salad or a slice of cheesy cornbread if you want it more substantial.

If you’ve tried this healthy chicken taco soup or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and or sign up to my Newsletter to see more of my delicious food.

More High-Protein Recipes

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Skip the takeout and make this easy baked General Tso’s chicken at home! It’s crispy, saucy, and perfectly sweet with just the right amount of heat, no deep fryer required.

Baked General Tso’s Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: We love boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also be delicious!

How to Make Baked General Tso’s Chicken

The magic of this General Tso Chicken recipe is in how simple it is. Taking a few extra minutes to brown the chicken first makes it golden, crispy, and even more irresistible. Want to skip the oven? Make my One-Pan General Tso’s Chicken. It’s similar to my sweet chili chicken. They are all seriously better than takeout!

1. Cut Chicken and Coat in Egg: Preheat the oven to 350ºF, then spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Crack the egg on top of the chicken and massage it in with your hand to coat the chicken.
2. Toss in Cornstarch: Transfer the chicken to a ziplock bag. Add the cornstarch, seal the bag, and toss to coat well.
3. Sear Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Working in batches, add the coated chicken and cook until browned. Brown the chicken on the outside only; you’ll finish cooking it later.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. 
6. Bake: Pour the sauce over the chicken, then bake for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes so that it is coated in the sauce. Garnish with green onions, then serve with rice or noodles and enjoy!

More Easy Asian-Inspired Recipes

Dinner

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

3 hours 20 minutes

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