FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Best Healthy Soup Recipe To Detox After Holidays
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Detox Soup
• Veggie Variations
• My Tips For Making Healthy Soups
• Healthy Detox Soup (Easy Recipe) Recipe card
• More Healthy Soup Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Best Healthy Soup Recipe To Detox After Holidays

This detox soup is one of my favorite healthy soup recipes . I can think of very few more classic, delicious, and nutritious ways to eat a bowl of vegetables and chicken — which is exactly what I need after a big holiday meal. But truly, I love this soup so much for just about any day that I’m craving warmth in a light little package. Here’s why:

• Light and comforting at the same time – When you want comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy, it doesn’t get any better than tender chicken and a colorful variety of veggies in a warm, flavorful broth. This delicious soup is just that.
• Packed with protein and veggies – Unlike some healthy soup recipes that include only vegetables, mine includes chicken for a protein boost (but still lighter than my other chicken vegetable soup ). Plus, with an array of veggies, garlic, lemon, and ginger, it’s got lots of different vitamins and nutrients to help detox.
• Super light, healthy soup – Just 136 calories per serving! This detox soup is also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30, paleo, low carb, keto friendly, and just plain good for you.
• Easy to make in one pot – This entire dish cooks in one pot, and most of the cook time is hands-off. It also reheats beautifully, so I often make it ahead. (For other healthy meals you can prep ahead, try my mason jar salad for lunch or egg muffins for breakfast.)

Whether you need to detox after a holiday or just want an easy, healthy soup to warm you up on a cold day, this recipe is perfect. Make a big batch with me to enjoy all week!

“I made the Healthy Detox Soup tonight and both my husband and I loved it! It was easy to make and the ginger and lemon gave it a taste unlike most soup recipes that I have made. It was hearty and a great dinner for a cold winter day.”

-Billie

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy soup recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below .

• Vegetables – I used mix of red and orange bell peppers , onions , broccoli , and cauliflower . See my variations below for more veggie ideas, and most importantly, the right time to add them for the perfect texture.
• Chicken – I use chicken breast most often in my healthy soup recipes, but boneless chicken thighs work, too. The chicken gets cooked in the soup, but if you have leftover oven roasted chicken , rotisserie chicken, air fried boneless chicken thighs , or homemade shredded chicken , you can just add that to the soup instead and skip the 20-minute simmering at step 4. Even leftover turkey works, which would make this recipe a lot like my leftover turkey soup .
• Detox & Flavor Boosters – I make this detox soup with fresh garlic , ginger , and lemon juice for their benefits. Garlic powder and ground ginger work fine if all you need is flavor. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon.
• Broth – I used store-bought , but this healthy soup will be even more flavorful with homemade chicken broth or bone broth .
• Seasonings – Including Italian seasoning , red pepper flakes , sea salt , and black pepper . If you don’t have Italian seasoning, simply dried oregano or thyme works nicely. Turmeric is also a great addition for its benefits.
• Olive Oil – For sauteing. Avocado oil also works great. You can use butter as well, but I recommend lower heat to avoid burning it.

How To Make Detox Soup

This section shows how to make healthy soup, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the aromatics. In a Dutch oven or large pot ( this is my favorite ), saute the onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil, until fragrant.
2. Add the bell peppers, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Saute for a few minutes, until soft.

1. Add the chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Shred the chicken. Remove chicken breasts from pot and shred, then add back in.
3. Cook the soft veggies. Add the broccoli and cauliflower, and simmer until tender.
4. Add lemon and garnishes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. I like to garnish my healthy soup with fresh parsley or fresh basil to serve. Feel free to add any fresh herbs you have on hand, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese!

Veggie Variations

It’s easy to customize this healthy soup recipe with your favorite vegetables. The key is the timing of when you add them to the pot. Here’s how I do it:

• Aromatics – This term is fairly broad, but I consider this anything that adds flavor when sauteed. I recommend sauteing onions , garlic , bell peppers , celery , carrots , and mushrooms , so these are best added in step 2 or 3.
• Hard Vegetables – These are veggies that take longer to cook (usually around 20 minutes), but you don’t really need to saute them. Shredded cabbage , diced butternut squash , and white or sweet potatoes are good examples. Cabbage in particular is a common component in detox soups; if you prefer a more cabbage-forward version, I recommend my other cabbage soup recipe instead.
• Soft Vegetables – Produce that holds more water cooks fast, so I add them in the last 5-10 minutes to prevent them from getting mushy. These include green beans , zucchini , broccoli , cauliflower , and canned beans or corn .
• Greens – If you want spinach or kale in your soup, these will wilt in just around 2 minutes. Peas also fall into this category because they soften so fast.

This gives you some idea for what to add and when. I’ve got more ideas for healthy veggies to add to healthy soup recipes in my low carb vegetable list !

My Tips For Making Healthy Soups

• Cut the same types of vegetables the same size. Uniform pieces will cook at the same rate, which is crucial for a consistent texture. Also keep in mind that smaller pieces are done faster — which is why I prefer to cut everything fairly small, so I can enjoy this healthy soup quickly!
• Feel free to brown or caramelize the aromatics. I usually cook them just enough to soften, but browning brings out more flavor. You can even caramelize the onions if you have extra time.
• I use my hand mixer to shred the chicken. Two forks work fine too, but the mixer is much quicker and easier.
• PSA: Add the veggies at the right time. I’m mentioning it again because it’s so important! This is one of my favorite healthy soup recipes to clean out my fridge — just don’t miss my variations above for what to add when.
• How to make your healthy soups creamy without thickeners: See this creamy chicken soup recipe for my favorite way to thicken soup naturally using veggies, in a way that no one will detect.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 medium Onion (diced) ▢
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (minced) ▢
• 1/2 cup Bell peppers (diced) ▢
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional) ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 6 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
• 1 cup Broccoli (cut into florets) ▢
• 1 cup Cauliflower (cut into florets) ▢
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 3-4 minutes , until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are translucent.
2. Add the bell peppers, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes .
3. Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes .
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
5. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes , until the cauliflower and broccoli are tender.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Don’t miss my recipe tips and variations to help you get the best result in this recipe and how to substitute any vegetables you’ve got.
• Storage & meal prep: This healthy soup stores very well, so I love it for meal prep! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Reheat: Warm up individual portions in the microwave, or a larger portion on the stove.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to zip lock bags or my personal fave, these portioned soup cubes . It stores well in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge if you can, but I’ve reheated it from frozen in a pinch.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Healthy Detox Soup Recipe

More Healthy Soup Recipes

You can never have too many healthy soups! If you like this detox soup recipe, try one of my others next:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Healthy Detox Soup (Easy Recipe)

This easy, healthy soup recipe is my best detox soup! It’s comforting, flavorful, low carb, and loaded with nutritious veggies and chicken.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/detox-soup/

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (minced)
• 1/2 cup Bell peppers (diced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium
• 1 cup Broccoli (cut into florets)
• 1 cup Cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 3-4 minutes , until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are translucent.
2. Add the bell peppers, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes .
3. Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes .
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
5. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes , until the cauliflower and broccoli are tender.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Don’t miss my recipe tips and variations to help you get the best result in this recipe and how to substitute any vegetables you’ve got.
• Storage & meal prep: This healthy soup stores very well, so I love it for meal prep! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Reheat: Warm up individual portions in the microwave, or a larger portion on the stove.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to zip lock bags or my personal fave, these portioned soup cubes . It stores well in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge if you can, but I’ve reheated it from frozen in a pinch.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Best Healthy Soup Recipe To Detox After Holidays
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Detox Soup
• Veggie Variations
• My Tips For Making Healthy Soups
• Healthy Detox Soup (Easy Recipe) Recipe card
• More Healthy Soup Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Best Healthy Soup Recipe To Detox After Holidays

This detox soup is one of my favorite healthy soup recipes . I can think of very few more classic, delicious, and nutritious ways to eat a bowl of vegetables and chicken — which is exactly what I need after a big holiday meal. But truly, I love this soup so much for just about any day that I’m craving warmth in a light little package. Here’s why:

• Light and comforting at the same time – When you want comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy, it doesn’t get any better than tender chicken and a colorful variety of veggies in a warm, flavorful broth. This delicious soup is just that.
• Packed with protein and veggies – Unlike some healthy soup recipes that include only vegetables, mine includes chicken for a protein boost (but still lighter than my other chicken vegetable soup ). Plus, with an array of veggies, garlic, lemon, and ginger, it’s got lots of different vitamins and nutrients to help detox.
• Super light, healthy soup – Just 136 calories per serving! This detox soup is also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30, paleo, low carb, keto friendly, and just plain good for you.
• Easy to make in one pot – This entire dish cooks in one pot, and most of the cook time is hands-off. It also reheats beautifully, so I often make it ahead. (For other healthy meals you can prep ahead, try my mason jar salad for lunch or egg muffins for breakfast.)

Whether you need to detox after a holiday or just want an easy, healthy soup to warm you up on a cold day, this recipe is perfect. Make a big batch with me to enjoy all week!

“I made the Healthy Detox Soup tonight and both my husband and I loved it! It was easy to make and the ginger and lemon gave it a taste unlike most soup recipes that I have made. It was hearty and a great dinner for a cold winter day.”

-Billie

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my healthy soup recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below .

• Vegetables – I used mix of red and orange bell peppers , onions , broccoli , and cauliflower . See my variations below for more veggie ideas, and most importantly, the right time to add them for the perfect texture.
• Chicken – I use chicken breast most often in my healthy soup recipes, but boneless chicken thighs work, too. The chicken gets cooked in the soup, but if you have leftover oven roasted chicken , rotisserie chicken, air fried boneless chicken thighs , or homemade shredded chicken , you can just add that to the soup instead and skip the 20-minute simmering at step 4. Even leftover turkey works, which would make this recipe a lot like my leftover turkey soup .
• Detox & Flavor Boosters – I make this detox soup with fresh garlic , ginger , and lemon juice for their benefits. Garlic powder and ground ginger work fine if all you need is flavor. You can also use lime juice instead of lemon.
• Broth – I used store-bought , but this healthy soup will be even more flavorful with homemade chicken broth or bone broth .
• Seasonings – Including Italian seasoning , red pepper flakes , sea salt , and black pepper . If you don’t have Italian seasoning, simply dried oregano or thyme works nicely. Turmeric is also a great addition for its benefits.
• Olive Oil – For sauteing. Avocado oil also works great. You can use butter as well, but I recommend lower heat to avoid burning it.

How To Make Detox Soup

This section shows how to make healthy soup, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the aromatics. In a Dutch oven or large pot ( this is my favorite ), saute the onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil, until fragrant.
2. Add the bell peppers, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Saute for a few minutes, until soft.

1. Add the chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Shred the chicken. Remove chicken breasts from pot and shred, then add back in.
3. Cook the soft veggies. Add the broccoli and cauliflower, and simmer until tender.
4. Add lemon and garnishes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. I like to garnish my healthy soup with fresh parsley or fresh basil to serve. Feel free to add any fresh herbs you have on hand, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese!

Veggie Variations

It’s easy to customize this healthy soup recipe with your favorite vegetables. The key is the timing of when you add them to the pot. Here’s how I do it:

• Aromatics – This term is fairly broad, but I consider this anything that adds flavor when sauteed. I recommend sauteing onions , garlic , bell peppers , celery , carrots , and mushrooms , so these are best added in step 2 or 3.
• Hard Vegetables – These are veggies that take longer to cook (usually around 20 minutes), but you don’t really need to saute them. Shredded cabbage , diced butternut squash , and white or sweet potatoes are good examples. Cabbage in particular is a common component in detox soups; if you prefer a more cabbage-forward version, I recommend my other cabbage soup recipe instead.
• Soft Vegetables – Produce that holds more water cooks fast, so I add them in the last 5-10 minutes to prevent them from getting mushy. These include green beans , zucchini , broccoli , cauliflower , and canned beans or corn .
• Greens – If you want spinach or kale in your soup, these will wilt in just around 2 minutes. Peas also fall into this category because they soften so fast.

This gives you some idea for what to add and when. I’ve got more ideas for healthy veggies to add to healthy soup recipes in my low carb vegetable list !

My Tips For Making Healthy Soups

• Cut the same types of vegetables the same size. Uniform pieces will cook at the same rate, which is crucial for a consistent texture. Also keep in mind that smaller pieces are done faster — which is why I prefer to cut everything fairly small, so I can enjoy this healthy soup quickly!
• Feel free to brown or caramelize the aromatics. I usually cook them just enough to soften, but browning brings out more flavor. You can even caramelize the onions if you have extra time.
• I use my hand mixer to shred the chicken. Two forks work fine too, but the mixer is much quicker and easier.
• PSA: Add the veggies at the right time. I’m mentioning it again because it’s so important! This is one of my favorite healthy soup recipes to clean out my fridge — just don’t miss my variations above for what to add when.
• How to make your healthy soups creamy without thickeners: See this creamy chicken soup recipe for my favorite way to thicken soup naturally using veggies, in a way that no one will detect.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 medium Onion (diced) ▢
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (minced) ▢
• 1/2 cup Bell peppers (diced) ▢
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional) ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 6 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
• 1 cup Broccoli (cut into florets) ▢
• 1 cup Cauliflower (cut into florets) ▢
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Saute for 3-4 minutes , until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are translucent.
2. Add the bell peppers, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes .
3. Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Simmer for 20 minutes .
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
5. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes , until the cauliflower and broccoli are tender.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Don’t miss my recipe tips and variations to help you get the best result in this recipe and how to substitute any vegetables you’ve got.
• Storage & meal prep: This healthy soup stores very well, so I love it for meal prep! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Reheat: Warm up individual portions in the microwave, or a larger portion on the stove.
• Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to zip lock bags or my personal fave, these portioned soup cubes . It stores well in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge if you can, but I’ve reheated it from frozen in a pinch.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

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