After the holiday marathon of heavy meals and endless leftovers, it’s time to lighten things up without sacrificing comfort. A good soup can be the perfect way to ease back into eating like a normal human. These recipes strike that sweet spot between cozy and light—they’re hearty enough to keep you full but won’t leave you feeling like you just ate another holiday feast.
Chicken Lime Soup
Packed with bright lime and bold spices, this chicken soup skips the noodles but keeps all the comfort. It’s a lighter take on two classics—chicken noodle and tortilla soup—making it a great choice for those cold days when you want something flavorful without feeling weighed down.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lime Soup
Instant Pot Bean Soup
This hearty soup brings together a blend of 13 beans and lentils in a rich tomato base. Finished with a handful of Tuscan kale, it’s a quick and easy meal that feels balanced and filling, perfect for cozying up after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
With tender cabbage, a tomato base, and plenty of wholesome ingredients, this soup is a lifesaver for weeknights. The Instant Pot makes it quick, while the light yet hearty flavors make it perfect for a comforting meal that doesn’t overdo it.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Mexican Vegetable Soup
This veggie-packed soup is loaded with quinoa for an extra boost of protein, making it light but filling. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s customizable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, so it’s as practical as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup
Escarole and Beans
A classic Italian favorite, escarole and beans is simple yet satisfying. The combination of greens and hearty beans creates a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, great for when you want something cozy but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Escarole and Beans
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup
Loaded with lentils, mushrooms, green beans, and spinach, this soup is quick to make in the Instant Pot. It’s rich enough to fill you up but light enough to keep things easy, making it a go-to for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup
Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup
Carrots and fennel come together with creamy cannellini beans for a soup that’s fresh yet hearty. This one is great for those days when you want something smooth and flavorful but still light enough to leave room for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrot Fennel Soup
Creamy Root Vegetable Soup
Root vegetables, herbs, and spices team up in this creamy soup that works with whatever you have in the pantry. It’s hearty enough to keep you satisfied but light enough for an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Root Vegetable Soup
Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
This delicata squash soup gets its creamy texture from coconut milk, with a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for cozying up on a cold evening. It’s a great bowl of comfort that feels light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Delicata Squash Soup
Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup
A mashup of two Chinese favorites, this soup combines the bold tang of hot and sour soup with the silkiness of egg drop soup. It’s a perfect choice for those nights when you need something quick, light, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup
Creamy Broccoli Soup
Broccoli takes center stage in this easy, creamy soup that’s topped with crispy shallots for an extra crunch. It’s a lighter take on a classic that’s great for both lunch and dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Soup
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
Brussels sprouts and garlic come together in this creamy soup that’s ready in minutes thanks to a blender. It’s smooth, light, and perfect for quick comfort on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
Thai Red Curry Soup
This red curry noodle soup is packed with bold flavors and comes together in just 25 minutes. It’s a perfect alternative to takeout, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to whatever’s in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup