21 Flavorful Low-Sodium Soup Recipes for Heart-Friendly Meals

A great place to start when making low-sodium soup is with the broth. Store-bought broths often contain unnecessary salt. A small amount of salt can enhance flavor, but most recipes don’t need much. Making your own broth gives you full control over sodium levels — for example, simmer a roasted chicken carcass in a slow cooker with water overnight.

If you want to elevate the flavor, add fresh herbs, a pinch of pepper, or a few aromatics such as chopped onions and carrots. A squeeze of lemon or a dash of spice can add brightness without adding salt.

Ideally, aim for less than 400 mg of sodium per serving. Below are 21 low-sodium soup ideas to inspire your next batch.

1. Garbanzo Bean Soup

Garbanzo bean (chickpea) soup is filling, nutritious and naturally low in sodium when made from scratch. Chickpeas provide fiber and plant-based protein, and the recipe typically includes plenty of vegetables for a hearty, healthy bowl.

2. Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is classic comfort food. Look for no-salt-added canned tomatoes and low-sodium broth when making tomato soup to keep sodium down. Fresh herbs and a touch of cream or olive oil can round out the flavor.

3. Lentil and Tomato Soup

Lentils with tomatoes make a warming, nutritious soup. Many recipes use no added salt in the vegetables and seasonings, so be sure to choose a low-sodium vegetable broth. Green, puy, or black lentils hold up well; red lentils cook faster. A splash of vinegar or a little red wine can add depth.

4. Hearty Potato Soup

A creamy potato soup can be adapted to low-sodium cooking by using unsalted butter and reducing added salt. This style of soup freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal prep.

5. LoSo Vegetable Soup

Using fresh vegetables and avoiding canned or processed ingredients helps keep sodium minimal in a vegetable soup. Recipes that rely on beans and fresh produce deliver fiber and flavor without excess salt.

6. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is easy to make low-sodium because it uses mainly fresh vegetables, beans and small pasta. The key is choosing low-sodium broth and no-salt-added tomatoes so the base remains light and flavorful.

7. Salt-free Chicken Tortilla Soup

Bold spices such as cumin and smoked paprika provide plenty of flavor, making added salt unnecessary. Top with avocado, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, and crisp tortilla strips for texture and richness.

8. Taco Soup

Taco-style soups can be made low-sodium by choosing no-salt-added canned beans or cooking dried beans yourself. Fresh vegetables, lean meat or a plant-based protein and robust spices create satisfying bowls without added salt.

9. Weight Watchers Chicken Enchilada Soup

With fresh vegetables and shredded chicken, enchilada-style soup is naturally wholesome. Use low-sodium broths and no-salt-added canned ingredients to keep the sodium low while enjoying classic Southwestern flavors.

10. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is traditionally salty, but you can reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and relying on deeply caramelized onions for sweetness and depth. The flavor may be a little different from the classic version, but it’s still comforting and delicious.

11. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a soothing, hydrating option when you’re under the weather. Choose low-sodium chicken stock or homemade stock and whole-food ingredients to avoid excess salt.

12. Smoked Tomato Bisque

This smoked tomato bisque focuses on paprika’s smokiness rather than salty condiments. Keeping ingredients whole and using minimal processed items preserves natural flavor while lowering sodium. Many recipes can be cooked in a single pan for convenience.

13. Vegan Pho

Traditional pho is richly flavored but often salty. A low-sodium vegan version uses low-sodium vegetable broth with garlic, ginger, rice vinegar and a touch of brown sugar for balance. Add tofu and fresh herbs for protein and brightness.

14. Carrot and Coriander Soup

Simple ingredients — carrots, coriander (cilantro), potato and onions — make this soup easy to keep low in sodium. Use a low-salt broth or water and finish with fresh herbs for a bright, healthy bowl.

15. Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot and ginger pair beautifully; ginger adds warmth and may support immune health. Using water as the base eliminates added sodium, though a low-sodium broth will increase flavor. A pinch of turmeric complements this combination.

16. 10-Hour Curried Lentil Soup

A slow-cooked curried lentil soup brings out the lentils’ nutrition — iron, fiber and protein — and develops rich curry flavors. If using canned lentils or broth, choose low-sodium versions to keep the dish heart-healthy.

17. Tuscan White Bean and Kale Soup

This crockpot-style soup features white beans, kale and an optional shredded chicken addition. Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, or make your own, to control the salt and keep the soup nourishing and filling.

18. Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is rich in fiber and flavor. Fresh lime juice and cilantro brighten the dish, and using no-salt-added canned beans or home-cooked beans helps keep sodium low while retaining bold taste.

19. One Pot Vegetable, Bean and Barley Soup

A single-pot vegetable, bean and barley soup is nutrient-dense and filling. Barley adds texture and bulk without fat or salt. Most of the work is chopping — then everything simmers together for a thick, satisfying result.

20. Potato, Leek, and White Bean Soup

Adding white beans to classic potato-leek soup boosts protein and fiber. The potatoes create a naturally creamy texture without dairy. Choose a low-sodium broth to keep the flavor balanced and heart-healthy.

21. Green Pea and Basil Soup

Pea and basil is a fresh, slightly unexpected pairing that works very well. Peas provide protein and a bright color, while basil adds aromatic lift. With just peas, basil, green onions, water or low-sodium broth, oil, pepper and a small amount of salt, this soup is simple and satisfying.