Soup and Salad

Soup and Salad is a classic, comforting combination that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether it’s a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup paired with a crisp green salad or a hearty lentil soup alongside a vibrant Mediterranean salad, this pairing offers a balanced meal that combines the rich, savory flavors of soup with the refreshing, crunchy textures of salad. It’s perfect for any season, from cozy winter days to light, refreshing spring afternoons.

I first made Soup and Salad when I was craving something hearty yet light. The combination of a warm, nourishing soup with a crisp salad made the meal feel balanced and comforting. It quickly became a go-to for easy weeknight dinners, and I loved how simple it was to customize based on what I had in the fridge.

What I love most about Soup and Salad is the endless possibilities. You can choose from a variety of soups—brothy, creamy, or chunky—and pair them with different types of salads. From classic Caesar or Greek salads to inventive combinations with fruits, nuts, and cheese, there’s a soup and salad combo for every taste. It’s an easy, satisfying way to enjoy a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Perfect for:

Light lunches
Dinner
Meal prepping
Family gatherings
Fresh food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Soup and Salad will become your go-to meal:

Comforting and Hearty: The warm soup is rich and full of flavor, perfect for cozy meals.
Refreshing Contrast: The crisp salad offers a refreshing balance to the warm, savory soup.
Packed with Vegetables: Both the soup and salad are loaded with a variety of nutritious vegetables.
Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients in both the soup and salad to suit your preferences.
Full of Flavor: A mix of herbs, spices, and fresh produce elevates the taste of both components.
Healthy and Nourishing: Low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a cold winter day or a warm summer evening, this meal is always satisfying.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The soup can be made in advance and stored for a few days, and the salad ingredients can be prepped ahead of time.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish is ideal for meal prepping, as the ingredients store well and are easy to assemble.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium potato, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
1 apple, sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory base for the soup without overpowering the flavors of the veggies.
Mixed Greens: A variety of greens adds texture, color, and nutrients to the salad.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and bay leaves bring depth of flavor to the soup.
Apple in Salad: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to balance the savory elements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Soup:

Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potato to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften.
Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Remove Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf before serving.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée part or all of the soup.

Make the Salad:

Prepare Vegetables and Fruit: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and apple.
Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Serve:

Plate and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve alongside the salad.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Soup and Salad:

As a Light Lunch: Perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch option.
As a Side Dish: Serve the soup and salad as sides to complement a main course.
With Grilled Bread: Pair with toasted baguette slices or croutons for added crunch.
For Meal Prep: Divide soup and salad into containers for an easy, healthy meal throughout the week.
For Dinner Parties: Present both components in elegant bowls for a sophisticated touch.
With Cheese and Crackers: Add a side of cheese and crackers for extra flavor and texture.
With a Protein: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or beans to the salad for a more filling meal.
As a Refreshing Start: Serve the salad as a light appetizer before a hearty main course.
With Fresh Herbs: Garnish both the soup and salad with extra fresh herbs for added flavor.
For Special Occasions: Ideal for holiday dinners or family gatherings, offering a balanced and light meal.

Additional Tips

Make Soup Ahead of Time: The soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Use Seasonal Vegetables: Adjust the soup ingredients to include seasonal vegetables like zucchini, squash, or sweet potatoes.
Chill the Salad Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, chill the salad ingredients before serving.
Use Homemade Broth: Homemade vegetable broth can enhance the flavor of the soup even further.
Adjust Salad Dressings: Feel free to swap balsamic vinegar with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor.

Recipe Variations

Roasted Tomato Soup and Salad: Use roasted tomatoes for a richer soup flavor.
Kale and Quinoa Salad: Replace mixed greens with kale and add cooked quinoa for extra protein.
Spicy Soup: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.
Vegan Salad: Omit feta cheese and use a dairy-free dressing for a vegan-friendly option.
Grilled Chicken Soup: Add grilled chicken breast or turkey to the soup for extra protein.
Crispy Chickpeas: Top the salad with roasted chickpeas for added crunch.
Add Avocado: Slice avocado on top of the salad for a creamy texture.
Sweet Potato Soup: Substitute the potato with sweet potato for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Citrus Dressing: Add orange or lemon zest to the dressing for a fresh citrusy twist.
Pasta Soup: Add small pasta shapes or beans to the soup for a heartier version.

Special Equipment

Large Pot: For simmering the soup.
Blender or Immersion Blender: For puréeing the soup (optional).
Salad Bowl: For tossing the salad.
Whisk: To mix the salad dressing.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and fruit.
Ladle: For serving the soup.

FAQ Section

Can I make the soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
How do I store leftover salad?
Store the salad components separately (greens, veggies, and dressing) to keep it fresh for up to 2 days.
Can I add protein to the soup?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, beans, or lentils make great additions to the soup.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese, parmesan, or a dairy-free cheese alternative work well in the salad.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or beans to make the salad more substantial.
Can I make the soup spicier?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
Can I skip the honey in the salad dressing?
Yes, you can omit the honey or substitute with maple syrup or agave syrup for sweetness.
Can I use a different type of broth?
Yes, chicken or beef broth can be used instead of vegetable broth for a different flavor.
How do I prevent my salad from wilting?
Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

Conclusion

A Soup and Salad combo is a classic, comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a satisfying appetizer, this pairing is both healthy and delicious. The combination of a warm, flavorful soup with a fresh, crisp salad provides the ideal balance of comfort and crunch.

The magic of this duo is in the variety of possibilities. You can choose from a creamy, hearty soup like potato leek or tomato basil, or a lighter option like a vegetable or chicken broth-based soup. Pair it with a fresh salad made with leafy greens, crisp vegetables, and your favorite toppings like avocado, nuts, or cheese. Drizzle it with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, and you have a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

I’d love to see your Soup and Salad creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty combos. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any fun variations or soups and salads that made your meal uniquely yours!