Crisp fall days call for hearty meals, and nothing makes me feel better in sweater weather than a big bowl of hearty soup. My favorite soups are nutrient-dense and studded with big chunks of meat or vegetables, designed to keep me full and energized for hours. These bowls ‘o goodness all come in at or under five Weight Watchers points or less and contain layers of flavor that will make you look forward to dipping your spoon in for that first delectable bite.
1. Roasted Carrot Soup
Carrots are one of the most versatile root veggies around and a seasonal fall favorite. This recipe plays up the natural sweetness of roasted carrots and pairs it with silky Greek yogurt and bright ginger. I like sprinkling mine with some crunchy pumpkin seeds for a little textural interest. It’s super easy to make and uses ingredients you probably have in your refrigerator. Each serving will only set you back two Weight Watchers points.
2. Weight Watchers Corn Chowder
I love a steaming bowl of corn chowder, but the calorie price tag can sometimes be a bit too high. This three-point version satisfies my cravings and keeps me on my Weight Watchers plan without sacrificing a bit of flavor. It’s an ultra-hearty lunch or dinnertime favorite, loaded with potato, carrots, garlic, and plenty of corn kernels. I add in a touch of smoked ham and a bit of thyme for additional goodness.
3. Mediterranean White Bean Soup
For just one Weight Watcher’s point, you can enjoy a filling bowl of white bean soup that echoes the flavors of the sunny Mediterranean and is a snap to put together using canned, rinsed beans. Brown rice gives this soup some extra bulk and a dose of complex carbohydrates, and diced tomatoes add additional antioxidants. Finally, freshly chopped basil leaves add visual contrast and an herbaceous element to the end product.
4. Turkey Taco Soup
This one-point soup is the ultimate weeknight meal that goes from the fridge to the table in just over half an hour. It’s also a kid-friendly option that keeps well so that you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s packed with authentic Mexican flavors and is the ideal alternative to takeout tacos. I like to think that it’s a winner on all fronts. You’ll find hearty ground turkey, bright peppers, tomatoes, and beans in every bite.
5. Weight Watchers Beef Stew
If you’re like me, tucking into a big bowl of beef stew is like getting a cozy bear hug on a frosty fall day, and this Weight Watchers version is one of the best renditions I’ve ever had. For one mere point per serving, you can enjoy a dense stew brimming with generous pieces of flank steak, potato, bell pepper, carrots, and peas. I like adding a touch of red wine to the broth to make it extra-decadent.
6. Sweet Potato Soup
Sweet potatoes are nutrient powerhouses, and they work nicely in both sweet and savory dishes. This velvety soup will set you back three points and is a great way to use up the vegetables you have in your crisper while highlighting the star ingredient. Roast your sweet potatoes with zucchini, apples, and onions until golden brown, cook with chicken stock, and then gently blend for a creamy, highly nutritious soup. No zucchini? No worries! You can use other mild-flavored veggies like leeks or cauliflower instead.
7. Weight Watchers Pea Soup
I always serve this three-point soup alongside a bright garden salad if I’m entertaining people for lunch, and it never fails to impress. The pale emerald green soup crowned with croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is sophisticated and simple, and its satiny cream base is packed with peas, spinach, potato, and garlic. Plus, at just three Weight Watchers points per serving, it’s a guilt-free treat that’s elegant enough for company.
8. Lentil Cabbage Soup
I’m always on the lookout for recipes that give me maximum taste bang for my Weight Watchers buck, so this one-point wonder is in my regular rotation once the fall months roll around. It keeps me full for hours, with a combination of stick-to-your-ribs lentils, hearty cabbage, carrots, and pepper. Feel free to add other veggies to the mix if you need to clean out the crisper.
9. Campfire Stew
While this one-point stew would taste incredible by a roaring fire under a starry sky, it’s just as good in the comfort of your own home. Tender chunks of pork loin mingle with big pieces of sliced celery and carrots, diced bell pepper, tomatoes, two different types of beans, and a touch of chili pepper for heat; this cowboy classic has layers of fabulous flavor.
10. Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana
We all love a trip to Olive Garden, but some of this cherished chain restaurant’s fare can seriously derail your diet goals. Instead, make your own version of Zuppa Toscana for three Weight Watchers points and satisfy your cravings in a guilt-free way. Turkey sausage delivers tons of flavor without a lot of calories, and Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang to each glorious bowl.
11. Chile Relleno Soup
I like to make this soup for my kids as a weekend treat, and at just one point per serving, I can enjoy it as much as I want. It’s full of smoky, beautifully roasted green chiles, plenty of shredded chicken breast, and warm spices like cumin for an ultra-authentic taste. Plus, the texture is on point, thanks to a cup of Greek yogurt for creaminess without the calories.
12. Weight Watchers Chinese Dumpling Soup
Skip Chinese takeout and indulge yourself with this homemade dumpling soup, which is only four Weight Watchers points per serving. It’s got bright ginger, rich umami soy sauce, dumplings, and a host of vegetables for a dose of nutrients in each bite. I like to sprinkle some freshly sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and a hint of crunch.
13. White Turkey Chili
This chili is a refreshing alternative to more standard options, and it’s zero Weight Watchers points per serving. Also, since it keeps well, you can whip up a big batch on the weekend and enjoy hearty lunches or dinners all week. What makes this dish next-level for me is that it’s full of bold flavors, like smoked paprika, green chilis, and cumin, but they all work beautifully together. Plus, the turkey provides ample protein to keep you going for hours, so you’re not tempted to snack right away afterward.
14. Chicken and Barley Soup
There’s really nothing else on the menu that says “comfort food,” like chicken soup, and this inspired riff with pearl barley is only two Weight Watchers points. This soup is deceptively simple and brimming with nostalgic flavors, like tender pieces of chicken breast, celery, carrot, and a steaming broth seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper. Pearl barley adds some heft and is a fun twist on chicken noodle soup.
When the days start to get shorter, and there’s a bite in the air, reach for one of these classic soup recipes. From stick-to-your-ribs beef stews to delicate vegetable cream soups and everything in between, they deliver big on both taste and flavor and will keep you well within your allotted Weight Watchers points.
