Fall is around the corner, and soon the leaves will begin to turn, and the chill in the air will become more pronounced. When fall comes around, I always think of cozy meals to warm my soul (or maybe as a gift for friends and family, too).
Fall is undoubtedly the perfect season for heartwarming soups that are not only comforting but also incredibly easy to prepare and take to work or school for a delightful packed lunch. Here are ten cozy soups that will make your taste buds dance and your lunch break truly satisfying and stress free!
I’ll include healthy recipe options for each soup, too!
#1: Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy and velvety, Butternut Squash Soup boasts a rich, nutty flavor that embodies the essence of fall. Its common ingredients include roasted butternut squash, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and a dash of nutmeg. With its natural sweetness and smooth texture, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Eating Well has tons of varieties of butternut squash soup, so make sure to check out that index HERE.
#2: Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Packed with plant-based protein and an array of colorful veggies, Lentil and Vegetable Soup is a hearty choice for a filling pack lunch. The soup typically includes lentils, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and spinach, offering a well-balanced, earthy flavor that will keep you energized throughout the day.
Once again, Eating Well comes to the rescue with a healthy recipe that is packed with veggies and sprinkled with parmesan! Check it out HERE.
#3: Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Indulge in the velvety goodness of Creamy Potato Leek Soup, where the mild sweetness of leeks beautifully complements the earthy taste of potatoes. Simple ingredients such as potatoes, leeks, vegetable broth, and a splash of cream come together to create this smooth, soul-soothing soup.
The Skinny Spatula has a beautiful recipe that would pair great with a warm bread, and a cup of tea. It also packs a fiber punch with 32 grams of fiber per serving! It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge, and tastes even better as leftovers.
#4:Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
For a comforting, protein-packed option, I love preparing Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. This soup features tender chicken, wholesome wild rice, carrots, celery, and onions, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will warm you up on chilly autumn days.
The Clean Eating Couple shares a hearty recipe on their blog; they mention how the soup freezes super well, so this is a great recipe to make ahead as a weekday lunch meal prep.
#5: Moroccan Spiced Carrot Soup
Infused with warm spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon, Moroccan Spiced Carrot Soup is a delightful treat for the senses. The soup combines the sweetness of carrots with the gentle heat of spices, creating a truly exotic and vibrant lunch option.
Feasting at Home has a mouthwatering recipe that allspice, honey, and lemons with seasonal carrots. Check it out HERE. Highly rated, this soup is easy to pack ahead for the week!
#6: Tuscan White Bean Soup
Rich and hearty, Tuscan White Bean Soup is a flavorful blend of cannellini beans, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. This rustic soup brings the taste of Tuscany to your lunch break, making it a perfect choice for fall.
Kale Junkie shares a highly rated version of this soup on their blog, and it is truly a hearty feast in a bowl. Check it out HERE.
#7: Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato Basil Soup is a classic favorite that never disappoints. Its delightful combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic makes it a soul-soothing choice for a pack lunch. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a truly comforting meal.
The Virtual Vegan has a recipe that is very pure, with few ingredients, that allows the tomatoes and basil to be the star of the show. Check it out HERE.
#8: Thai Coconut Curry Soup
Transport yourself to the streets of Thailand with the tantalizing flavors of Thai Coconut Curry Soup. This soup combines creamy coconut milk, spicy red curry paste, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs like lemongrass and cilantro, resulting in a bowl of pure bliss.
Fit Foodie Finds uses noodles in their version of this soup, and it looks so filling and satisfying.
#9: Mushroom Barley Soup
With a deep, earthy flavor, Mushroom Barley Soup is a wonderful way to embrace the fall season. The soup typically includes a medley of mushrooms, hearty barley, onions, and carrots, offering a fulfilling lunch option that is both nutritious and comforting.
The Mediterranean Dish shares a version of this soup with hearty chunks of two kinds of (readily available) mushrooms, and fiber-packed pearl barley. Take a look HERE.
#10: Roasted Pumpkin Soup
No fall soup list would be complete without the inclusion of Roasted Pumpkin Soup. Roasting the pumpkin enhances its natural sweetness, creating a heavenly soup that embodies the essence of autumn. Add some spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
Cooking Light (now Eating Well) has a pumpkin soup that incorporates red lentils. Savory spices like cumin and ginger are blended with cinnamon and canned pumpkin. Topped with cilantro, this sounds amazing! Read the recipe HERE.
The Nutritional Benefits of Fall Soups
In addition to their delectable flavors, these fall soups offer numerous health benefits, making them an ideal meal option for the season. Most of these soups are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the abundance of seasonal vegetables they contain. The use of wholesome ingredients like lentils, beans, and wild rice provides an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting a balanced diet.
Moreover, the warm nature of soups can be incredibly soothing during the cooler months. The steamy broth helps keep you hydrated while also providing comfort and relief to your throat and sinuses. Homemade soups also allow you to control the sodium content, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
Preparing Soups in Advance
To make your workweek a breeze, I suggest preparing a large batch of your chosen soup over the weekend and portioning it into individual containers. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer, ready to grab and go for your daily pack lunch. Not only will this save you time during busy weekdays, but it also ensures you have a wholesome and delicious meal readily available.
Also, if you’re looking for the ultimate spill-proof soup thermos, my husband and I use THIS EXACT product from Thermos. Not only does it have two lids for maximum protection, but it is easy to carry, and comes with a foldable stainless steel spoon.
I hope these soups have inspired you and you already feel the cozy season drawing near!