Save to Pinterest There's something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of homemade soup, especially when it's as nourishing and flavorful as this Turkey and Veggie Zucchini Noodle Soup. This light yet satisfying dish combines lean ground turkey with a rainbow of fresh vegetables and replaces traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist that doesn't sacrifice on taste or texture.
Save to Pinterest Born from a desire to create healthy comfort food, this soup brings together the savory richness of turkey with the fresh crunch of spiralized zucchini. The aromatic base of onions, carrots, and celery creates a foundation of flavor, while fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice brighten the entire dish. It's a perfect balance of hearty and light—ideal for transitional seasons or whenever you need a nutritious meal that warms from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 340 g (12 oz) ground turkey (lean, 93% or higher)
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1.25 liters (5 cups) low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 2
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add ground turkey. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
- Step 4
- Pour in chicken or turkey broth, add thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5
- Reduce heat to a simmer. Add cherry tomatoes (if using) and cook for 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
- Step 6
- Add zucchini noodles and baby spinach. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but not mushy.
- Step 7
- Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8
- Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When spiralizing your zucchini, aim for medium-thickness noodles—they'll hold up better in the hot broth than very thin ones. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or even a regular vegetable peeler to create ribbon-like zucchini strips. For the best texture, be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles; they should retain some bite rather than becoming completely soft.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This soup is wonderfully adaptable. For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño. For extra protein, toss in a can of drained white beans. In autumn, try adding diced butternut squash alongside the carrots for natural sweetness and additional nutrients. For a heartier soup with traditional pasta, replace half the zucchini noodles with small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini (though this will no longer be gluten-free or low-carb).
Serviervorschläge
Serve this vibrant soup in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon on the side. For those who aren't dairy-free, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory dimension. Pair with a simple side salad or a slice of crusty gluten-free bread (if not following a strict low-carb diet) to soak up the flavorful broth. This soup makes an excellent light dinner or a satisfying lunch that won't weigh you down for the rest of the day.
Save to Pinterest This Turkey and Veggie Zucchini Noodle Soup represents healthy eating at its most delicious. It proves that nutritious, low-carb meals can still deliver on comfort and satisfaction without relying on heavy ingredients. Whether you're following a specific eating plan or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this vibrant soup offers a perfect balance of lean protein, fresh produce, and aromatic herbs in every spoonful. It's the kind of recipe that nourishes both body and soul—ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep for the days ahead.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of turkey works best in this soup?
Lean ground turkey with at least 93% lean meat ensures a light texture and rich protein content without extra fat.
- → Can I replace zucchini noodles with another ingredient?
Yes, spiralized carrots or spaghetti squash can be used as alternatives for a similar texture and nutritious add-in.
- → How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming mushy?
Add zucchini noodles towards the end and simmer only 3–4 minutes to maintain their firmness and slight bite.
- → Is it necessary to use chicken or turkey broth?
Using low-sodium chicken or turkey broth enriches the base flavor but vegetable broth can be substituted for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; note that zucchini noodles may soften but flavors develop nicely.
- → What seasonings elevate the taste in this soup?
Dried thyme and oregano add earthy notes, while a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors at the end.