Can I make salmon soup without potatoes?

Yes, you can make salmon soup without potatoes. For a low-carb option, swap potatoes with cauliflower, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.

Can I use canned salmon in salmon soup?

Yes, canned salmon works well in salmon soup. Add it at the end of cooking since it’s already cooked, just heat through gently before serving.

How do I make creamy salmon soup?

To make creamy salmon soup, stir in ½ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This gives the soup a velvety, rich texture.

Can I freeze salmon soup?

Yes, salmon soup can be frozen. For the best results, freeze the broth and vegetables only, then add fresh salmon when reheating to avoid overcooked fish.

What’s the difference between salmon chowder and salmon soup?

Salmon chowder is cream-based, thicker, and more filling, while salmon soup is broth-based, lighter, and fresher with more emphasis on herbs and citrus.

How do I know when salmon is done in soup?

Salmon is done when the flesh turns opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For a softer texture, remove at 135°F.

Can I prepare salmon soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare salmon soup ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days. For the best flavor, add lemon juice and dill just before serving.

What herbs go best in salmon soup?

Fresh dill is the classic herb for salmon soup, but parsley, thyme, or chives can also be used to complement the fish and vegetables.

Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Yes, you can substitute other firm fish like cod, halibut, or trout. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the thickness of the fish.

How long does salmon soup last in the fridge?

Salmon soup lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the salmon.

Can I make salmon soup spicy?

Yes, to make salmon soup spicy, add chili flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a splash of hot sauce when sautéing the aromatics.

Can I thicken salmon soup?

Yes, mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the broth or add a cornstarch slurry to create a slightly thicker consistency without cream.

What side dishes go well with salmon soup?

Salmon soup pairs well with crusty bread, rye bread, garlic toast, or light sides like green salad, roasted vegetables, or cucumber salad.

Dinner Ideas

Salmon Soup – Omega-3 Rich Recipe

Name: Easy Salmon Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 4 green onions, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ green bell pepper, chopped; 1 oz fresh dill, chopped (divided); 5 cups chicken broth or fish stock; 1 lb gold potatoes, thinly sliced into rounds; 1 carrot, thinly sliced into rounds; 1 tsp dried oregano; ¾ tsp ground coriander; ½ tsp ground cumin; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into large chunks; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Remaining fresh dill

by Patricia Jannet

August 28, 2025

Homemade salmon soup with vegetable, lemon and fresh herbs

Jump to Recipe

Salmon soup is one of those timeless dishes that feels both comforting and refreshing, with tender chunks of fish that flake apart in a golden, herb-scented broth. The aroma of garlic and dill mingles with the brightness of lemon, while thinly sliced potatoes and carrots add soft texture and heartiness. This easy salmon soup recipe draws inspiration from Scandinavian kitchens, where light yet nourishing fish soups are a family tradition. It’s a healthy salmon soup you can prepare at home in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. If you’ve been searching for how to make salmon soup at home, this recipe is your invitation to ladle up a warm bowl tonight.

What Makes This So Irresistible

Ready in just 25 minutes – The perfect weeknight recipe.
Healthy and nourishing – Loaded with salmon protein, omega-3s, and veggies.

Bright and refreshing – Lemon zest and dill keep it light.
Comforting but not heavy – A flavorful broth instead of cream.
Beginner-friendly – No fancy techniques needed.
Versatile – Works with salmon fillets, leftover fish, or even canned salmon.

Ingredients for Easy Salmon Soup

Aromatics (Sofrito Base)

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 green onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ green bell pepper, chopped
1 oz fresh dill, chopped (divided)

Broth & Vegetables

5 cups chicken broth (or fish stock for deeper flavor)
1 lb gold potatoes, very thinly sliced into rounds
1 carrot, thinly sliced into rounds
1 tsp dried oregano
¾ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cumin
Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste

Salmon

1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into large chunks

Finishing Touch

Zest & juice of 1 lemon
Remaining fresh dill

Dietary swaps:

Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free as written.
Low-carb: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets.
Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup cream or coconut milk.

Bowl of healthy salmon soup with dill, carrots, and fresh herbs — Nourishing salmon soup made with fresh dill, carrots, and tender salmon chunks.

How to Make Easy Salmon Soup – Step by Step

Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add green onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in half the fresh dill for 30 seconds.

Step 2 – Build the Broth

Pour in the broth. Add potatoes, carrots, oregano, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 3 – Add the Salmon

Season salmon chunks with salt. Gently lower into the simmering pot. Reduce heat and cook for 3–5 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4 – Finish & Brighten

Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, juice, and remaining fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve hot with crusty bread.

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets for the Best Salmon Soup

Don’t overcook salmon – Remove from heat once it turns opaque and flakes easily.
Use fish stock for richer depth of flavor.
Slice vegetables thinly so they cook quickly and evenly.
Add dill at the end to preserve its fresh flavor.

Lemon is key – Zest and juice lift the soup.
Taste as you go – Adjust salt depending on broth base.
Make ahead – Flavors deepen after a few hours.
Add greens – Spinach or kale make it extra nutritious.

For a creamy version – Stir in cream or coconut milk.
Finish with butter – Adds silkiness without cream.

Easy salmon soup recipe with potatoes, carrots, and herbs — Easy homemade salmon soup served with crusty bread for the perfect weeknight dinner.

Variations & Substitutions

Scandinavian-style: Add cream and more dill.
Mediterranean-style: Use olive oil, tomatoes, and parsley.
Asian twist: Add ginger, soy sauce, and bok choy.
Budget-friendly: Use canned salmon.
Low-carb version: Swap potatoes for zucchini.

Best Ways to Serve Salmon Soup

Weeknight dinner – With crusty bread or garlic toast.
Light lunch – Pair with a green salad.
Entertaining – Serve in small bowls as a starter.
Meal prep – Portion into jars for quick grab-and-go meals.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 26 g
Carbs: 22 g
Fat: 9 g
Fiber: 4 g

Storage & Reheating Guide

Fridge: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezer: Best to freeze before adding salmon. Add fresh fish when reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove; avoid boiling to prevent overcooked salmon.

Kitchen Questions, Solved (FAQs)

Q: Can I make salmon soup ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well, though add lemon just before serving to keep flavor bright.

Q: How do I know salmon is done?
It turns opaque, flakes with a fork, and reaches 145°F (or 135°F for medium).

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely, thaw fully and pat dry before adding.

Q: Is salmon soup healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, omega-3s, and vegetables.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, the base is already dairy-free.

Q: What goes well with salmon soup?
Crusty bread, grain salads, or roasted veggies.

Q: Can I use canned salmon?
Yes — add at the end, just enough to warm through.

Q: Can I make this spicy?
Add chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño with the aromatics.

Q: Can I use other fish?
Yes, cod, halibut, or trout work well.

Q: How do I thicken the broth?
Mash some of the potatoes into the soup base.

Scandinavian-style salmon soup with fresh vegetables and dill — Traditional Scandinavian salmon soup (lohikeitto) with dill, lemon, and hearty vegetables.

Delicious Inspirations for Next Time

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you know how to make the best salmon soup at home — light, healthy, and packed with flavor. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish for entertaining, this soup is one you’ll make again and again.

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