Healthy Ham and Bean Soup

This Healthy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is just 277 calories, and has 22.1g of protein per serving.

Plus, you can make this leftover ham recipe in just 15 minutes! It’s perfect for quick dinners after holidays, and even freezes really well and makes a great meal prep lunch or dinner.

As you can see, I used some leftover carrots from my holiday veggie tray! I also used leftover celery from the holiday too, which means you can make this easy soup recipe with lots of leftovers. Saving you money and cleaning out your fridge after a holiday.

Healthy Ham and Bean Soup

I did my best to cut down the article to just the information you really need. Keeping it as short as possible, but if you want to skip ahead or jump to the printable recipe card, these links will take you where you want to go.

Ham Soup Ingredients

Like I said above, this is a great recipe for leftovers! I used the ham and the veggies from my veggie tray after a holiday meal to make this soup. Best of all, the carrots were already sliced and prepped for me.

You can do the same, or use fresh veggies, or even frozen. Either way, this healthy holiday leftover recipe is easy and fast.

Shopping List for Leftover Ham Soup:

• Olive oil spray
• 1 onion 
• 2 large carrots
• 2 stalks celery 
• 4 cloves garlic 
• 2 cups leftover cooked ham 
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley 
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 15-ounce cans white (cannelloni) beans
• 2 green onions  (optional)

How to Make Leftover Ham Soup

I like to add in the ham bone, you don’t have to, and many won’t want to. So I gave you options to use it or not to use it below in the recipe card.

One special note, if you add in the ham bone, it will add a lot of saltiness. You can cut that down by getting unsalted beans, or by adding 1-2 diced potatoes to the soup. (See the nutrition section for ways to cut the sodium down)

How to Make Leftover Ham Soup:

1. Heat a large pot or saucepan over medium high heat.
2. Spray with olive oil and add in the onions, carrots and celery. Cook for 4 minutes, then add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. To the veggies, add the ham and brown for 2 minutes (this boosts flavor).
4. Add in the stock, bay leaves, parsley, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in beans and taste, add more pepper or some salt as needed.
7. Simmer for 2 minutes, until the beans are hot. 
8. Remove the bay leaves, and serve the soup hot, sprinkled with green onions.

Healthy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe

This leftover Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is easy and quick, and you can have 1.5 cups for just 277 calories! Leaving enough “room” for a second serving, or a slice of bread (or a glass of wine).

Nutrition and Calories in Ham Soup Recipes

Ham has a lot of salt, and therefore a lot of sodium. And the high quantity of sodium can be a problem for some. But there are ways to lower the sodium…

How to Lower the Sodium:

1. Get unsalted chicken broth
2. Choose unsalted beans
3. Skip adding in the ham bone
4. Double the veggies
5. Add in 1-2 diced potatoes

The serving size is about 1.5 cups, and the nutrition is based off making the recipe according to the directions in the recipe card above.

Important Note: As a reminder, at Lose Weight By Eating the goal is to make healthier, all-natural versions of your favorite recipes… not all will be “diet worthy” depending on the diet you are on. But they will be healthier versions to help curb your cravings.

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