If you’re craving something that refreshes both body and soul after the holiday indulgences, this Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating is exactly what you need. Bursting with bright, cleansing citrus flavors, it feels light yet satisfying, making it the perfect way to start your healthy routine for the year ahead. Every spoonful brings a gentle warmth and an invigorating mix of wholesome ingredients designed to nourish you inside and out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish full of flavor and nourishment. Each component plays a vital role, balancing texture, depth, and that signature citrusy punch you’ll love.
- Chicken breast: Provides lean protein to keep you feeling full and energized.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright, refreshing citrus notes that brighten the entire soup.
- Garlic: Infuses warmth and subtle pungency, supporting the cleansing theme.
- Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
- Celery: Brings a crisp, slightly bitter undertone that balances the flavors beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful base, tying everything together with comforting depth.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel while keeping it wholesome.
- Salt: Enhances the natural tastes without overpowering.
- Pepper: Gives a gentle kick that rounds out the soup perfectly.
How to Make Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating
Step 1: Gently Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by heating your chicken broth in a large pot, then add the chicken breast along with chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic. The key here is to let everything simmer gently so the chicken cooks through while the vegetables soften slowly, allowing their flavors to meld into the broth without losing their character.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. This shredding creates perfect bite-sized pieces that will soak up the soup’s bright flavors as you blend everything back together.
Step 3: Return the Chicken to the Pot and Add Lemon Juice
Pop the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir in fresh lemon juice. This step is crucial because the lemon juice not only brightens the soup but also gives it that refreshing, cleansing quality every spoonful promises. It’s where the magic of this Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating really shines.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add salt and pepper to taste, then let the soup simmer just long enough for all the flavors to marry beautifully. This short simmer ensures the lemon juice’s freshness stays vibrant while everything else harmonizes into a comforting, nourishing bowl.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Fresh
Finally, ladle your vibrant Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating into bowls and get ready to enjoy a meal that feels like a fresh start in every sip. The warmth and brightness make it ideal for any day you want to feel light and satisfied.
How to Serve Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating
Garnishes
Elevate your soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices on top. These garnishes add a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness, making every bowl feel that much more inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Keep the meal light and wholesome with crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. These pairings complement the soup’s gentle flavors while adding a satisfying texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini mugs as an appetizer at a New Year’s brunch or pour it over cooked quinoa for a heartier, protein-packed meal. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out lemon halves for a charming presentation that ties back to the soup’s bright citrus essence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and prevent any absorption of other aromas from your fridge.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some soup for busy days, go ahead and freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zipper bags, leaving some space for expansion. When frozen properly, it can last up to three months without losing its delicious taste.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup on the stove over low to medium heat to keep the chicken tender and the lemon flavor lively. Avoid boiling to maintain the soup’s fresh, bright quality. Stir occasionally until warmed through and enjoy as if it were freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken in the Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating?
Absolutely! Turkey breast works wonderfully as a lean protein alternative and will absorb the citrus and vegetable flavors just as well as chicken.
Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
While the base recipe includes chicken broth and breast, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting with vegetable broth and omitting the meat, or replacing the chicken with chickpeas for protein.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans to add extra color, nutrients, and texture without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.
How important is the lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice is a star player in this Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating, giving it a fresh zing that brightens the whole dish. It’s essential for achieving that cleansing, uplifting flavor profile, so don’t skip it!
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep thanks to its simple cooking process and excellent storage qualities. Make a big batch and enjoy nourishing meals throughout the week that stay fresh and tasty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a soup that feels like a fresh start, and this Reset Soup for New Year Clean Eating fits the bill perfectly. It’s nourishing, bright, and comforting all at once, making it an ideal companion as you embrace your healthiest self after the holidays. Give it a try—your taste buds and body will thank you!
PrintReset Soup for New Year Clean Eating
Bright and light Reset Soup perfect for New Year clean eating, featuring tender chicken, a refreshing citrus kick from lemon juice, and wholesome vegetables simmered gently in chicken broth for a cleansing and nourishing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 large chicken breast (about 6 oz)
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the broth and vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery, sautéing gently for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften but not brown.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breast and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breast from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return chicken and add lemon: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer and blend flavors: Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve immediately for a fresh, cleansing start to your day or year.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels for a cleaner taste.
- Add fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for additional flavor if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken breast with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Adjust lemon juice amount to your preferred level of citrus brightness.