Thanks to Progresso™ for sponsoring these simple, satisfying soup-and-salad lunch ideas. I was compensated for my time to create this post, and all opinions are my own.
What do you usually eat for weekday lunches? My job means sometimes I have a freshly prepared meal or leftovers ready at midday because I work with natural light. More often, though, I’m rummaging through the fridge or pantry for something quick. I used to rely on frozen burritos until I developed a gluten intolerance, which made them off-limits. So where does that leave me?
The answer is simple: soup and salad. This pairing gives you veggies and something hot, savory, and filling. A plain salad alone often feels insufficient, but pairing it with a bowl of soup makes a complete meal. I’m not likely to make soup from scratch during a busy day, and that’s where Progresso™ fits perfectly. Their canned soups use real ingredients and have a homemade taste—making lunchtime easy without sacrificing flavor.
Progresso™ offers many light soup varieties—20 in their Light lineup—each around 100 calories per serving, and several are gluten free. Take the Light Clam Chowder, for example: a whole can is just 200 calories (and yes, I usually eat the whole can), and it’s gluten free. Creamy canned soups often rely on flour or higher-calorie bases, so finding a rich, creamy chowder that remains light is a welcome surprise. It’s a great option when you want something comforting without extra calories or gluten.
Progresso™ covers a wide range of flavors, from light Chicken Noodle to Creamy Potato with Bacon and Cheese and Vegetarian Minestrone. Pairing those soups with quick or make-ahead salads makes weekday lunches effortless. Some salads come together in minutes; others keep well in the fridge so you can make a larger batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week. Below are several salad ideas that complement a bowl of soup—choose a pairing based on the flavors you crave and the time you have.
- Warm or Cold Artichoke Salad by Kalyn’s Kitchen: a versatile salad that works warm or chilled, with bright flavors to balance a creamy soup.
- Wheat Berry Salad with White Beans and Toasted Almonds by The Lemon Bowl: hearty and protein-rich, this salad pairs well with lighter brothy soups.
- Cauliflower Kale Salad with Pomegranate by Spoonful of Flavor: crunchy and tangy, it adds texture and freshness to a comforting bowl of chowder.
- Arugula Salad with Glazed Pecans by The Weary Chef: peppery greens and sweet glazed pecans make a nice contrast to savory soups.
- Chipotle Chickpea Salad by The Grant Life: smoky and filling, a good match for simpler, brothy soups like chicken noodle.
- Winter Tomato Salad by Savory Experiments: bright, acidic tomatoes cut through creamy soups and refresh the palate.
- Quinoa Cucumber Salad by The Weary Chef: light, protein-packed, and cool—ideal for pairing with a hot bowl of soup.
- Asparagus Avocado Tomato Salad by Maebells: spring-inspired and creamy from avocado, this salad complements a variety of soup styles.
Thanks again to Progresso™ for sponsoring this post. Consider pairing a can of your favorite Progresso™ soup with one of these salads for an easy, balanced lunch.
