Healthy Potato Leek Soup Recipe (Without Cream!)

This Healthy Potato Leek Soup uses fat-free Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and doesn’t skimp on the flavor! Shallots, saffron and cayenne are all used to spice up this creamy soup.

Side view of bowl of potato leek soup served with chopped green onions and a swirl of yogurt.

When Rick and I first started dating and I learned that Potato Leek Soup was not only one of his favorite soups, but also one of his favorite foods, I set myself out on a mission to create the most delicious bowl of it that I could.

I started playing around with some recipes – Some were made creamy with heavy cream, others buttermilk, one even added in some crème fraiche. And, much to my surprise – They all kept the ingredients really simple – Potato, leek, cream, pepper and maybe a sprinkling of chives.

I wanted a bit more.

My version ups the flavorings a bit. Instead of just potato and leek, I threw some shallots in there too. They sweeten things up a bit and give an extra layer of flavor right from the get go.

After that, I didn’t want to get too complicated – this is Potato Leek Soup after all… I really wanted the potato flavor to shine through. But, for good measure, I threw in a pinch of saffron and a dash of cayenne. Just for that little hint of something extra.

Oh, and instead of using heavy cream or crème fraiche, I lightened this soup up by using greek yogurt as a stand in. Not only is it fat-free, but it also gives a nice tang to the soup while still adding that great rich, creamy texture.

Bowl of potato leek soup topped with sliced green onions.

Ingredients needed

  • Russet Potatoes 
  • Bone Broth – Or, chicken stock.
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Butter & Olive Oil
  • Leeks – See below for my tips on how best to clean leeks.
  • Shallot
  • Celery
  • Dry Vermouth – Or, white wine.
  • Bay Leaf & Dried Thyme
  • Saffron & Cayenne
  • Salt & pepper

How to make it

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once melted, add leeks, shallot and celery. Saute until softened.
  • Increase heat to high and add white wine. Cook until reduced.
  • Add the chicken stock, potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, saffron & cayenne to the pot and bring to boil.
  • Boil until the potatoes are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaf.
  • Add greek yogurt.
  • Using an immersion blender (or in batches in a blender or food processor), blend the soup until smooth. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
  • Serve immediately or return to pot and keep warm until ready to serve.

Recipe tips

  • To easily clean your leeks, thinly slice them and place in a large bowl filled with cold water. Let the leeks soak for a few minutes to allow the grit to sink to the bottom of the bowl. The leeks will float to the top. When ready to use, scoop them out with a slotted spoon or your hands, allowing the grit to remain at the bottom of the bowl.
  • I generally use white vermouth in place of white wine for my cooking. It keeps indefinitely on your counter and lets you keep that good wine for drinking!
  • If you can get your hands on some white pepper, try that in place of black. It’s got a bit more of a delicate flavor and won’t color your soup.

How to make ahead & store

  • Refrigerator: Leek and potato soup will last in the fridge for 3-5 days when stored tightly covered.
  • Freezer: You can freeze leek and potato soup for up to three months.

What to serve with it

Overhead shot of two bowls of potato leek soup on table with grey dish cloth.

Wine pairings

  • This soup would pair wonderfully with a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris or Chardonnay.
  • If you’re looking for a red option, go with a light-bodied variety like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais Nouveau.

More potato recipes

More creamy soup recipes

Did you try this healthy potato and leek soup?

If you loved this healthy leek and potato soup, I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a ⭐️star review⭐️! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Two bowls of potato leek soup shot from overhead and garnished with green onions, parsley and a dollop of yogurt.

Healthy Potato Leek Soup

This Healthier Creamy Potato Leek Soup uses fat-free Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and doesn’t skimp on the flavor! Shallots, saffron and cayenne are all used to spice up this creamy soup.
5 from 30 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil and butter in dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat. Once foaming has subsided, add leeks, shallot and celery. Saute 5-8 minutes until vegetables have softened.
  • Increase heat to high and add white wine. Cook until evaporated.
  • Add the chicken stock, potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, saffron & cayenne to the pot and bring to boil.
  • Boil until the potatoes are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leaf.
  • Add greek yogurt.
  • Using an immersion blender (or in batches in a blender or food processor), blend the soup until smooth. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
  • Serve immediately or return to pot and keep warm until ready to serve.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 773mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 12.4mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg

This recipe was originally published in 2017. It was updated in 2023 to add new information. The healthy potato soup recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

21 thoughts on “Healthy Potato Leek Soup Recipe (Without Cream!)”

  1. Yummm!! My mom makes leek and potato soup and I’ve tried a couple times but I’ve never blended it before and sometimes the leeks get kinda watery. Blending is a good idea!
    GORGE photos as always!!

    Reply
  2. I love the idea of making it healthier here with yogurt and that it adds an extra tang! I would probably still use white wine though instead: I have more of it and 1/4 cup isn’t too much and then I can start sipping the rest of the bottle from then on and through dinner…

    Reply
  3. looks amazing sounds amazing.my hubby only likes cream soups. several recipes for reg chicken soup for me only. what id like to know and i am waiting for my first ever pair eyeglasses, so i might not be seeing the picture right but it looks like a pita or tortilla shell, maybe naan, in the bowl of soup. may i ask what i am seeing please? thanks muchly

    Reply
  4. 5 stars
    Just made this for my daughter who has a cold and a sore throat. It was absolutely delicious and the cayenne is lovely when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  5. 5 stars
    This was delicious. I used all of the seasonings as per the recipe. The one change I made is that I only blended 1/2 of the soup. It gave the soup a little texture that we liked. Also topped with chopped scallions. It was very flavorful and will make again.

    Reply

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