Hearty Salmon Wild Rice Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Joy

Cozy winter evenings call for a hearty wild rice soup with salmon that warms you from the inside out.

This comforting bowl blends rich, tender salmon chunks with earthy wild rice in a creamy broth.

Nutty grains and delicate fish create a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful carries the essence of wholesome, nourishing ingredients carefully combined for maximum satisfaction.

Aromatic herbs and a splash of white wine add depth and complexity to this elegant soup.

Fresh salmon elevates the dish from simple to spectacular, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive starter.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 368 kcal

Servings: 7

Salmon Wild Rice Soup Ingredients to Gather

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and helps develop deep cooking aromatics.
• Onion: Adds sweet, earthy undertone and classic soup base complexity.
• Garlic Salt: Delivers instant umami and balanced seasoning profile.
• Ground Coriander: Introduces subtle citrusy, nutty background note.
• Italian Seasoning: Contributes herbal depth and traditional Mediterranean warmth.
• Black Pepper: Offers gentle heat and sharp complementary spiciness.
• Flour: Acts as natural thickening agent for soup's smooth consistency.

• Chicken Stock: Creates hearty liquid base with rich, savory foundation.
• Half and Half: Delivers luxurious creaminess and silky texture.
• Sweet Potatoes: Provides natural sweetness and substantial body to soup.
• Wild Rice: Introduces nutty flavor, delightful texture, and nutritional boost.

• Smoked Salmon: Brings elegant, smoky protein with delicate maritime essence.
• Spinach: Adds fresh green color, subtle earthiness, and nutritional value.
• Dill: Contributes bright, tangy herbal freshness and elegant aromatic finish.

Tools You’ll Need for Salmon Wild Rice Soup

• Stockpot: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for creating creamy, hearty soups.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending flour and stock without lumps.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps in precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Creamy Salmon Wild Rice Soup from Scratch

• Flavor Foundation

Create a rich base by melting butter and gently cooking onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aromatics.

• Seasoning Symphony

Introduce a harmonious blend of ground coriander, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, then sprinkle flour to create a thickening foundation for the soup.

• Liquid Harmony

Slowly pour chicken stock while whisking, ensuring a smooth integration with the flour mixture to prevent any lumps from forming.

• Hearty Ingredients

Add sweet potatoes and wild rice, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil and allowing the ingredients to cook until the sweet potatoes become tender and the rice softens.

• Protein and Greens

Lower the heat and fold in delicate smoked salmon, vibrant spinach, and fragrant dill, creating layers of texture and flavor.

• Creamy Finale

Gently stir in half and half, warming the soup carefully to maintain its silky consistency, letting it rest to develop deeper flavors.

• Presentation

Serve the soup piping hot, adorned with additional smoked salmon and a sprinkle of fresh dill for an elegant finishing touch.

Cooking Tips for Rich and Hearty Salmon Wild Rice Soup

• Swap regular smoked salmon for hot-smoked varieties to add deeper, richer smoky notes.
• Replace wild rice with barley or quinoa for different textures and nutritional profiles, maintaining the soup's hearty character.
• Prepare the soup base a day early and add salmon, spinach, and cream just before serving to enhance flavor development and save preparation time.
• Convert to gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and selecting gluten-free chicken stock, making the recipe accessible for more dietary needs.
• Replace salmon with firm tofu or smoked plant-based protein alternatives, and switch chicken stock to vegetable broth for a complete vegetarian version that maintains the soup's complex flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Salmon Wild Rice Soup

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty salmon wild rice soup with a crisp green salad and crusty whole grain bread for a complete, satisfying meal that warms from the inside out.
• Elegant Starter Option: Serve in small appetizer portions before a main course, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill and a delicate swirl of cream for sophisticated presentation.
• Wine and Soup Harmony: Complement the rich flavors with a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or a light pinot grigio, which beautifully enhance the smoky salmon and creamy texture of the soup.
• Leftover Magic: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days, knowing the flavors will develop and deepen, making each reheated portion even more delicious than the last.

How to Store Leftover Salmon Wild Rice Soup

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezing Magic: Freeze soup without dairy for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent separation. Stir frequently to maintain smooth texture and prevent scorching.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store spinach and smoked salmon separately from soup base to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture. Add fresh ingredients just before serving for maximum freshness and vibrant flavor.

Hearty Salmon Wild Rice Soup

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty salmon wild rice soup celebrates Pacific Northwest culinary traditions with rich, creamy broth and tender fish. Nourishing ingredients blend seamlessly, offering comfort and warmth in each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (340 grams) sweet potatoes
• 8.5 oz (241 grams) smoked salmon
• 2 cups (340 grams) cooked wild rice
• 32 oz (907 grams) chicken stock
• 2 cups (473 mL) half and half
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) frozen spinach
• ½ cup (30 grams) fresh dill
• 4 tbsps (56 grams) butter
• ½ cup (60 grams) flour
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 2 tsps italian seasoning
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• Extra smoked salmon and fresh dill for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: In a large stockpot, melt butter and slowly caramelize onions until softened and translucent, creating a flavor base for the soup.
2. Seasoning Layer: Integrate ground coriander, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute aromatics evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Thickening Process: Dust flour over the seasoned ingredients, stirring continuously to create a roux-like consistency that will help thicken the soup’s texture.
4. Liquid Integration: Gradually whisk chicken stock into the pot, ensuring a smooth, velvety base with no lumps or inconsistencies.
5. Rice and Vegetable Infusion: Introduce wild rice and sweet potatoes, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer until vegetables become tender and rice is partially cooked.
6. Protein and Herb Incorporation: Gently fold in smoked salmon pieces, fresh spinach, and delicate dill, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and release their subtle flavors.
7. Creamy Finishing: Slowly blend in half and half, carefully warming the soup without boiling, maintaining a silky smooth consistency through consistent stirring.
8. Flavor Development: Let the soup rest briefly, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
9. Presentation: Serve in warmed bowls, garnishing with additional smoked salmon ribbons and fresh dill sprigs to enhance visual appeal and provide a final aromatic touch.

Notes

• Prevent Burning Butter: Melt butter on low heat and watch carefully to avoid scorching, which can create bitter flavors and ruin the soup’s delicate taste.
• Rice Cooking Technique: Wild rice takes longer to cook than other grains, so ensure enough liquid and proper simmering time for tender, perfectly cooked kernels.
• Salmon Delicacy: Add smoked salmon at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate texture and prevent overcooking, which can make it tough and lose its silky smoothness.
• Cream Stabilization: Warm half and half slowly and stir continuously to prevent curdling, maintaining a smooth and creamy soup consistency without separating.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg