If you’re craving a comforting, tangy, and creamy soup that’s both satisfying and low in SmartPoints, look no further than WW Creamy Dill Pickle Soup (known as Zupa Ogórkowa in Polish). This hearty, flavorful soup features the rich taste of dill pickles paired with creamy broth, making it a perfect fit for those following the WW (formerly Weight Watchers) program or anyone looking for a low-carb, low-calorie option without compromising on taste.

Zupa Ogórkowa is a classic Polish soup that has been enjoyed for generations, and it’s especially popular during the colder months. Traditionally, it’s made with pickled cucumbers and sour cream, creating a delicious balance of tangy and creamy flavors. In this WW-friendly version, we’ve lightened it up by using lower-fat ingredients and keeping it low in SmartPoints, so you can enjoy this warm and comforting soup guilt-free.

This soup is not only perfect for those on a weight loss journey, but it’s also ideal for anyone looking for a tasty, low-calorie, and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re having it as a light meal, an appetizer, or as part of a larger spread, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (you can also use homemade broth if preferred for better flavor and fewer preservatives)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for a more neutral flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for creaminess)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed (or use fresh dill if available)
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (for added warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste, especially since the pickles will add saltiness)

For the Pickle Flavor:

  • 2 cups dill pickles, finely chopped (choose full-sour pickles for the best flavor, or use bread-and-butter pickles for a slightly sweeter soup)
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice (from the jar of pickles, this adds tanginess)

For the Creamy Element:

  • 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (this will provide the creaminess without the added fat of sour cream)
  • 1/4 cup light cream cheese (for extra creaminess without the heavy calories)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (for a low-calorie alternative to heavy cream)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh dill (for garnish, adds a burst of fresh flavor)
  • A few extra pickle slices (for an added tangy kick)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Soup Base

  1. Heat the olive oil: In a large stock pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This oil will help to sauté the vegetables and bring out their natural flavors.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. This will add a savory base to the soup.
  3. Add the potatoes and carrots: Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. These vegetables will provide the body and texture for the soup.
  4. Pour in the broth: Add the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything to combine. The broth will serve as the base of your soup, and it will help soften the potatoes and carrots as they cook.
  5. Season the soup: Sprinkle in the dried dill weed, black pepper, and salt (if using). Dill is the star herb in this soup, and the ground black pepper will add depth to the overall flavor profile. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  6. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Step 2: Incorporate the Pickles and Pickle Juice

  1. Add the chopped dill pickles: Once the potatoes and carrots are tender, add the finely chopped dill pickles to the pot. These pickles provide the signature tang and acidity that give Zupa Ogórkowa its distinct flavor.
  2. Pour in the pickle juice: Add the 1/2 cup of pickle juice to the pot. The pickle juice adds another layer of tanginess to the soup, ensuring it has the right level of tartness that is characteristic of this Polish dish. Stir everything together.
  3. Simmer the soup: Let the soup continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

  1. Mix the yogurt, cream cheese, and almond milk: In a small bowl, combine the non-fat Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, and unsweetened almond milk. Stir until smooth and well combined. This mixture will create a creamy base for your soup without the need for heavy cream.
  2. Temper the cream mixture: To prevent curdling, gradually add a few ladles of hot soup broth into the cream mixture while stirring. This step warms the cream base, so it won’t curdle when added to the soup.
  3. Add the cream mixture to the soup: Slowly pour the tempered cream mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. This will create the signature creamy texture of Zupa Ogórkowa, while keeping the soup light and WW-friendly.
  4. Stir and adjust seasoning: Once the creamy base is added, stir everything to combine. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more dill, pepper, or salt as needed. If the soup needs more tang, you can add a little extra pickle juice.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

  1. Simmer for final flavor meld: Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
  2. Serve the soup: Ladle the creamy dill pickle soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh dill for a burst of flavor and a touch of green.
  3. Optional garnish: Add a few pickle slices to the top of each bowl for an extra kick of tanginess and visual appeal.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g (Net Carbs: 6g)
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

SmartPoints (WW Calculation)

This WW Creamy Dill Pickle Soup is an excellent choice for anyone following the WW program, with a low SmartPoint count per serving. The combination of non-fat Greek yogurt, low-sodium broth, and pickles provides a satisfying and flavorful soup while keeping the points low.

  • SmartPoints per serving (1 bowl): 4 SmartPoints (Based on the standard recipe and serving size of 6 servings)

This soup is a great way to enjoy a creamy, comforting dish without breaking your SmartPoints budget. It’s also an excellent option for meal prep, as you can prepare a large batch of soup and enjoy it throughout the week.

Tips and Variations for WW Creamy Dill Pickle Soup

  1. Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also add some extra vegetables like celery or parsnips for added flavor.
  2. Add Protein: If you want to make this soup even heartier, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey breast to the soup for extra protein without adding many SmartPoints.
  3. Make it Spicier: If you prefer a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup along with the pickles for a spicy twist.
  4. Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free yogurt and replace the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative. You can also substitute coconut milk for almond milk if you prefer a richer dairy-free option.
  5. Pickle Variety: Experiment with different types of pickles, such as bread-and-butter or spicy dill pickles, depending on the flavor profile you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to balance the sweetness or spiciness of the pickles.
  6. Meal Prep: This soup is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth if it becomes too thick.
  7. Add Greens: To increase the nutritional value of this soup, add some leafy greens like spinach or kale. They will wilt nicely into the soup and provide extra vitamins and minerals.

Why You’ll Love This WW Creamy Dill Pickle Soup

This WW Creamy Dill Pickle Soup offers a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, while being light and low in SmartPoints. Whether you are following the WW program or simply looking for a nutritious