Creamy Salmon Wild Rice Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Heartwarming salmon wild rice soup crafts ordinary ingredients into a culinary symphony that dances across your palate.

Cold evenings call for comfort in a bowl, where rich seafood mingles with earthy grains.

wild rice brings robust texture to this delightful creation, offering deep, nutty undertones that complement the delicate fish.

Creamy broth envelops each spoonful with subtle complexity, balancing maritime flavors and hearty elements.

Regional ingredients elevate this recipe beyond simple sustenance, turning an everyday meal into a sensory experience.

Nutritionists praise the harmonious blend of protein and complex carbohydrates that make this soup both satisfying and nourishing.

Crafted with care and minimal technique, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to create something truly remarkable.

Why Everyone Loves Salmon Wild Rice Soup

• Comfort in a Bowl: This hearty salmon wild rice soup wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy texture and deeply satisfying flavor profile that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich salmon, fiber-filled wild rice, and nutrient-dense spinach, this soup delivers a balanced meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Cooking: Designed for busy home cooks, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, offering a gourmet-style meal without requiring advanced culinary skills or hours of preparation.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Perfect for autumn and winter gatherings, this soup transitions beautifully from weeknight dinner to elegant starter at a dinner party, impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredient Essentials for Salmon Wild Rice Soup

• Smoked Salmon: Rich, delicate fish that adds smoky flavor and protein to the soup, wild-caught or high-quality varieties recommended.
• Chicken Stock: Foundational liquid base providing depth and savory background to the soup, low-sodium options work best.

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy, nutrient-dense vegetable that adds natural sweetness and thickness to the soup, choose firm and bright orange varieties.
• Spinach: Tender leafy green that brings color, nutrients, and fresh flavor, baby spinach works particularly well.
• Onion: Aromatic base that provides foundational flavor, yellow or white onions are ideal.
• Dill: Delicate herb with a light, tangy flavor that complements salmon, fresh dill preferred over dried.

• Wild Rice: Nutty, chewy grain that adds texture and earthy flavor, blend of wild rice varieties recommended.
• Half and Half: Creamy dairy product that enriches and softens the soup's texture, whole milk can be substituted.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables, unsalted butter preferred.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth soup consistency, all-purpose flour works best.
• Garlic Salt: Adds savory, aromatic seasoning, low-sodium version recommended.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that provides complex flavor profile, dried herb mix from reputable brand.
• Ground Coriander: Warm, slightly citrusy spice that adds subtle depth, freshly ground preferred.
• Black Pepper: Sharp, warming spice that enhances overall flavor, freshly ground recommended.

Cooking Salmon Wild Rice Soup – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

• Melt butter in a large stockpot
• Sauté onions until they become translucent and soft

Ensure onions do not brown to maintain a delicate flavor profile.

Step 2: Infuse Spice Blend

• Add ground coriander
• Sprinkle garlic salt
• Incorporate Italian seasoning
• Crack fresh black pepper

Stir dry ingredients to distribute evenly throughout the butter and onion mixture.

Step 3: Create Thickening Roux

Gradually add flour to the spiced mixture

Stir continuously until the mixture becomes slightly clumpy and golden

This technique helps develop a rich, smooth texture for the soup.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour chicken stock into the pot

Whisk continuously to blend stock with the flour mixture

Prevent lumps from forming by maintaining a steady whisking motion.

Step 5: Cook Hearty Vegetables

• Add sweet potatoes
• Introduce wild rice

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil

Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes

Cook until sweet potatoes become tender and rice is almost fully cooked.

Step 6: Incorporate Delicate Proteins

• Fold in smoked salmon
• Add fresh spinach leaves
• Sprinkle chopped dill

Gently stir to distribute ingredients evenly

Keep heat on low to prevent overcooking delicate salmon.

Step 7: Finish With Creamy Texture

Pour half and half into the soup

Increase heat to medium-low

Stir continuously for 10-15 minutes

Allow soup to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.

Step 8: Serve And Garnish

Ladle hot soup into serving bowls

Top with additional smoked salmon pieces

Sprinkle fresh dill for a vibrant finish

Serve immediately while soup is piping hot.

Smart Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Soup

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast ground coriander in the butter before adding onions to enhance its nutty, warm undertones.
• Rice Texture Trick: Rinse wild rice thoroughly before adding to prevent excess starchiness and ensure a perfectly separate grain texture.
• Salmon Selection: Choose high-quality cold-smoked salmon for a more delicate, refined flavor profile in the soup.
• Thickness Control: If soup seems too thin, create a quick slurry with extra flour and cold water to thicken without lumps.
• Herb Freshness: Add fresh dill just before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic qualities and prevent wilting.

Store and Warm Up Salmon Wild Rice Soup Right

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon wild rice soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Stovetop: Gently warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore original consistency if the soup has thickened.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing this soup due to the dairy and seafood components, which can separate and lose texture when thawed. Enjoy fresh for the best flavor and creamy consistency.

What Goes Great with Wild Rice Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will complement the rich, smoky salmon and creamy texture of the soup, cutting through the heaviness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or artisan whole grain bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soup's smooth consistency.
• Fresh Herb Salad Side: Create a light mixed green salad with fennel, arugula, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty wild rice and salmon.
• Sparkling Water Refresh: Opt for a sparkling mineral water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between spoonfuls and enhance the delicate flavors of the smoked salmon and dill.

Spin-Off Ideas for Salmon Wild Rice Soup

• Creamy Salmon Chowder Spin: Replace wild rice with corn kernels and add diced bacon for a heartier, richer soup experience. Keep the smoked salmon and dill for classic flavor profiles.
• Spicy Seafood Edition: Incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and swap spinach for kale. Include small shrimp alongside smoked salmon to create a multi-seafood soup adventure.
• Light Mediterranean Version: Substitute half and half with coconut milk, add lemon zest, and include chopped fresh parsley. Use white fish instead of smoked salmon for a different protein option.
• Herb-Infused Salmon Soup: Expand herb selection by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage. Replace garlic salt with fresh minced garlic and include roasted red peppers for extra depth and complexity.

Salmon Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Wild salmon and rice merge in this hearty Northwestern soup, promising comfort with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Creamy broth, tender fish, and nutty rice create a delightful bowl that warms you from the first spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) chicken stock
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) half and half
• 8.5 ounces (241 grams) smoked salmon
• 2 cups (340 grams) cooked wild rice
• 2 cups (340 grams) sweet potatoes

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) frozen spinach
• ½ cup (30 grams) fresh dill
• Extra smoked salmon and fresh dill for garnish

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter
• ½ cup (60 grams) flour
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a spacious stockpot, gently melt butter and carefully caramelize onions until translucent and tender, avoiding browning.
2. Introduce aromatic ground coriander, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and freshly cracked black pepper into the pot, stirring to distribute evenly.
3. Sprinkle flour over the seasoned mixture, continuously stirring until the ingredients form a cohesive, slightly clumpy texture.
4. Slowly pour chicken stock into the pot, whisking methodically to ensure a smooth, lump-free base for the soup.
5. Add diced sweet potatoes and wild rice, raising the heat to create a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables become tender.
6. Lower the heat and fold in delicate smoked salmon pieces, fresh spinach leaves, and fragrant dill, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
7. Pour in half and half, incrementally increasing the temperature to warm the soup without scorching, stirring consistently to prevent separation.
8. Allow the soup to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the flavors to intensify and the liquid to reach a rich, creamy consistency.
9. Ladle into warm bowls and adorn with additional smoked salmon ribbons and sprigs of fresh dill as a vibrant garnish.

Notes

• Elevate this soup’s flavor by using fresh, high-quality smoked salmon for a rich, smoky taste that transforms the entire dish.
• Wild rice adds a delightful nutty texture and provides more nutrients compared to regular white rice, making this soup both delicious and wholesome.
• Control the soup’s thickness by adjusting the flour and whisking technique, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Fresh dill brings a bright, herbaceous note that complements the smoked salmon’s deep flavor, creating a perfectly balanced soup.
• Plan an extra 15-20 minutes for cooking to allow the sweet potatoes and wild rice to soften and release their full flavor potential.
• Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the soup at its peak temperature and creaminess, with garnishes adding a professional touch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg