High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup

As the soup simmers on the stove, the rich aroma of the split peas blends perfectly with the savory herbs, creating a comforting, hearty scent that fills your kitchen. The earthy, slightly sweet flavor of the peas deepens as they cook, absorbing the savory goodness of the broth, while the smokiness from the ham adds that extra depth that really makes this soup sing. You might find yourself sneaking a taste here and there, drawn in by the warmth and simplicity of it all.

What I love about this soup is how forgiving it is. You can toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand—carrots, celery, or even a handful of spinach toward the end of cooking for a pop of color and nutrition. The longer it cooks, the thicker it becomes, and it’s one of those dishes that only gets better with time. You could even make a big batch at the start of the week, letting the flavors meld together as it sits in the fridge, ready to be warmed up for a cozy meal anytime you’re craving something nourishing.

And don’t forget, this split pea soup is packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal on its own or a perfect side to a salad or sandwich. The peas, combined with the ham or other plant-based protein additions, create a balanced, filling dish that will keep you going all day. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a quiet moment by yourself.

Key Ingredients in High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup

Now that we’ve got the cooking process started, let’s talk about the star players in this cozy dish. Each ingredient adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, and when combined, they make for a comforting, nutrient-packed bowl of goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Split Peas
  These little legumes are the heart of the soup. High in protein and fiber, they create a hearty, satisfying base that thickens the soup as they cook. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the savory elements in the dish.
• Olive Oil
  A touch of olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics (like the onions and garlic) to unlock their full flavor potential. It’s also a healthy fat that makes the soup more satisfying and smooth.
• Onion, Chopped
  A medium onion is essential for building that deep, savory flavor right at the beginning. When sautéed, it softens and sweetens, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the earthiness of the peas.
• Garlic, Minced
  Garlic brings that aromatic, slightly pungent punch that enhances all the flavors around it. It adds a depth of warmth and complexity, making your kitchen smell incredible as it cooks.
• Carrots, Diced
  Carrots not only add a touch of sweetness and color but also bring a wonderful texture to the soup. As they cook, they soften and release their natural sugars, adding layers of flavor to the broth.
• Celery, Chopped
  Celery contributes a fresh, slightly peppery crunch and balances out the sweetness of the carrots and onions. It’s an essential part of the flavor base, adding that classic “soup” flavor we all crave.
• Dried Thyme
  Thyme is one of those herbs that brings a cozy, earthy flavor to the soup. It’s subtly minty with hints of lemon and helps deepen the overall profile of the dish without overwhelming it.
• Dried Rosemary
  Rosemary adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma that complements the smokiness from the ham. Its bold, woody flavor cuts through the richness of the soup and pairs beautifully with the peas and herbs.
• Bay Leaf
  A bay leaf imparts a mild, herbal bitterness that adds complexity to the soup’s flavor. It’s a behind-the-scenes player that helps balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
• Vegetable Broth
  Vegetable broth is the liquid base that ties all the ingredients together. It infuses the soup with savory umami and enhances the flavors of the peas, herbs, and vegetables as they simmer.
• Cooked Chicken Breast, Shredded
  Adding protein to the mix, shredded chicken breast gives the soup a satisfying heartiness. Its mild flavor lets the peas shine while adding a layer of texture and nutritional value.
• Salt
  A bit of salt is key to enhancing all the flavors in the soup. It helps balance out the natural sweetness of the peas and vegetables, while bringing out the savory goodness from the broth and herbs.
• Black Pepper
  Freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of spice and depth to the dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch to bring all the flavors together and add a little warmth.
• Low-Fat Milk
  Low-fat milk makes the soup creamy without weighing it down. It adds a smooth, velvety texture and helps round out the flavors, creating a beautifully balanced, comforting soup. Together, these ingredients create a high-protein, nourishing meal that’s perfect for any time of year.

How to Make High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup

STEP 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

STEP 2: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.

STEP 3: Stir in the diced carrots and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and the flavors start to meld together.

STEP 4: Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir the herbs into the vegetables, allowing them to release their aromas and infuse the dish with their earthy fragrance.

STEP 5: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the split peas. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Cover the pot partially and cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas have softened and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

STEP 6: Once the peas are tender, add the shredded cooked chicken breast to the soup and stir to combine. Let the chicken heat through for about 5 minutes.

STEP 7: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well, then check the seasoning to make sure it’s just right.

STEP 8: Pour in 1/2 cup of low-fat milk, stirring gently to incorporate it into the soup. This will give the soup a creamy texture and round out the flavors.

STEP 9: Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

STEP 10: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup

1. Pair with a Crunchy Side Salad
A fresh, crisp salad is the perfect contrast to the smooth, creamy split pea soup. I love adding a simple mix of leafy greens, maybe a handful of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the richness of the soup and gives each bite a refreshing zing.

2. Serve with a Warm Crusty Bread
You can’t go wrong with a thick slice of warm, crusty bread to dip into the soup. Whether it’s a sourdough or a rustic whole grain, the bread will soak up all that delicious, savory broth, making each spoonful even more satisfying. Plus, it’s a perfect way to mop up the last bits of soup from the bowl!

3. Top with a Dollop of Greek Yogurt
For an extra creamy touch and a boost of protein, a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of your soup can really elevate it. The tanginess balances out the soup’s richness and adds a lovely creaminess that complements the hearty peas and tender chicken.

These little additions can take your split pea soup to the next level, making it even more of a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!

How to Store High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup

Once you’ve made a big pot of this comforting soup, you might be wondering how to store it for later enjoyment. The good news is that split pea soup keeps beautifully and actually gets even better after a day or two as the flavors continue to develop.

To store it, simply let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. This helps lock in all that delicious flavor for the next time you need a quick meal. If you’re planning on keeping it for a few days, you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just give it a stir before reheating, as it tends to thicken up in the fridge. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up if needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove. It’ll still taste just as comforting and satisfying as the first time you made it!

No matter how you store it, this high-protein split pea soup is a meal that will keep you coming back for more, whether fresh or frozen.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a big, hearty bowl of high-protein classic split pea soup that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. From the earthy split peas to the savory depth of the broth and the tender chicken, every bite is comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s one of those meals that only gets better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or just a cozy dinner to enjoy throughout the week.

I hope you feel as excited to make this soup as I do every time I pull out the pot. It’s the kind of dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also full of love and flavor. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it on your own, there’s something so comforting about the simple goodness of a bowl of soup.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you add your own twist? Or maybe you’ve got some tips for making it even better. Drop me a comment or ask any questions if you need a hand with the recipe – I’m always here to help!

Print Recipe

High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 25 mins

Calories: 350

Description

This hearty High Protein Classic Split Pea Soup is a savory, comforting bowl filled with tender split peas, smoky ham, and a rich blend of herbs and spices. Packed with protein, it’s a satisfying, nourishing meal perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup split peas

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 bay leaf

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ cup low-fat milk

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the diced carrots and chopped celery to the pot, stirring them into the onion and garlic mixture.
5. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
6. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and rosemary, stirring to combine the herbs with the vegetables.
7. Add the split peas, bay leaf, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
9. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the split peas are tender.
10. Stir the soup occasionally and check the consistency, adding more broth if needed to maintain the desired thickness.
11. Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it.
12. Add the shredded cooked chicken breast to the pot, stirring to incorporate it into the soup.
13. Pour in the low-fat milk, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
14. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld together.
15. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
16. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if preferred.

Note

• The olive oil adds healthy fats and richness to the soup.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use plant-based protein like tofu or lentils.
• To reduce sodium, use low-sodium vegetable broth and adjust the salt as needed.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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