Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this light & healthy tomato basil bisque is a perfect dish for cozy nights.
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This light & healthy tomato basil bisque is not only delicious but also a powerhouse of antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil. Creamy without being heavy, it’s a great addition to a balanced meal or a cozy comfort dish. I love pairing this with a grilled cheese on whole wheat bread for some extra fiber and protein!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Nutrient-Packed: Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants like lycopene that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Comfort Food Made Light: Traditional tomato basil bisque recipes use heavy whipping cream which is very calorie dense (though delicious!) By swapping for half and half in this recipe, you’ll still get the indulgent creaminess this soup has to offer, but for a fraction of the calories and fat (half and half yields ~140 calories per 1/2 cup, compared to heavy cream which yields ~400 calories per 1/2 cup.)
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer. It’s easy to reheat, making it an ideal grab-and-go option for busy days.
Light & Healthy Tomato Basil Bisque
Ingredients:
1 lb. tomatoes (I used Roma tomatoes), quartered
2 C reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 onion, roughly chopped
1/2 C half & half
4 garlic cloves, whole and peeled
1-2 TBSP. olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Basil, finely chopped
Optional garnish: shredded Parmesan cheese and extra basil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450°.
On a large baking sheet, evenly lay quartered tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic cloves with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and mix together.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of your tomatoes. Bake until tomatoes are wilted.
In a large stockpot, add in tomato and onion mixture and chicken stock. Using an emulsifier or hand blender, blend until smooth.
Stir in half and half and chopped basil.
Garnish with extra basil and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Servings: 4
Macros per serving: 168 cals | 8g fat | 18g carbs | 6g protein
Recipe variations:
For a Thicker Bisque: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a small diced potato along with the tomatoes and let it simmer until tender before blending.
Add a Flavor Twist: For a hint of extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
Serve It Up: Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich, whole-grain crackers, or a fresh green salad to turn this bisque into a full meal.
Boost the Protein: If you know me, you know I'm all about creating easy balanced meals. Add some deli meat on a grilled cheese for even more protein. Another idea: add a handful of cooked chickpeas or white beans before blending to make it more filling and add plant-based protein.
Storage:
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freeze: For longer storage, pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.