I’m not gonna lie—this salmon soup actually came to me in my dreams.
Yes… I dream about food. I’m a big girl at heart and a true foodie.

My love for tomato soup started way back in middle school. At least once a week, I’d make myself a grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch. It was my cozy little tradition. Over time, I started to elevate it—adding herbs, different cheeses, or roasted vegetables.

When this particular recipe came to me, I knew exactly what I wanted: a rich tomato base, tender chunks of salmon, and something hearty to make it more filling. Sweet potatoes instantly came to mind. I’ve always believed that salmon and sweet potatoes go together like peanut butter and jelly—two very different flavors that just click.

I also knew salmon is pretty light, so the sweet potatoes would give the soup body and richness. Then came the seasonings—coriander, cumin, paprika, Italian herbs—because we’re not doing bland in this kitchen.

Now, when I told my best friend what I was making, she wrinkled her nose and said, “Tomatoes, salmon, and sweet potatoes? That sounds… interesting.” Translation: she thought it sounded weird.
So, the next time I visited her, I made it for her and her daughter. By the end of dinner, their bowls were empty, and they were asking for seconds. They LOVED every single bite.

Sometimes, the best recipes sound strange on paper—but taste even better than they look. This one is proof.

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Why Salmon, Tomato, and Sweet Potato Work So Well Together

This recipe works because the flavors complement each other on every level:

• Salmon – Rich, tender, and slightly buttery. It soaks up the flavors of the soup without losing its own identity.
• Tomatoes – Bright, tangy, and a little sweet. They cut through the richness of the salmon and add freshness.
• Sweet Potatoes – Earthy and naturally sweet. They balance the acidity of the tomatoes and make the soup more filling.

It’s a flavor trio that’s bold yet comforting—every bite has warmth, depth, and a touch of brightness.

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What Makes This Soup Special

This isn’t just another tomato soup with fish thrown in. It’s:

• Creamy without cream – The sweet potatoes naturally thicken the soup, giving it a velvety texture.
• High in protein & nutrients – Salmon for healthy fats and protein, sweet potatoes for fiber and vitamins, plus all those antioxidant-rich tomatoes.
• Meal-prep friendly – Keeps well in the fridge and freezer.
• One-pot magic – Whether you’re using a stove, slow cooker, or pressure cooker, this is a fuss-free recipe.

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Ingredient Breakdown: What You Need & Why

Ingredient	Purpose in Recipe
1 ½ lbs Salmon	Adds protein, healthy fats, and a tender, flaky texture.
3 Sweet Potatoes, diced	Natural sweetness, body, and creaminess.
1 Onion, chopped	Aromatic base for flavor depth.
2 Carrots, chopped	Sweetness and texture balance.
2 (28 oz) cans Diced Tomatoes	Tangy tomato base with texture.
5 tbsp Tomato Paste	Concentrated tomato flavor.
1 tbsp Olive Oil	Helps sauté and develop flavors.
2 tbsp Garlic, minced	Sharp, savory undertone.
1 (14 oz) can Tomato Sauce	Smooth tomato base.
6 cups Vegetable Stock	The liquid foundation of the soup.
3 Bay Leaves	Earthy aroma.
1 ½ tbsp Coriander	Warm citrus-like spice.
1 ½ tbsp Cumin	Smoky depth.
2 tbsp Italian Seasoning	Herbal balance.
1 tbsp Paprika	Sweet smokiness.
1 ½ tbsp Sage	Savory, earthy richness.
1 tbsp Thyme	Fresh herbal note.
1 tbsp Oregano	Peppery herbal lift.
1 tbsp Tarragon	Slightly sweet anise flavor.
Salt & Pepper	Essential seasoning balance.
½ cup Cilantro, chopped	Fresh finish.
1 Lime	Zesty brightness before serving.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

For Stovetop Cooking:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add all remaining ingredients except salmon and cilantro.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 30 minutes.
6. Add diced salmon, cover, and cook on low for 4–5 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
7. Remove bay leaves, stir in cilantro, squeeze in lime juice, and serve.

For Pressure Cooking:

1. Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil using the sauté function.
2. Stir in garlic.
3. Add all remaining ingredients except salmon and cilantro.
4. Set to soup mode and cook on high for 20 minutes.
5. Quick-release pressure, then add salmon and cook for 4–5 minutes until flaky.
6. Remove bay leaves, stir in cilantro, finish with lime juice.

For Slow Cooker:

1. Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in a skillet before adding to slow cooker.
2. Add all other ingredients except salmon and cilantro.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–6 hours.
4. Add salmon in last 5 minutes of cooking, remove bay leaves, stir in cilantro and lime juice before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking salmon – It will turn dry and tough. Add it at the end.
• Skipping the sauté – Builds essential flavor depth.
• Forgetting the lime – The citrus at the end balances the richness.
• Using old spices – Fresh spices make a massive difference in flavor.

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Add-Ons & Variations

• Make it creamy – Add coconut milk for a richer, tropical twist.
• Spicy kick – Add chili flakes or a diced jalapeño.
• Extra greens – Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes.
• Grain boost – Add cooked quinoa or wild rice for an even heartier soup.

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Storage & Freezing Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat on low heat to keep salmon tender.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping.
• Grilled cheese – A throwback to my middle school lunches.
• Side salad – Fresh greens with lemon vinaigrette.
• White wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Salmon Soup with Sweet Potatoes is the perfect mix of cozy and healthy. It’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough for lunch. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day—making it ideal for meal prep.

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Before You Go…

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram at #the_foodieshaven, drop a comment below, and let me know if you were as surprised by how good this flavor combo is as my best friend was. Because life is just better with a warm bowl of something delicious.