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Mexican Lime & Tortilla Noodle Soup – Bright, Zesty, and Comforting with a Kick


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 cups uncooked thin rice noodles or angel hair pasta (or 4 cups cooked)
• 2 cups torn romaine or cabbage
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Toppings (essential!):
• 1 avocado, diced
• ½ cup baked tortilla strips (or crushed baked tortilla chips)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled queso fresco or cotija


Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using) 4–5 mins until soft.
  2. Pour in broth; bring to a simmer. Add uncooked noodles; cook 4–6 mins until al dente.
    Using pre-cooked noodles? Add in last 2 mins.
  3. Stir in chicken, romaine/cabbage, lime juice, and zest. Simmer 2–3 mins until greens wilt and soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Ladle into bowls. Top generously with avocado, tortilla strips, red onion, cilantro, cheese, and a lime wedge.
  5. Serve immediately—eat the tortilla strips fast before they soften!

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 12 mins, Total Time: 27 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 210, Net Carbs: 22g, Fats: 9g, Protein: 16g
Lower-carb option: Skip noodles, add extra cabbage + zucchini ribbons — net carbs drop to ~10g/serving.