Gluten-Free Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade soup when you want something comforting, nourishing, and easy to make.

This gluten-free Italian wedding soup is packed with tender turkey or chicken meatballs, vegetables, kale, garlic, herbs, and plenty of flavor. And because it’s made in the Instant Pot, you can have a cozy homemade soup on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s naturally high in protein, loaded with vegetables, and can easily be made dairy-free and egg-free with a couple of simple swaps. It also tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or an easy lunch throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup

Traditional Italian wedding soup is delicious, but it often contains breadcrumbs, pasta, and cheese that don’t work for everyone.

This version keeps all the flavor while making a few simple changes. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are used in the meatballs, ground turkey or chicken keeps them light and protein-rich, and kale adds plenty of greens.

You can also substitute nutritional yeast for the Romano or Parmesan if you want to make the recipe dairy-free.

And the best part? The Instant Pot does most of the work for you.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs

• 1½ pounds organic ground turkey or ground chicken

• ¼ cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ tablespoon dried oregano

• ½ tablespoon dried basil

• 2 tablespoons grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

  
  

For the Soup

• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 4 celery stalks, diced

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 carrots, diced

• 1 bunch kale, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 teaspoons thyme

• 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee

• 2 eggs, beaten

How to Make Gluten-Free Italian Wedding Soup

1. Make the Meatballs

Add all of the meatball ingredients to a large bowl and gently combine with your hands.

Using approximately one tablespoon of the mixture at a time, form into small meatballs and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté.

Once hot, add the coconut oil or ghee followed by the onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes.

Add the garlic, thyme, crushed red pepper, sea salt, and black pepper.

Stir in the kale, vegetable broth, and fresh lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Pressure Cook

Add the prepared meatballs to the soup.

Cancel the Sauté setting, secure the lid, and make sure the pressure valve is sealed.

Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes.

Once cooking is complete, carefully release the pressure according to your Instant Pot’s instructions.

4. Add the Eggs

Turn the Sauté function back on.

Slowly pour the beaten eggs into the hot soup while gently stirring in a circular motion.

Continue cooking for approximately 2 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked.

If you're making the soup egg-free, simply skip this step.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

You can top it with a little extra Parmesan or Romano if you eat dairy, or sprinkle nutritional yeast over the top for a dairy-free option.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Soup is one of my favorite foods to make ahead because the flavors often get even better after sitting overnight.

Make a batch on the weekend and portion the leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for an easy, nourishing meal.

💡 Dr. Stephanie’s Tip: If you're trying to increase your protein intake, don't skimp on the meatballs! Using the full 1½ pounds of ground turkey or chicken makes this soup much more satisfying than a vegetable-heavy soup with only a few small pieces of protein.

And if you know you'll want leftovers, consider making a double batch of the meatballs and freezing half. You'll already have them ready for the next time you're craving a warm bowl of soup.

A Cozy Gluten-Free Dinner for the Whole Family

Eating gluten-free doesn't mean giving up your favorite comfort foods.

With a few simple ingredient swaps, this classic soup becomes a warm, satisfying meal that's packed with protein, vegetables, and flavor—and easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.

Save this recipe for the next time you're craving something warm and comforting, and be sure to check out my other gluten-free recipes for more simple, healthy meal ideas.