Easy Slow Cooker Ham Split Pea Soup (WW Friendly)

When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Soup. This recipe has been a longtime family favorite in my kitchen—it is simple, satisfying, and a great way to use up leftover ham after the holidays.

The beauty of this Crock Pot split pea soup is in its ease. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it on LOW, and let it simmer for 6 to 8 hours until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded into cozy perfection. With protein from the ham and fiber from the peas and vegetables, it’s a filling, WW-friendly soup that keeps you full for hours.

Don’t have ham on hand? No problem—you can make it vegetarian by skipping the meat altogether, and it’s still absolutely delicious.

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Why I Love This Recipe

• Family tradition – This soup has been on my table for years, especially after holidays when there’s leftover ham.
• So easy – Truly a “set it and forget it” slow cooker meal.
• Nutritious and filling – Split peas are packed with fiber and plant-based protein, making this soup hearty without being heavy.
• Budget-friendly – Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Versatile – Great with ham or without, so it works for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Dried split peas, rinsed and drained – Either green or yellow split peas will work in this recipe.
• Leftover ham bone (optional) – adds a depth of flavor. Ham hocks can be substituted
• Chopped celery – The combination of carrot, onion, and celery is called a mirepoix (pronounced “meer-pwah”). This classic French culinary base is used to add depth and flavor to soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes.
• Chopped carrots – In addition to flavor, these vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Opt for baby carrots to save time peeling.
• Chopped onion – adds savory richness. I usually use yellow onions, however white or sweet onions would also work.
• Chicken broth – Adds another layer of flavor to this soup. I like to use Better Than Bouillon jarred soup base instead of canned or boxed broth.
• Water – adds the necessary liquid, much of which will be absorbed by the dried peas as they cook.
• Bay leaves – bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery while balancing the earthy peas.
• Dried thyme – gives split pea soup a cozy, earthy flavor with a hint of mintiness that I love.
• Cooked diced ham – gives it a savory, smoky richness that pairs perfectly with the peas and vegetables. Plus, the ham helps to add a bit of protein to make the soup even more filling.

Weight Watchers Points and Nutrition

According to my calculations, each generous and filling serving of slow cooker split pea soup with ham has about:

• Calories: 271 calories
• WW Points: 2
  To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into the WW app on a smartphone or tablet.)
• Old WW Points: 7 PointsPlus

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian/vegan – skip the ham bone and ham and use vegetable broth (affiliate link). Add a little olive oil for richness if you want, adjusting the points as necessary if you’re following weight watchers.
• Different – get creative like this split pea soup with bacon and tomatoes Mom made. Experiment with spices like cayenne, cumin, curry powder, garlic, ginger, mace, marjoram, oregano, paprika, turmeric… And vegetables, cauliflower, parsnips, potatoes or sweet potatoes. Change out the ham for smoked turkey.
• Stovetop – simmer gently on the stovetop instead of in the slow cooker until the peas are soft and mixture is sludgy, adding more water or broth as necessary, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
• Kid-friendly – skip the ham and add slices or chunks of hot dogs at the end.

How To Make Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Step 1: Assemble and prep your ingredients

Step 2: In your slow cooker, combine all of the ingredients except the diced ham.

Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until peas are tender. Stir well.

Step 4: Remove the ham bone (if using) and bay leaves and then stir in the diced ham.

Step 5: Season to taste with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the hearty broth.
• A side green salad makes a light and refreshing complement.
• For extra richness, add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on top.

Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it cools — just stir in a little water or broth when reheating.
• Freezer – This soup freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (affiliate link), adding broth or water as needed to loosen it up.

If you’ve made this Split Pea Soup with Ham, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

4.09 from 34 votes

Slow Cooker Ham and Split Pea Soup Recipe

By Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

A healthy and delicious satisfying soup perfect for a cold evening. This slow cooker version is also super easy. You just combine everything in the crock pot and let cook for hours until tender.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 6 hours hrs

Total: 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Equipment

• Chef Knife
• 6-Quart Slow Cooker
• Soup Bowls

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Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2-1/4 cups (16 ounces) dried split peas, rinsed and drained
• ▢ 1 leftover ham bone (optional)
• ▢ 2 stalks celery, chopped
• ▢ 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• ▢ 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• ▢ 4 cups fat-free chicken broth
• ▢ 4 cups water
• ▢ 2 bay leaves
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ▢ 1 cup cooked diced ham

Instructions 

• Ideal slow cooker size: 5- to 6- Quart.
• In your slow cooker, combine all of the ingredients except the diced ham.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until peas are tender.
• Stir well.
• Remove the ham bone and bay leaves and then stir in the diced ham.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Serving size: 1-1/2 cups

WW Points: 2

Check the WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)

7 PointsPlus (Old plan)

For a thicker, smoother soup, puree half of the soup in a blender (affiliate link) and then return it to the soup and stir well.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe Variations:

Vegetarian/vegan – skip the ham bone and ham and use vegetable broth (affiliate link). Add a little olive oil for richness if you want, adjusting the points as necessary if you’re following weight watchers.

Different – get creative like this split pea soup with bacon and tomatoes Mom made. Experiment with spices like cayenne, cumin, curry powder, garlic, ginger, mace, marjoram, oregano, paprika, turmeric… And vegetables, cauliflower, parsnips, potatoes or sweet potatoes. Change out the ham for smoked turkey.

Stovetop – simmer gently on the stovetop instead of in the slow cooker until the peas are soft and mixture is sludgy, adding more water or broth as necessary, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

Kid-friendly – skip the ham and add slices or chunks of hot dogs at the end.

Nutrition

Serving: 1-1/2 cups, Calories: 271kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 21.2g, Fat: 1.8g, Saturated Fat: 0.4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 911mg, Potassium: 898mg, Fiber: 17.7g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 3576IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 71mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @simplenourishedliving or tag #simplenourishedliving!

More Healthy Soup Recipes for WW

If you liked this easy slow cooker ham split pea soup you’ll also enjoy:

• Leftover Ham Bone Soup – This crock pot soup is an easy and delicious way to use up a holiday ham bone
• Split Pea, Ham and Barley Soup – Hearty and satisfying with 2 Weight Watchers Freestyle SmartPoints found at Skinny Kitchen
• Gina’s Split Pea Soup with Ham – Simple, healthy and delicious with 2 WW Freestyle SmartPoints from Skinny Taste
• Simple Split Pea and Ham Soup – Hearty, warming and filling with 4 WW Points+ found at Taste of Home
• Vegetable Beef Mushroom Barley Soup – A healthy hearty soup recipe for the slow cooker
• Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Sausage Stew – a simple and delicious slow cooker soup with 2 WW Freestyle SmartPoints
• Slow Cooker Mexican Meatball Soup – Easy, healthy, hearty and delicious mexican style soup
• Spicy Slow Southern Style Vegetarian Black Eyed Peas – not soup, but a wonderful healthy southern side dish
• Skinny Potato Leek Soup – easy and delicious with 3 WW Freestyle SmartPoints
• Easy Dinner Ideas Meal Plan featuring this easy nourishing slow cooker split pea soup recipe.

Discover More WW Friendly Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

Here’s a great video from Martha Stewart featuring her slow cooker split pea soup which is very similar to mine…

Make Healthy Eating Even Easier

If you enjoy simple, WW-friendly recipes like this one, you’ll love my Ultimate eCookbook Bundle. It’s packed with my best slow cooker, casserole, and family-friendly favorites—all with nutrition and WW Points already calculated for you. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you need quick inspiration.