Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe

This easy cabbage soup recipe is healthy, comforting and full of flavorful vegetables like cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, tomatoes and herbs. It is a simple vegetarian cabbage soup that feels cozy enough for cold fall and winter days, yet light enough for meal prep, weight loss friendly meals and everyday healthy eating.

This cabbage soup recipe is a healthy, flavorful and comforting vegetable soup made with cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, tomatoes and herbs.

It is low calorie, vegetarian, easy to make in one pot and perfect when you want a cozy fall or winter soup that still feels light and nourishing.

This healthy, low-calorie soup meal keeps you full while supporting your weight loss goals. It is packed with wholesome vegetables and bold flavors, this soup recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner.

This recipe makes 2 hearty servings as written. If you want a big batch for the week, use the 2x or 3x button in the recipe card.

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup

Here is what you need to make this easy cabbage soup recipe.

1. Cabbage

Green cabbage works best for this recipe. It becomes tender, slightly sweet and holds its texture well in soup. Chop it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to eat.

You can use about 6 cups chopped cabbage for a generous soup pot. This is usually around half a medium-large cabbage or one small cabbage.

2. Onion

Onion builds the base flavor of the soup. Yellow onion or white onion both work well.

3. Carrots

Carrots add sweetness, color and body. They also balance the sharpness of cabbage and tomatoes.

4. Celery

Celery gives that classic soup flavor. It may look simple, but it makes the broth taste more rounded.

5. Bell Pepper

Green bell pepper is commonly used in classic cabbage soup recipes, but red, yellow or orange bell pepper will also work. Green bell pepper gives a slightly sharper flavor, while red bell pepper makes the soup sweeter.

6. Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes both work. Tomatoes add tang, color and depth to the broth. For a stronger flavor, you can also add 1 tablespoon tomato paste.

7. Garlic

Garlic makes the soup more savory. Add it after the onion has softened so it does not burn.

8. Olive Oil

A little olive oil helps sauté the vegetables and build flavor. If you want an oil-free version, sauté the onion and garlic in a few tablespoons of broth instead.

9. Vegetable Broth or Water

Vegetable broth gives better flavor than plain water. Low-sodium broth is best because you can control the salt. You can also use half broth and half water.

10. Herbs and Spices

I use bay leaves, mixed herbs or Italian seasoning, black pepper and red chili flakes. You can adjust the spice level to your taste.

11. Lemon Juice or Vinegar

This is optional but highly recommended. A small splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end wakes up the soup and keeps it from tasting flat.

12. Fresh Herbs

Finish with parsley or cilantro. Fresh herbs make the soup taste brighter and fresher.

Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, this soup is very forgiving.

Best Cabbage to Use for Cabbage Soup

• Green cabbage is my first choice for this cabbage soup recipe because it is affordable, easy to find and cooks beautifully in broth.
• Savoy cabbage also works well. It has softer leaves and a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Napa cabbage can be used, but it cooks faster. Add it later in the cooking process so it does not become too soft.
• Red cabbage is not my first choice for this soup because it changes the color of the broth and has a stronger flavor. It can work, but the final soup will look and taste different.
• Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix can be used when you are short on time. The texture will be softer, but it is a useful shortcut for busy days.

How to Make Cabbage Soup on the Stovetop

This simple and easy soup recipe comes together in just a few simple steps:

• To make this recipe for diet cabbage soup here is an easy step by step method.
• Sauté the aromatics: In a Pan, Add olive oil and add chopped onions along with bay leaves. Saute the onion until the onions are softened. Add chopped tomatoes, carrots and celery, 1 cup of water cover and cook for the 10 minutes.
• Add the cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add in salt to taste, mixed herbs, red chili flakes, green chilli sauce, red chilli sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper powder and mix well.

• Add 2 cups water and close the lid again. Cook on high for 5 Minute and then on low for 5 min.
• After that allow it 5-7 minutes to cool down, open the lid. Your soup is ready!
• Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy your fat burning soup hot.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup

This slow cooker cabbage soup is useful for meal prep days.

• Add onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, cabbage, broth, bay leaves, herbs, black pepper, chili flakes and salt to the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
• Stir in lemon juice or vinegar at the end. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

How to Make Cabbage Soup Taste Better

Cabbage soup can taste bland if everything is simply boiled together. These small steps make a big difference.

1. Sauté the onion, carrot, celery and bell pepper first. This builds sweetness and body.
2. Use broth instead of only water. Vegetable broth gives the soup a fuller flavor.
3. Add tomatoes or tomato paste. Tomato adds acidity and makes the broth richer.
4. Season in layers. Add some salt while cooking and adjust again at the end.
5. Use black pepper and chili flakes. A little heat balances the sweetness of cabbage.
6. Finish with acid. Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar brightens the soup.
7. Add fresh herbs at the end. Parsley or cilantro makes the soup taste fresher.
8. Let it rest. Like many soups, cabbage soup often tastes even better the next day.

Variations & Add Ins

This cabbage soup is a flexible base recipe. You can keep it light or turn it into a more filling meal.

For More Protein

Add any one of these:

White beans
Chickpeas
Kidney beans
Lentils
Tofu cubes
Paneer cubes
Edamame

Add cooked beans, lentils or tofu near the end of cooking so they stay tender and do not overcook.

For a More Filling Meal

Add:

Cooked brown rice
Quinoa
Barley
Small diced potatoes
Whole wheat pasta
A slice of crusty bread on the side

If you add potatoes or raw grains, add them earlier so they have enough time to cook.

For a Low Carb Cabbage Soup

Keep the recipe as written and avoid potatoes, rice, pasta or beans. Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, green beans or cauliflower instead.

For a Spicy Cabbage Soup

Add extra chili flakes, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, smoked paprika or a little harissa.

For an Indian Style Cabbage Soup

Add cumin, ginger, turmeric, coriander powder and black pepper. Finish with cilantro and lemon juice.

For a Mediterranean style cabbage soup

Add oregano, thyme, parsley, lemon juice and chickpeas or white beans.

For a creamy cabbage soup

Blend 1 to 2 cups of the cooked soup and stir it back into the pot. This makes the soup slightly creamy without adding cream.

Classic Fat Burning Cabbage Soup

If you grew up seeing the viral cabbage fat burning soup recipe, this is the classic flavor profile many people mean: tomato juice, canned tomatoes, and onion soup mix.
To adapt this recipe to classic Fat burning cabbage Soup:

• Add onion soup mix (or use extra garlic + onion powder + dried herbs if you prefer less processed)
• Replace part of the water/broth with tomato juice
• Add chopped green beans 
• Keep simmering until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes on stovetop. 

Cabbage Soup and Weight Loss: How to Use It Wisely

Because this recipe is adapted from the classic cabbage soup diet soup, it’s naturally:

• Low in calories
• High in volume, water and fibre
• Packed with vegetables

That combination can make it very helpful in a weight loss friendly meal plan, as long as you use it in a balanced way:

• Have a bowl of cabbage soup as a starter before a meal.
• Make it your light lunch or dinner, and pair it with a good source of protein (beans, lentils, tofu, eggs, cottage cheese, etc.).
• Avoid using it as the only food you eat for days in a row – that’s where the original 7 day cabbage soup diet becomes too restrictive.

If you’re curious about the traditional 7 day cabbage soup diet, its pros and cons, and a more detailed breakdown, you can read my full guide on it and see why I don’t recommend following it strictly, but do love using cabbage soup as part of a realistic, long-term plan.

Cabbage Soup: Weight Watchers Points

Many versions of cabbage “weight loss soup” are considered very low or even 0 Points because they’re mostly non-starchy vegetables and broth. 
Because Points can change based on broth, oil, and add ins, I recommend plugging your exact ingredients into the WW app especially if you add beans, extra oil or any protein.

Cabbage soup diet 7-day plan(pros, cons & healthier alternative)

Looking for the original diet wonder soup?

This recipe is more flexible and flavourful than the classic cabbage diet wonder soup. I have already shared original low calorie cabbage soup diet soup Recipe if you are looking for Original cabbage soup recipe.

Health Benefits of Cabbage Soup

Cabbage soup is naturally:

• Rich in fibre:Cabbage, carrots and other vegetables keep you full for longer and support healthy digestion.
• Low in calories: A big bowl is surprisingly light, especially if you don’t add starchy ingredients.
• High in vitamins and antioxidants: Cabbage and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C, vitamin K and phytochemicals that support overall health.
• Hydrating and soothing: The warm broth can feel especially comforting in colder weather or when you want something gentle on your stomach.

Nutritionally, this soup works well as:

• A lighter meal after heavier days
• A volume adding starter before your main course
• A base you can build on with protein and whole grains

Storing, Meal Prep & Freezing

One of my favourite things about this cabbage soup is how well it works for meal prep.

Reheating:
Warm the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, or reheat in the microwave until piping hot. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed – flavours deepen and mellow after a day or two.

In the fridge:
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

In the freezer:
Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers (single portions are great), and freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrost overnight in the fridge or reheat gently from frozen with a splash of water or broth.

Is Cabbage Soup Good for Weight Loss?

Cabbage soup can be useful in a weight loss friendly meal plan because it is mostly vegetables and broth. It is high in volume, light in calories and can help you feel satisfied before or during a meal.

But cabbage soup does not burn fat by itself.

As a nutritionist, I prefer to use this kind of soup as a smart, high-volume meal or starter, not as a crash diet. If you eat only cabbage soup for days, you may miss out on enough protein, healthy fats and overall nutrition.

A better way to use cabbage soup is:

• Have a bowl before lunch or dinner if you want a lighter meal.
• Pair it with protein like beans, lentils, tofu, eggs, Greek yogurt on the side, cottage cheese or paneer.
• Add a small serving of whole grains if you need more energy.
• Use it as part of a balanced day, not as your only food.

This is why I call this a weight loss friendly cabbage soup, not a magic fat burning soup.

Cabbage Soup Diet vs This Healthy Cabbage Soup

The old cabbage soup diet became popular because the soup is low in calories and easy to make in a big batch. But the traditional 7-day cabbage soup diet is very restrictive and not something I recommend as a long-term way of eating.

This Soup recipe is different.

This is an everyday cabbage soup recipe that you can enjoy as part of a normal, balanced meal plan. It is flavorful, flexible and easy to build into a nourishing lunch or dinner.

If you are specifically looking for the traditional cabbage soup diet version, I have a separate original wonder soup recipe and a full 7-day cabbage soup diet plan where I explain the pros, cons and safer way to approach it.

What to Serve with Cabbage Soup

This soup can be served on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs well with simple sides. Try it with:

Whole grain toast
Garlic bread
Sourdough bread
Grilled cheese sandwich
Avocado toast
Chickpea salad
Quinoa salad
Simple green salad
Baked potato
Roasted vegetables
Scrambled eggs or boiled eggs
Cottage cheese toast

For a low calorie meal, serve it with salad or roasted vegetables. For a more filling dinner, add bread, beans, lentils or grains.

Meal Prep Tips

• Cabbage soup is excellent for meal prep because the flavor improves after a few hours.
• Let the soup cool completely before storing. Transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate.
• For easy lunches, portion it into single serving containers.
• If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
• Add fresh herbs and lemon juice after reheating for the best flavor.

How Long Does Cabbage Soup Last in the Fridge?

Cabbage soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, or microwave in a covered microwave-safe bowl.

Always cool the soup before refrigerating and do not leave it sitting at room temperature for too long.

Can You Freeze Cabbage Soup?

Yes, cabbage soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

For best results, freeze in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. The cabbage will become slightly softer after freezing, but the soup still tastes good.

How to Reheat Cabbage Soup

• To reheat on the stovetop, pour the soup into a pot and warm over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
• To reheat in the microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between.
• Taste after reheating and adjust salt, pepper, lemon juice or herbs.

Troubleshooting Cabbage Soup

Why is my cabbage soup bland?

It probably needs more seasoning, more acidity or better broth. Add salt, black pepper, chili flakes and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Next time, sauté the onion, carrot and celery before adding the broth.

Why does my cabbage soup smell strong?

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable and can smell strong if overcooked. Simmer until tender but do not cook it for hours unless using a slow cooker. Lemon juice, vinegar and fresh herbs help balance the aroma.

Why is my cabbage soup watery?

The soup may need more vegetables, more tomato or a longer simmer. You can also blend 1 to 2 cups of the soup and stir it back in to thicken it naturally.

How do I reduce tomato acidity?

Add a little extra carrot, a pinch of sugar or more broth. Simmering the tomatoes with the vegetables also helps mellow the acidity.

How do I keep cabbage from getting mushy?

Cut the cabbage into larger pieces and do not overcook it. For stovetop soup, 25 to 30 minutes is usually enough.

Can I make cabbage soup without tomatoes?

Yes. Use vegetable broth, garlic, herbs, lemon juice and extra vegetables. The soup will be lighter and less tangy, but still delicious.

Cabbage Soup Nutrition Notes

This soup is naturally rich in vegetables, fiber and water. It is low in calories when made mostly with vegetables and broth.

Cabbage itself is a low calorie vegetable and provides fiber, vitamin C and other micronutrients. But cabbage is not a significant protein source, so add beans, lentils, tofu, paneer or another protein if you want the soup to work as a full meal.

Some people may feel bloated after eating cabbage or other cruciferous vegetables. If you are not used to high-fiber foods, start with a smaller serving and increase gradually.

FAQs about Cabbage Soup Recipe

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Watch Video

If you prefer to watch before you cook, scroll down to the video and see exactly how this cabbage soup comes together step by step.

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