A comforting, budget-friendly soup packed with tender cabbage, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This easy cabbage soup comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or light, healthy lunches. It’s low in calories, rich in fiber, and fully customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies. Whether you’re after a simple detox meal or a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers flavor and nutrition in every spoonful.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup
You’ll love this cabbage soup because it’s wholesome, quick, and incredibly satisfying. It uses simple pantry ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, and cabbage, so you can make it anytime. The flavor is light yet comforting, filled with herbs and a touch of tangy tomato. It’s a great go-to meal when you want something healthy but still hearty. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for anyone watching calories. You can enjoy it as a main course, a starter, or a meal prep favorite. The best part is how easy it is to tweak with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
You’ll need olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, cabbage, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Olive oil adds richness, while onion, carrot, and celery form the flavorful base. Garlic gives a punch of aroma, and cabbage softens beautifully as it cooks. Diced tomatoes bring a mild tang that balances the sweetness of the vegetables. Broth makes it hearty, and herbs like oregano and basil add warmth and depth. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley brighten it all up at the end.
Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions
You can swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for a richer flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth, while red pepper flakes give it gentle heat. For extra protein, stir in beans, lentils, or shredded chicken. You can also toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more color. If you prefer a thicker soup, add a spoonful of tomato paste or diced potatoes.
Step-by-Step: How To Make Cabbage Soup
Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often until they begin to soften. Then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Herbs and Cabbage
Stir in oregano, basil, and salt to season your base. Next, add chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring to coat it in the aromatic mix. The cabbage will begin to soften slightly and reduce in volume.
Pour in Tomatoes and Broth
Add diced tomatoes and pour in 4 to 6 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender and flavors blend beautifully.
Finish with Lemon Juice and Parsley
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. For a lighter broth, add more stock; for a thicker texture, let it simmer a bit longer. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Flavor and Texture Tips
Cabbage soup tastes fresh and herby, with just the right tang from tomatoes and lemon juice. The cabbage adds mild sweetness, balancing the broth perfectly. For more depth, add a dash of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce. To make it creamier, blend a small portion and stir it back in. If you love bold flavors, finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, and you’ll get a perfectly balanced bowl every time.
Variations to Try
Make this cabbage soup your own. Add ground beef, pork, or shredded chicken for a protein boost. For a vegan version, use beans, lentils, or chickpeas. Mix in extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for more texture and color. To make it heartier, include diced potatoes, rice, or a bit of tomato paste. You can also experiment with herbs—try thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red chili flakes for extra warmth. This soup welcomes creativity and always turns out delicious.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Cabbage soup keeps beautifully for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. To freeze, let it cool completely first. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, microwave in short intervals until hot throughout. Stir well to bring the flavors back to life and enjoy as if freshly made.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
For the best flavor, take your time sautéing the vegetables before adding liquid—this builds a rich base. Season gradually as you go so flavors layer naturally. Use fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness. If you plan to meal prep, slightly undercook the cabbage so it keeps its texture when reheated. For a crowd, double the recipe; it’s easy and reheats well. Fresh herbs always make the final dish taste fresh and lively.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in cabbage soup?
It includes olive oil, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, cabbage, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, herbs, lemon juice, and parsley.
Does the 7-day cabbage soup diet really work?
It can help you lose water weight quickly, but it’s not a long-term plan. Use cabbage soup as part of a balanced diet instead.
How healthy is cabbage soup for you?
It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins A and C. It supports digestion and makes a filling, light meal.
What are some common mistakes in cabbage soup?
Overcooking cabbage makes it mushy. Also, under-seasoning can leave it bland. Taste as you go, and adjust herbs and salt near the end.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- creamy leek and chicken soup
- hearty golumpki soup
- black bean soup – easy healthy one-pot meal
- vegetable soup for healthy comfort
- Italian penicillin soup
- creamy tomato beef pasta – one-pot dinner
Conclusion
This cabbage soup is proof that simple ingredients can make something deeply comforting and flavorful. It’s light yet filling, healthy yet satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, it’s one you’ll come back to again and again. Try this recipe, customize it to your taste, and share it with family or friends who love a cozy bowl of homemade soup. You can find more meal inspiration on Pinterest.
Easy Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot For cooking the soup evenly
- Wooden spoon For stirring ingredients
- Sharp knife For chopping vegetables
- Cutting board Use for prepping vegetables
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 4-6 cups vegetable broth
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, and salt. Cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Add chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until it begins to soften.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.
