Weight Loss Cabbage Soup

If you’ve ever been curious about the cabbage soup diet, also known as the weight loss wonder soup, this Healthy Cabbage Soup is the recipe you’ll want to try. Way better than the original, but just as healthy!

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So good that even if you aren’t on this special detox, the soup is hearty, full of veggies and totally tasty.

Cabbage Soup Diet

The holidays have passed and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably feeling a bit bloated and like you may need to lose a few pounds. I mean, if you were able to get through the holidays without indulging…my hat is off to you. But that was definitely not me.

It’s also the time of the year when everyone becomes obsessed with the latest fad diets or the quickest ways to lose all that holiday weight. I’m sure we’ve all heard of the cabbage soup diet, where you eat nothing but soup for 10 days.

Some have variations where you are allowed certain fruits and veggies, but only on certain days. Absolutely no carbs or starches. But I really wouldn’t know all the details, but cause I didn’t follow any of these…

cabbage soup in a ladle
Edible Shots by Melissa

The BEST Cabbage Soup

I don’t know much because I didn’t make this soup to be a part of any diet. I just decided to eat a little healthier and it just so happens that healthy cabbage soup is a part of this so-called wonder.

You’ll have to let me know if it works…

What I do know is that as far as cabbage soup recipes go, at least all veggies cabbage soups, this is one really good soup.

I like to add cabbage towards the end so it keeps a crispy snap while eating. It is the texture and the broth that brings this soup alive. That and seasoning… which is kind of like a choose your own adventure.

And feel free to serve it with a slice or two of crusty bread. Bread paired with a flavorful vegetable soup makes the perfect meal in my eyes.

bowl of healthy cabbage soup
Edible Shots by Melissa

Cabbage Soup Ingredients

The simple ingredients is what makes this easy soup recipe so great. Not only is it a healthy soup recipe, but it’s perfect to make in a large pot and enjoy it again the next day. Using non-starchy vegetables helps to keep this soup low carb.

  • Green cabbage- this is cabbage soup, after all! I like large pieces of fresh cabbage, but you can also shred them super thin like an angel hair slaw.
  • Carrot– carrot helps to add color and texture.
  • Parsnips– Parsnips are one of the most underrated veggies out there. The carrots pale cousin, they are sweet and utterly delicious.
  • Celery- When you are looking for waterlogged veggies, celery is at the top of the list!
  • Garlic- grating garlic will give you the maximum of garlic flavors.
  • Onion- Gives the broth more sophistication to your healthy cabbage soup.
  • Canned Tomatoes- While you can use fresh, canned is easier, they are also peeled and also stored in a herbaceous tomato broth. Drain before adding.
  • Tomato Paste– Using tomato paste is optional, but makes the broth a little more flavorful and colorful.
  • Vegetable Broth- Also substitute with chicken broth, if you’d like. Use more or less depending on how much liquid you prefer.
  • Lemon Juice- Adds a brightness to the soup- add right before serving.
  • Chili Powder– Totally optional and up to you which type of chili powder to use, but makes it warm and homey.
  • Salt and Pepper – For the least salty salt, use a large grain Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
angled shot of healthy cabbage soup with breadstick
Edible Shots by Melissa

How to Make Detox Cabbage Soup

  1. Bring vegetable broth to a bowl. In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, bring the vegetable broth to a rapid boil and then add the carrots, parsnips and celery and optionally, the tomato paste.
  2. Boil veggies. Boil until soft.
  3. Add cabbage and seasonings. Add the cabbage, tomatoes, cabbage, lemon juice and chili powder. Continue to cook over low heat until the cabbage just starts to soften.
  4. Season and serve. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve. If you want a thicker broth, use a cornstarch slurry.

People ask all the time if you can make this healthy cabbage soup in the Instant pot and my answer is always no. It isn’t even that good in a slow cooker… and I’ll tell you why.

These veggies will turn to mush! Pressure cooking will quite literally mush them up to the point where there is no textural variety. Yuck! To keep it fresh and snappy, only cook long enough to marry the flavors and that is it!

PRO TIP: One tablespoon of vinegar or citrus to any soup will add another layer of sophistication.

collage of how to make cabbage soup

Variations

Listen, if you are that person who will be eating healthy cabbage soup for a week (or more) you’ll want some variation. Try a variety of vegetables- extra veggies make a tasty soup have even more health benefits. Here are a few to try:

  • Chopped fresh herbs (thyme, basil, oregano)
  • Vinegar- instead of lemon juice, swap in vinegar, any type but I like apple cider vinegar
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Aleppo pepper– like crushed red pepper, but smoky and sweet
  • Bay Leaves- add a bay leaf while simmering, then discard
  • Bell Pepper- add raw with other veggies
  • Pesto– add a tablespoon of pesto to the broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Ground meat (cooked and drained) – adding ground beef, ground turkey or any meat to this healthy cabbage soup recipe is a great option for extra protein
  • Shredded chicken – just keep in mind it will no longer be a vegetarian option
  • Green beans
  • Sweet potatoes
  • White beans
  • Bell peppers
  • Sweet peas
  • White or brown rice
  • Red pepper flakes
overhead shot of bowl of healthy cabbage soup
Edible Shots by Melissa

Freezing & Storage

Of course you can freeze soup, however how it thaws is the real question. And cabbage, in general doesn’t thaw well. It goes limp and gets mushy, so I don’t recommend freezing this healthy cabbage soup.

The same goes for storing and making ahead. After about a day, all the veggies start to loose the toothiness that made such a basic soup so interesting. If you have leftovers and need to store it, keep it in an airtight container.

pot of healthy cabbage soup with text overlay for pinterest

More Easy Soup Recipes

There IS soup for you! Did you get that reference?? Wink, wink. Here are more easy soup recipes to enjoy.

close up overhead of white bean and ham soup with gold spoons

White Bean and Ham Soup

5 from 5 votes
A hearty ham soup recipe seasoned with fresh herbs, vegetables and then a splash of my secret ingredient. The best use for leftover ham!
See The Recipe!
bowl of chicken gnocchi soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

4.43 from 7 votes
A hearty, creamy soup, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is the BEST! It's easy to throw together and it's ready in under an hour!
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overhead of 15 bean soup in a bowl with bread and cheese

Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup

4.63 from 61 votes
This easy 15 Bean Soup Recipe goes from dry beans to deliciously magnificent in just an hour using out two chef-approved secret ingredients.
See The Recipe!
bowl of cabbage soup with breadstick

Healthy Cabbage Soup

4.63 from 24 votes
This Healthy Cabbage Soup is based off from the Weightloss Wonder Soup and is full of nothing but veggies for healthy vegetable soup that may even help you lose a few pounds!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, bring the vegetable broth to a rapid boil and then add the carrots, parsnips and celery and optionally, the tomato paste.
  • Boil until soft, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Add the cabbage, tomatoes, cabbage, lemon juice and chili powder. Continue to cook over low heat until the cabbage just starts to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 128 kcal, Carbohydrates: 30 g, Protein: 4 g, Sodium: 2083 mg, Potassium: 786 mg, Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 15 g, Vitamin A: 6830 IU, Vitamin C: 62.2 mg, Calcium: 113 mg, Iron: 2.2 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 128
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American, Irish
Keyword: cabbage soup diet, healthy cabbage soup, weightloss wonder soup
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
collage of healthy cabbage soup for pinterest
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    This is delicious! I absolutely love cabbage soup and this is one of the best ones I’ve had. So hearty and flavorful.

  2. 5 stars
    Such a tasty recipe! I love the flavors of all the delicious veggies, and the fact that it’s nutritious and good for weight loss is a bonus!

  3. 5 stars
    I usually have a hard time eating lots of vegetables so of course I turned to this soup recipe! It was really delicious and loved knowing it was healthy and good for me!

  4. 5 stars
    Regardless of the health/weight loss benefits… cabbage soup is just plain tasty! Like another commenter, I’m not sure I could eat it for 10 days straight but would definitely enjoy some after indulging over the holidays.

    1. LOL, Stef, I heard about it when I was looking for some creative ways to spruce up boring cabbage soup. I couldn’t beleive anyone would eat cabbage soup for so many days, but it makes sense to lose weight, I suppose.

  5. 5 stars
    Like most, I am trying to eat healthier in the new year. This soup looks like just the thing to keep me filled up and on track!

  6. 5 stars
    This is such a great idea for the New Year! I need to make a huge batch of this and commit to eating it everyday for lunch. It would help me detox from too many goodies over the holidays.

    1. We are on a salad and soup detox for a week. I can’t hang with the other diet programs, but one week of veggies and broth will do me good!

  7. I don’t think I could eat this for 10 days (I don’t think I could eat ANYTHING for 10 days!!) but I could certainly eat this for a light, refreshing meal. Love the additions you made!