Healthy cabbage soup recipe for light cozy comfort meals

Cabbage Soup Recipe

This cabbage soup recipe is light, cozy comfort in a bowl—tender ribbons of cabbage, sweet carrots, and celery simmered in a tomato-kissed broth that tastes clean, cozy, and satisfying all at once. It’s the kind of simple soup that warms you up without weighing you down, perfect for those evenings when you want something nourishing and gentle.

The best part is how easily it comes together: a quick sauté, a handful of pantry staples, and a slow simmer that turns humble vegetables into a pot of savory, homey goodness.

Table of Contents

Cabbage Soup Recipe

Chef Jasper

This healthy cabbage soup is light, cozy, and packed with tender vegetables in a savory tomato broth. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Dinner, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

1 Large soup pot or Dutch oven A heavy-bottom pot helps the soup simmer evenly.
1 Cutting board For prepping vegetables.
1 Knife A sharp knife makes slicing cabbage much easier.
1 Wooden spoon For stirring while sautéing and simmering.

Ingredients

Cabbage soup

1 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing the vegetables
1 medium Yellow onion Chopped
3 Carrots Peeled and chopped
3 Celery stalks Chopped
3 Garlic cloves Minced
6 cups Green cabbage Cored and thinly sliced
28 ounces Canned diced tomatoes With juices
2 tablespoons Tomato paste Optional, for richer flavor
6 cups Vegetable broth Low-sodium if possible
1 teaspoons Dried thyme
1 teaspoons Dried oregano
1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Adjust to taste
1 tablespoons Lemon juice Added at the end
2 tablespoons Fresh parsley Chopped, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Make the soup

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened.
Step 2: Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add cabbage, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until cabbage is tender, about 20–30 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in lemon juice, taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot (garnish with parsley if desired).

Keyword cabbage soup recipe, easy cabbage soup, healthy cabbage soup

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Recipe

Light but filling, with lots of cozy veggie texture in every spoonful.
Simple ingredients (cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, herbs) that are easy to find.
One-pot cooking that’s beginner-friendly and low-stress.
Great for meal prep—flavors deepen as it rests.
Freezer-friendly soup option for quick future meals.

Recipe Snapshot

Recipe Snapshot
Category	Soup / Dinner
Cuisine	American
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes
Dietary	Vegan; Gluten-free
Serves	6
Best Served	Hot, with lemon and herbs

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup Recipe

Olive oil: Starts the flavor with a gentle sauté and adds richness to the broth.
Yellow onion: The sweet, cozy base note that makes the soup taste “slow cooked”.
Garlic: Adds warmth and depth without making the soup heavy.
Carrots: Natural sweetness that balances the tomatoes and cabbage.
Celery: Gives a clean, savory backbone and classic soup flavor.
Green cabbage: The star—softens into tender, slurpable ribbons as it simmers.
Canned diced tomatoes: Adds a bright, comforting tomato base with minimal effort.
Tomato paste: Optional, but great for a deeper color and richer tomato flavor.
Vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light, clean, and savory.
Dried thyme and oregano: Cozy herbs that make it taste like a real “soup pot” meal.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the vegetable flavors.
Lemon juice: A final squeeze wakes everything up and makes the broth taste fresh.
Fresh parsley: Optional garnish for a bright, herby finish.

Ingredients for cabbage soup arranged on a countertop. — Simple, wholesome ingredients for an easy cabbage soup.

How to Make the Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot, then sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add garlic and cook briefly, just until aromatic.
Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes (and tomato paste if using), plus dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add chopped cabbage, reduce to a simmer, and cook until the cabbage is tender (about 20–30 minutes).
Step 6: Finish with lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving hot.

Cabbage soup simmering in a pot with a spoon stirring. — One pot, a gentle simmer, and dinner is ready.

Pro Tips for Cabbage Soup Recipe

Slice cabbage into thin ribbons for the most comforting “slurpable” texture.
Add tomato paste for a deeper, richer broth color and flavor.
Simmer gently—boiling hard can make veggies go overly soft.
Finish with lemon juice right at the end for a brighter, fresher taste.
For meal prep, cool and store promptly; FDA guidance emphasizes refrigerating perishables within 2 hours.

How to Serve Cabbage Soup Recipe

With crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping.
With a simple side salad for a light dinner.
Topped with extra chopped parsley for freshness.
Finished with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the bowl.
With cracked black pepper for a cozy bite.
Paired with roasted potatoes for a heartier plate.
With a spoonful of cooked rice stirred in for extra comfort.
With chickpeas or white beans added for more protein (stir in during simmer).
Served in a thermos for an easy on-the-go lunch.
With extra thyme or oregano sprinkled on top for a warm, herby aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours for food safety.
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for easy reheating.
Flavor often improves the next day as the broth and herbs meld.

Freezing

Freeze in portioned containers so it’s easy to thaw just what’s needed.
Leave a little space at the top of each container for expansion.
Label with the date for best quality tracking.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Or microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens after chilling.

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FAQs

Can I make cabbage soup ahead of time?

Yes—this soup is great for meal prep, and the flavor often deepens after resting in the fridge overnight.

How do I keep the cabbage from turning mushy?

Simmer gently and stop cooking once the cabbage is tender to your liking, since it continues softening as it sits.

Can I add beans for protein?

Yes—chickpeas or white beans fit the flavor profile and can be stirred in during the simmer to warm through.

How long can cooked soup sit out before refrigeration?

FDA guidance recommends refrigerating perishable foods within 2 hours.