Weight loss cabbage soup has been my go-to when I need something satisfying but light, especially during those busy weeknight dinners when everyone’s hungry but I’m watching our family’s health. This vegetable soup delivers incredible flavor at just 55 calories per serving.
I remember the first winter after my youngest started school, when I finally had time to experiment in the kitchen again. My grandmother had always made a simple cabbage soup, but I wanted something that would help me shed those extra pounds I’d gained over the years. That’s when I discovered this recipe, tweaking it until the flavors were just right and the vegetables had that perfect tender texture. The best part is how the whole house fills with the most wonderful aroma of simmering vegetables and herbs. Time to get chopping.
Why This Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Works So Well
After making this soup dozens of times for my family, I’ve learned that the secret to great weight loss cabbage soup isn’t about skipping flavor – it’s about building layers of taste with simple, wholesome ingredients. This recipe has become our family’s favorite because it delivers everything we want from comfort food without derailing our healthy eating goals.
- Uses everyday vegetables you probably have in your refrigerator
- Comes together in 30 minutes on even the busiest evenings
- Delivers consistent results every time I make it
- Adapts easily to whatever vegetables are in season
- Creates that perfect balance of hearty vegetables and savory broth
- Makes excellent meal prep portions for the week ahead
Understanding Your Ingredients
Vegetable broth forms the flavorful foundation, and I always choose low-sodium so I can control the salt level myself.
Yellow onion provides the aromatic base that makes the whole kitchen smell wonderful while everything simmers.
Fresh garlic adds depth and warmth to every spoonful, and I prefer mincing it finely for even distribution.
Cabbage gives this weight loss cabbage soup its name and provides satisfying bulk with minimal calories.
Carrots contribute natural sweetness that balances the acidity from the tomatoes.
Celery brings classic soup flavor and maintains its texture beautifully during cooking.
Diced tomatoes create the rich, savory base, and I never drain them because that liquid adds tremendous flavor.
Dried oregano and basil provide warmth that makes this soup feel like a complete, satisfying meal.
How to Make Weight Loss Cabbage Soup
Step 1. Gather all ingredients before starting – this prevents any scrambling once the cooking begins.
Step 2. Add vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, cabbage chunks, carrots, celery, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and undrained diced tomatoes to your large pot, stirring everything together thoroughly.
Step 3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat until you see active bubbling and steam rising.
Step 4. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, until cabbage and carrots are fork-tender.
Step 5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed – every batch needs slightly different seasoning.
Step 6. Serve hot and enjoy this satisfying meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean boring food.
Storing Your Weight Loss Cabbage Soup
This hearty soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. Store cooled soup in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day as all the vegetables continue melding together.
For longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. I recommend freezing in individual serving sizes so you can thaw exactly what you need for quick lunches or dinners.
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. While you can use the microwave, stovetop reheating better preserves the vegetables’ perfect texture.
Weight Loss Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes until cabbage and carrots are tender.
- Serve hot. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
Perfect Partners for Weight Loss Cabbage Soup
- Whole grain bread – The hearty texture contrasts beautifully with tender vegetables while adding satisfying carbs
- Simple mixed green salad – Fresh greens provide crispness and extra nutrients for a complete healthy meal
- Air fryer vegetables – Roasted vegetables add different textures while keeping the meal light
- Greek yogurt dollop – Creamy richness and extra protein without overwhelming the clean flavors
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes – Perfect for those who like warming heat on cold evenings
FAQs
- Can I add other vegetables to this weight loss cabbage soup? I recommend bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans, keeping similar cooking times so everything becomes tender together.
- Will this soup taste bland without oil or butter? The combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and tomato liquid creates incredible depth without any added fats.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Making it a day ahead actually improves the flavors as they meld overnight, and it reheats perfectly.
- How can I make this more filling? Many home cooks add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber without significantly increasing calories.
- Does the cabbage get mushy if cooked too long? Cut cabbage into uniform 1-inch pieces and stick to the 20-minute cooking time to maintain perfect texture.