When you need an easy weeknight dinner idea that supports a healthy weight loss plan, this Cabbage Soup delivers. Combining green cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes in a savory vegetable broth, it becomes a clean eating soup that’s naturally low in calories yet rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Why This Soup Works for Weight Loss
Cabbage is famous in low‑calorie soup recipes because it adds bulk and satiety without excess calories. The combination of cabbage plus other vegetables creates a fiber‑rich recipe that helps you feel full longer, making it ideal for anyone following a high‑fiber meal plan. Moreover, the garlic and onions supply immune‑boosting ingredients, supporting overall wellness while you slim down.
Ingredients for a Vegetarian Detox Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make This Soup
- Sauté the Base
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onions turn translucent, about 5–7 minutes—this forms the flavor foundation of your vegetarian detox soup. - Add Aromatics
Stir in minced garlic and cook one minute more to unlock the immune‑boosting power of garlic. - Incorporate Cabbage
Add chopped cabbage and stir until it wilts slightly, mixing with your softened vegetables. - Build the Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Season with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil—this is your clean eating soup in action. - Simmer to Perfection
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes until cabbage is tender and flavors meld into a gut‑healthy recipe that cleanses naturally. - Finish & Serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for the Ultimate High‑Fiber, Low‑Calorie Soup
- Uniform Chopping: Cut vegetables to similar sizes so they all cook evenly in your low‑calorie soup recipe.
- Broth Choice: A high‑quality vegetable broth enhances flavor without adding fat or calories.
- Add‑Ins for Variety: Stir in cooked white beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber, turning this into a heartier high‑fiber meal plan option.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a metabolism‑boosting kick.
Variations to Keep It Fresh
- Protein Boost: During the last 10 minutes, add shredded rotisserie chicken for a healthy meal plan upgrade.
- Grain Twist: Stir in cooked barley or quinoa for a fiber‑rich recipe that doubles as a meal‑in‑one.
- Creamy Version: Off‑heat, whisk in a swirl of plain Greek yogurt for tang and creaminess.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days—perfect for quick, easy weeknight dinner ideas.
- Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 3 months in freezer‑safe containers. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- Reheat Tip: Warm on the stovetop over medium‑low, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cabbage soup with a side of crusty whole‑grain bread or a crisp green salad. Its clean eating profile makes it an excellent starter for heavier mains, or enjoy it solo as a satisfying, weight‑loss‑friendly soup.
Health Benefits Highlight
Beyond its delicious taste and versatility, this cabbage soup offers an array of health advantages:
- Heart Health Support: The fiber and phytonutrients in cabbage and tomatoes can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, reducing cardiovascular risk.
- Digestive Wellness: Fiber from cabbage, carrots, and celery promotes regularity, helps balance gut bacteria, and soothes the digestive tract.
- Blood Sugar Balance: Low‑glycemic vegetables and high fiber content slow carbohydrate absorption, supporting steady blood sugar—ideal for anyone monitoring glucose.
- Antioxidant Defense: Garlic, onions, and tomatoes deliver antioxidants like allicin and lycopene, which neutralize free radicals and support immune function.
Meal‑Prep and Batch‑Cooking Strategies
To streamline your week and ensure you always have a gut‑healthy recipe on hand, consider these batch‑cooking tips:
- Double the Batch: Make a double batch of soup and freeze in individual portions. Perfect for work‑day lunches or a quick post‑gym refuel.
- Mason Jar Storage: Ladle cooled soup into wide‑mouth mason jars, leaving an inch of headspace before freezing; thaw in the fridge overnight for grab‑and‑go convenience.
- Flavor Boosters On Demand: Keep small containers of extras—Greek yogurt, shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked grains, or hot sauce—so you can customize each serving.
Complementary Recipes and Pairings
Pair this cabbage soup with other nutrient‑dense dishes to create a balanced meal plan:
- Quinoa Salad with Lemon‑Vinaigrette: A light side that adds protein and wholesome grains to your clean eating repertoire.
- Roasted Vegetables with Turmeric: Oven‑roasting seasonal veggies with anti‑inflammatory turmeric makes a colorful, vitamin‑rich accompaniment.
- Simple Avocado Toast: Top whole‑grain toast with smashed avocado, sea salt, and a squeeze of lime for healthy fats and extra fiber.
Reader Success Stories
“I started making this cabbage soup as part of my weight‑loss journey, and it’s been a game‑changer. I love having a big bowl for dinner—it really fills me up without going over my calorie goal.”
— Sara, Florida
“My digestion has never been better. I add a scoop of lentils for protein, and it’s now my go‑to lunch prep. Plus, it freezes beautifully for busy days.”
— Marcus, California
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
This Cabbage Soup isn’t just another recipe—it’s a cornerstone of any high‑fiber meal plan and a shining example of how low‑calorie soup recipes can be both satisfying and nutrient‑dense. By embracing simple, whole‑food ingredients and flexible add‑ins, you’ll discover a versatile, budget‑friendly staple that supports your health goals.
Ready to transform your weeknight dinners and supercharge your clean‑eating routine? Bookmark this Cabbage Soup, share it with friends pursuing healthy weight loss, and experiment with the variations to find your favorite twist. Here’s to delicious, gut‑healthy recipes that nourish your body—and delight your taste buds—every time!
By focusing on vegetables, lean broth, and bold aromatics, this Cabbage Soup hits all the marks for a low‑calorie soup recipe, vegetarian detox soup, and gut‑healthy recipes. It’s a versatile staple you’ll return to again and again—whether you’re following a high‑fiber meal plan, seeking easy weeknight dinner ideas, or simply craving a warm bowl of fiber‑rich comfort. Enjoy!