Cabbage Soup Diet—it sounds old-school, right? But trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s bland “diet food.” The cabbage soup diet is making a serious comeback, and for good reason. It’s warm, hearty, veggie-packed, and let’s be honest—kind of perfect for when you’re craving a reset without gnawing on celery sticks all week. Whether you’re trying to slim down, sneak more veggies into your day, or just need something fast and filling, this cabbage soup diet recipe is here for you.
Packed with peppers, garlic, and just the right spice, it’s like a hug in a bowl—but with benefits. Midweek slump? Leftovers in the fridge? Boom. The cabbage soup diet is your no-fuss dinner hero. Bonus: you’ll only need a Dutch oven, a spoon, and about 30 minutes to bring this back-from-the-90s beauty to life.
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What is Cabbage Soup Diet?
So, what’s the deal with the cabbage soup diet? At its core, it’s a super simple veggie soup designed to fill you up without filling you out. Back in the day, it gained popularity as a quick weight-loss plan, often tied to a seven-day eating schedule. But don’t worry—this version isn’t about starving yourself. It’s about comfort food that’s light, nourishing, and surprisingly tasty.
The soup itself is loaded with cabbage (duh), colorful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a good dose of garlic and herbs. It’s not some sad, flavorless “diet food”—it’s actually satisfying. The cabbage soup diet might sound like a trend from your mom’s old magazine stack, but with the right ingredients and some love, it becomes a weeknight winner or a meal prep powerhouse. And if you’re wondering, yes—you can totally add your own twist. Just don’t tell the cabbage.
Reasons to Try Cabbage Soup Diet
Alright, real talk—why should you try the cabbage soup diet? First off, it’s easy. Like, chop-toss-simmer easy. No complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients, just real food in a real pot. Second, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Cabbage is cheap. So are onions. So are bell peppers when they’re in season. This soup lets you stretch your grocery dollar without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Third, it’s a veggie-loaded reset button.
After a weekend of burgers and fries (hey, no judgment), this soup feels like giving your insides a spa day. It’s light but filling, low in calories but high in flavor. It’s also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be vegetarian with one quick swap (hello, veggie broth). Plus, if you’re into batch cooking, it keeps like a dream. All in all, the cabbage soup diet isn’t just a trend—it’s a reliable, cozy, flavorful way to feed yourself when life feels chaotic.
Ingredients Needed to Make Cabbage Soup Diet
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 small yellow onions, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth (or veggie broth if you prefer vegetarian)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
Instructions to Make Cabbage Soup Diet
Making the Cabbage Soup Diet is surprisingly simple, especially when you follow a detailed step-by-step guide like this one. Whether you’re new to soup-making or just need a refresher, this breakdown will walk you through every move—from your first chop to the final simmer. Grab your Dutch oven and let’s do this!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by placing a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up—this only takes about 30 seconds. Then, toss in your diced yellow onions, and chopped bell peppers (you’ll use red, yellow, and orange for a colorful, nutrient-rich mix). Add the diced tomatoes as well. Stir everything together and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and the peppers are starting to get tender. This step is essential for building the flavor base of the soup. If you’re unsure how to dice peppers efficiently, check out our ingredient prep guide for time-saving tips.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Thyme, and Tomato Paste
Once the veggies are softened, add in 3 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, then sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Let everything cook for about 2 minutes so the garlic has time to mellow and the tomato paste caramelizes slightly—this adds a deeper, richer flavor. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep the heat steady and don’t walk away. Want a richer herb flavor? Swap in dried Italian seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Next, add 3 cups of beef broth to the pot. This will deglaze the bottom and help lift all those flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan—don’t skip this step! If you’re aiming to keep the recipe vegetarian, feel free to swap in vegetable stock instead. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to make sure nothing is sticking. Your soup will start to look more like… well, soup.
Step 4: Add the Star—Cabbage!
Time to toss in your chopped cabbage. A medium head, chopped into bite-sized pieces, will do the trick. Don’t worry if it seems like too much—it will shrink as it cooks. Stir it into the broth mixture gently, folding it under the liquid. Cabbage is loaded with fiber and low in calories, making it a perfect fit for the cabbage soup diet. This is where things start to feel hearty and cozy.
Step 5: Bring Everything to a Boil
Now, increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil. This step helps all the vegetables begin to break down and infuse the broth with flavor. Once it’s bubbling, give it a good stir to make sure the cabbage is evenly distributed. This is a great time to taste-test the broth and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
After your soup has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cabbage and other vegetables are soft but not mushy. Stir occasionally to keep everything well mixed. You’ll notice the aroma getting richer as the flavors meld together. This low-and-slow simmer is what transforms your pot of veggies into a comforting, flavorful meal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the soup is tender and the kitchen smells amazing, it’s time to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy as-is, or pair it with a warm slice of crusty bread or a roasted veggie side dish for extra satisfaction. If you’re meal-prepping, let the soup cool slightly before storing in airtight containers. It’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or light dinners all week long.
This step-by-step method takes the guesswork out of cooking and helps you build a soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re following the cabbage soup diet strictly or just looking for a cozy bowl of goodness, you’ll love how simple and flavorful this process can be. Looking for more cozy soups? You might enjoy our heartwarming vegetarian gnocchi soup or easy creamy chicken tortilla soup for more variety.
What to Serve with Cabbage Soup Diet
This cabbage soup diet recipe is hearty enough to eat solo, but if you want to round it out, here are some fun ideas. Try pairing it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a roasted sweet potato side for a little natural sweetness. A dollop of Greek yogurt on top (if you’re not going dairy-free) adds creaminess and protein. Want more veggies? Whip up a quick roasted beet and burrata salad for something fancy-looking but effortless. This soup is flexible, so make it your own. And if you’re on the go, toss it in a thermos and call it a lunch win.
Key Tips for Making Cabbage Soup Diet
Here’s the lowdown on making this cabbage soup diet recipe next-level. First, chop your veggies ahead of time—it’ll save your sanity during the dinner rush. Second, don’t skimp on seasoning. Cabbage can be bland on its own, so that garlic, thyme, and tomato paste really bring it to life. Third, don’t boil it too long—just enough to get everything tender, not mushy.
Want more protein? Add white beans or shredded chicken, but remember, that changes the calorie game. If you’re not doing the “diet” part, go wild! Also, this soup freezes beautifully—double the batch, freeze in portions, and boom, future you has lunch. And one more thing: it tastes even better the next day. Flavor gets deeper, veggies get cozier—it’s the soup that keeps on giving.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Cabbage Soup Diet
This soup is the definition of make-ahead friendly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave a little room at the top!). Label and date them, because mystery soup is not the vibe. For reheating, toss a serving into a small pot over medium heat until warmed through. Or, if you’re in full-on lazy mode, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway. Pro tip: add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much in the fridge. Still flavorful, still nourishing.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Totally. It keeps things vegetarian and still tastes amazing.
Can I add meat?
You can! Just know it won’t be “zero points” if you’re doing Weight Watchers or similar plans.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Make a big pot Sunday and eat it all week.
Can I freeze this?
Yes! It freezes like a dream. Just portion it out and label the containers.
Is this the same as the 7-day cabbage soup diet plan?
This is the base soup from that plan, but you can enjoy it anytime—even without following the full diet.
Final Thoughts
The cabbage soup diet isn’t just a relic from the past—it’s a modern-day miracle meal when you need something quick, comforting, and wholesome. Whether you’re in it for the light, veggie-forward vibes or just want a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers. Make a batch, tweak it to your taste, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weeknight staple. For more cozy, veggie-packed ideas, check out our easy minestrone soup or heartwarming vegetarian gnocchi soup. Trust me, your dinner rotation will thank you.
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PrintCabbage Soup Diet Recipe for a Simple, Healthy Reset
This soup has been around for a few decades, however, it was not known to be a ‘Diet’ food back then. This soup is a great tasting soup, filled with all types of flavors, textures and herbs and spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups Beef Broth
- 1 tsp Thyme, fresh
- 3 tsp Garlic, minced
- Salt and Pepper if desired
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 small Yellow Onions, diced
- 1 head Cabbage, medium, chopped
- 1 cup Tomatoes, diced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the Olive oil over medium heat.
2. Toss in the onions, all the bell peppers, and the tomatoes.
3. Cook on medium high heat for 4 to 6 minutes.
4. Add in the Garlic, Thyme, salt and pepper, and the Tomato paste.
5. Stir to combine.
6. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes before adding the broth.
7. Add in the 3 cups Beef Broth.
8. Add in the chopped cabbage.
9. Increase the heat until it comes to a boil.
10. Reduce the heat to low.
11. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
12. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Could I add meat to this soup?
Yes, you could, however, you must also understand that the soup will not qualify as a ‘zero’ point meal if you add meat or other ingredients.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of Beef broth?
Certainly! For those that avoid eating meat or meat products, it is a perfect plan to use vegetable stock as the broth. It is kept as a vegetarian soup.
