If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s light on calories but big on flavor, you’re in for a treat. This Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe is one that I keep coming back to when I want something nourishing and satisfying without any fuss. It’s packed with veggies, hearty beans, and warming herbs, making it just perfect for chilly evenings or even those days when you want a clean-eating reset. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you get that perfect bowl every time.

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor Combo: The mix of fire-roasted tomatoes, white wine vinegar, and thyme creates a vibrant, comforting flavor without heaviness.
Nutritious & Filling: Beans and potatoes add heartiness while cabbage keeps it low-calorie and packed with fiber and vitamins.
Simple Prep, Big Results: Just toss ingredients into the pot and simmer — perfect when you want something easy that still feels homemade.
Versatile and Adaptable: It’s easy to tweak this healthy cabbage soup recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing the soul of the dish.

Healthy Cabbage Soup, healthy cabbage soup recipe, nourishing cabbage soup, low-calorie vegetable soup, hearty cabbage soup - The image shows a black pot filled with a colorful vegetable soup on a white marbled surface. The soup has several layers visible: a red-orange broth with pieces of light yellow potatoes, orange carrot slices, white and green cabbage chunks, small white beans with black spots, and red tomato pieces mixed throughout. There are fresh green leafy herbs in a separate white bowl nearby, and some fresh green herbs are also placed next to the pot. The pot has a lid resting on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup is a classic example of humble ingredients working together harmoniously. Each component plays a role: the olive oil provides a rich base, the veggies lend texture and nutrients, and the beans add protein and creaminess. If you’re shopping, pick fresh cabbage that’s crisp and bright green, and opt for fire-roasted tomatoes in your pantry for that subtle smoky depth.

Healthy Cabbage Soup, healthy cabbage soup recipe, nourishing cabbage soup, low-calorie vegetable soup, hearty cabbage soup - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, two fresh whole carrots with bright orange skin, one medium yellow onion with smooth golden-brown outer layers, a single crisp celery rib with leafy top, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of white wine vinegar, a handful of fire-roasted diced tomatoes showing charred edges and vibrant red color, a simple pile of white beans with a smooth creamy texture, four peeled garlic cloves with creamy white skin, two Yukon Gold potatoes with light golden yellow skin and clean diced pieces, a small fresh green cabbage cut into large leafy wedges, a small white ceramic bowl with dried thyme leaves, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies without overpowering their flavors.
Carrots: Bring sweetness and color to balance the tangy tomatoes.
Yellow onion: Builds a savory foundation; dice it evenly for consistent cooking.
Celery rib: Offers a mild, aromatic crunch that complements the other vegetables.
Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors; season gradually as you cook.
Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and depth, freshly ground is best!
White wine vinegar: Brightens the soup to create a subtle zing that lifts every bite.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds smoky, robust tomato flavor, making the broth rich and complex.
Vegetable broth: The savory liquid base that infuses all ingredients with flavor.
Cooked white beans: Creamy protein that fills you up and gives the soup a velvety texture.
Garlic cloves: Grated for a smooth infusion of fragrant garlic without chunks.
Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and buttery potatoes that thicken the soup and add comfort.
Green cabbage: This star veggie keeps the soup light, with a mild flavor and satisfying crunch if not overcooked.
Dried thyme: Brings woodsy, herbal notes that warm up the dish.
Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish, it adds fresh, bright contrast just before serving.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about this healthy cabbage soup recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want more zip, extra veggies, or a little protein boost, it’s all up to you. I often toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor or swap in kale instead of cabbage if that’s what I have on hand.

Variation: I sometimes add chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies and sweetness — it’s a nice change and adds color.
Dietary tweak: For a lower-carb version, you can reduce potatoes and add more cabbage or beans.
Heat it up: If you’re a fan of spice, a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce really livens up the flavor.
Protein boost: Add shredded cooked chicken or turkey if you want a non-vegetarian option that still feels light.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped carrots, diced onion, celery, along with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. I like to stir this every couple of minutes so the veggies soften evenly without browning too much — about 8 minutes should do it. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and the carrots start to get tender. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Deglaze and Add Tomatoes

Next, pour in the white wine vinegar and give everything a good stir to lift up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This vinegar adds a fresh brightness that balances all the earthiness. Then add your fire-roasted diced tomatoes and the vegetable broth. At this point, the soup starts smelling amazing, like it’s already halfway done.

Step 3: Add Beans, Garlic, and Potatoes

Drain and rinse the white beans and add them in, along with the grated garlic and diced Yukon Gold potatoes. The beans are great because they add creaminess without heaviness, and potatoes help thicken the broth as they cook. Make sure to keep things moving gently so the potatoes don’t break down too much early on.

Step 4: Toss in Cabbage and Herbs, Then Simmer

Finally, stir in your chopped green cabbage and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Give everything a good mix, cover your pot, and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender but still have a little bite. If you overcook cabbage, it turns mushy and loses that lovely texture.

Step 5: Taste and Garnish

At the end, give your soup a taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. I always love to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a nice herby pop that really freshens the soup before serving.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Keep an eye on the simmering time so your cabbage remains tender-crisp, not mushy.
Use Grated Garlic: Grating garlic instead of chopping helps it blend evenly in the soup without large harsh bites.
Adjust Vinegar last-minute: Adding extra white wine vinegar at the end can brighten the whole pot if flavors feel muted after simmering.
Balance Your Seasoning: Taste several times during cooking and season little by little to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe

Healthy Cabbage Soup, healthy cabbage soup recipe, nourishing cabbage soup, low-calorie vegetable soup, hearty cabbage soup - The image shows a close-up view of a large black pot filled with colorful vegetable soup. Inside the soup, there are visible layers of pale yellow potato chunks, white beans with black spots, small bright orange carrot slices, light green cabbage pieces, red tomato chunks, and bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. A copper ladle with a wooden handle is scooping some soup from the pot, showing a mix of all the ingredients in its bowl. Next to the pot, there is a white plate also holding some soup. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with some fresh green parsley on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh herbs, so I always finish this soup with a generous handful of chopped parsley. Sometimes, I like a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, cooling contrast that really makes the flavors pop. A few cracked black pepper grinds on top never hurt either!

Side Dishes

This soup is great on its own, but I often serve it with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad. Sometimes, I’ll make a grilled cheese sandwich to dip — it’s a guilty pleasure I couldn’t resist sharing. For a lighter lunch, pair it with a simple avocado toast.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m preparing this for guests, I like to ladle the soup into rustic bowls, then top with parsley and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Serve alongside a small plate of marinated olives or pickled veggies for a fun Mediterranean vibe. For cozy family nights, a stack of warm pita triangles on the side adds a nice touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pour leftover cabbage soup into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge, where it stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh and prevent condensation inside the container.

Freezing

This healthy cabbage soup recipe freezes beautifully, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I let it cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. It lasts up to 3 months, making it perfect meal prep or emergency dinner material.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon brightens it up nicely after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage in this healthy cabbage soup recipe?

Yes! While green cabbage is classic here, you can definitely swap in savoy or napa cabbage. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as napa cooks faster due to its tender leaves. Each variety brings a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely. This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and avoid any non-vegan garnishes. It’s a hearty, plant-based meal packed with protein from beans and veggies.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! After sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cabbage towards the last hour to prevent it from getting mushy.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?

Adding beans (already in the recipe) makes this soup quite filling, but if you want more, try adding cooked quinoa, barley, or shredded chicken. Another trick is to pair it with whole grain bread or a side salad with nuts and seeds.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too watery?

The potatoes help thicken the broth naturally. If after simmering it’s still too thin, you can mash a few potato pieces against the side of the pot and stir them in, or simmer uncovered a few extra minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Final Thoughts

This healthy cabbage soup recipe is one of my go-tos for a reason: it’s easy, forgiving, and truly delicious. I love how it transforms simple pantry and fridge staples into a bowl that feels thoughtful and comforting. If you make it, I’m sure you’ll appreciate how cozy yet light it is—perfect for lunches, dinners, or batch cooking. Give it a try and make it your own; I can’t wait to hear how you jazz it up in your kitchen.