Remember that tangy-potato-y smell that filled your grandma’s kitchen on “I swear I’m starting Monday” diet weeks? That’s cabbage soup diet magic. Our Cabbage Soup Diet Effective Weight Loss Recipe is all over Pinterest again (hello, nostalgia!). Quick to prep, foolproof to make—if you can chop, you’re golden.
It’s a cozy soupy throwback that hugs your belly and trims the fluff. Just cabbage, broth, and a pinch of ’90s resolve. All pantry stuff, no wild ingredients. Like mom’s Monday-night soup—but glowier. Full details in the blog!
I learned to make this while dodging cookie dough and begging for ice cream in my grandma’s kitchen. She’d roll her eyes, hand me a ladle, and say, “Start with cabbage, honey.” I’ve since added a twist or two… and yes, I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is like a big, warm hug on a cold day—except it’s light enough to fit into your weight loss goals. The cabbage soup diet is loved for its simplicity: a one-pot wonder made from budget-friendly pantry staples. It’s packed with hearty veggies, rich broth, and just enough seasoning to satisfy without weighing you down.
And oh, the personal nostalgia! Every spoonful reminds me of helping my grandma mix soup while chatting about life and sneaking extra diced tomatoes into the pot. If you’re craving some cozy, low-cal comfort with a side of ’90s charm, this is your recipe.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic begins with just a few simple ingredients! You’ll need chopped cabbage—our star of the show—and colorful diced bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange) for sweetness and crunch. Add celery for extra flavor (and a bit of bite) and diced tomatoes to bring everything together.

To make it satisfying without being heavy, you’ll use a base of beef broth enhanced with a little tomato paste, fresh thyme, and minced garlic. Olive oil ties it all together, creating a deeply savory soup that’s simple yet flavorful. The salt and pepper? Completely up to you—it’s a choose-your-own-flavor adventure!
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Heat your pot with the olive oil, then sauté the diced onions until just soft—it should smell amazing already! Add your minced garlic and thyme here, letting them bloom for about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Stir in your tomato paste for richness. Then, toss in the chopped cabbage, bell peppers, celery, and diced tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cover, and let the soup simmer on low for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will soften the cabbage but keep it slightly tender-crisp. Don’t let it overcook—mushy cabbage soup is a no-go!
Customizing Your Soup
Want to make this recipe yours? Add some protein like shredded chicken or tofu for a heartier meal. If you love a bit of heat, toss in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Going for a vegetarian twist? Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth for the same great flavor profile.
Need to adjust ingredients? No problem! Here’s a quick reference:
Ingredient | Swap Option |
---|---|
Cabbage | Kale or spinach (for a lighter touch) |
Beef Broth | Vegetable broth or tomato juice |
Bell Peppers | Any color pepper of your choice |
Serving, Storing, and Meal Prep
This is one of those soups that tastes even better the next day! Divide it into serving-sized containers for easy weekday lunches or light dinners. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave to keep the veggies from turning too soft. Want leftovers to feel fresh? Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a bit of black pepper before serving. Just like that, you’re set for a whole week of healthy, nostalgic eating!
Expert Insight: The Science Behind the Cabbage Soup Diet Effective Weight Loss Recipe
Nutrition experts highlight that the Cabbage Soup Diet effective weight loss recipe works primarily due to its low calorie, high fiber content, which promotes satiety while encouraging reduced caloric intake. Although it can jump-start weight loss, it’s best combined with balanced nutrition for sustainable results.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
My Cabbage Soup Diet Moment
Trying the cabbage soup diet was one of those “what were we thinking?” kitchen experiments Rachel and I dove into together. Between the laughs and soup sips, it reminded me that even simple recipes can bring family right to the table—no smoke alarms needed this time!
FAQs ( Cabbage Soup Diet )
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term, low-calorie eating plan built around a vegetable-based cabbage soup you eat several times a day. It became popular as a rapid weight-loss method because the soup is filling yet very low in calories. The plan is usually followed for about a week and pairs the soup with specific foods on different days to add some variety. Most people use it as a quick reset rather than a long-term eating strategy.
How long should I follow the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The typical recommendation is 7 days, which is long enough to see quick weight changes but short enough to limit nutrient gaps. Going beyond a week increases the risk of muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies, so it is not advised as a long-term plan. If you want to repeat it, space repeats with a balanced diet and exercise in between. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have health conditions.
Will I lose weight on the Cabbage Soup Diet?
Yes, most people lose weight quickly on the Cabbage Soup Diet because it is very low in calories and high in water and fiber. Much of the early loss is water and glycogen rather than fat, so the scale can rebound when you resume a normal diet. For sustained weight loss you will need a long-term plan with a calorie balance and strength training. Think of the soup diet as a fast short-term kickstart, not a permanent fix.
Is the Cabbage Soup Diet healthy and safe?
The diet is generally safe for most healthy adults for a short period, but it is nutritionally imbalanced and low in protein and healthy fats. People with diabetes, kidney issues, eating disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it or consult a clinician first. You may feel tired, lightheaded, or low on energy while following it, so monitor how you feel. To stay safer, drink plenty of water and consider adding a protein source on suggested days.
Can I make the cabbage soup vegetarian or gluten-free?
Yes, the cabbage soup is easy to make vegetarian and naturally gluten-free if you use plain vegetable broth and avoid processed seasonings with gluten. In the USA you can find gluten-free broths at most grocery stores and add beans or tofu for extra protein if you like, though that will change the calorie count. Stick to low-sodium broth and lots of fresh veggies to keep it healthy and flavorful. Label-checking is the simple trick to keep the soup compliant with your needs.

Wrapping Up Your Cabbage Soup Diet Effective Weight Loss Recipe Journey
This simple, cozy soup comes together in under 30 minutes and feels like a warm kitchen hug that’s surprisingly light and satisfying. You’ll love how the cabbage stays just tender, with bright veggies and rich broth making every spoonful a comforting treat.
Feel free to jazz it up with shredded chicken or swap in veggie broth to suit your mood. Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge—and reheating with fresh thyme always brings it back to life, a little tip passed down from family cooks who know their stuff.
Did this recipe bring back any kitchen memories? I’d love to see your versions or creative twists! Share your photos or pass this along to someone who’d appreciate a little homemade warmth. After all, cooking like this is what turns everyday meals into family traditions.
Print
Cabbage Soup Diet Effective Weight Loss Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Low-Calorie
Description
This cabbage soup recipe is a flavorful and healthy option perfect for weight loss. It combines fresh vegetables and herbs to create a comforting, low-calorie meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced yellow onions and minced garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Add chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, celery, and all bell peppers.
- Pour in beef broth and sprinkle fresh thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy your healthy cabbage soup.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg