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Home » Recipes » Soup

Cabbage Tomato Soup Recipe

felice kaufman author bio
Modified: Apr 12, 2026 · by Felice Kaufman · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment
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Cabbage Tomato Soup Recipe is my go-to when I want to feel lighter and eat clean. It's low in calories, high in fiber, and fills you up without weighing you down. I make a big pot at the start of the week and eat it for lunch or dinner whenever I need something light and easy.

Jump to:
  • What is The Cabbage Soup Diet?
  • What You Need
  • Recipe For Cabbage Tomato Soup
  • How to Thicken The Soup
  • Extra Seasonings
  • Storage and Reheating
  • Overview
  • More Recipes For Weight Loss
  • FAQ
  • Cabbage Tomato Soup

What is The Cabbage Soup Diet?

Cabbage Tomato Soup has been used for fast weight loss for decades.

The Cabbage Soup Diet started in the 1950s, according to Business Insider. People were told to eat a low-calorie cabbage soup just like this one in place of regular meals to help lose weight quickly.

It's also been called the Dolly Parton Diet and the TWA Stewardess Diet. The idea is simple: eat as much cabbage soup as you want, and pair it with certain foods each day. One day might be just fruit, the next might include lean protein or rice.

Why does it work?

There's no junk in the soup. It's made with real food. It fits into nearly every eating plan like low fat, low calorie, or Paleo. It helps you stay full without overdoing it. That's what makes it so effective.

What You Need

  • Olive oil
  • Onion and Garlic
  • Green cabbage. It is best to buy a small head of cabbage and slice it yourself instead of the packaged shreds.
  • Carrots, Celery, Green Bell Peppers
  • Crushed or whole peeled tomatoes, fresh or canned.
  • Vegetable broth, chicken broth, bone broth, or water. (If you don't have homemade broth in the freezer, use water.)
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Any of the following fresh herbs: dill, parsley, thyme, bay leaf (or 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning)
  • Salt & black pepper

Recipe For Cabbage Tomato Soup

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, or until the onions are soft. Add garlic and cook another minute, stirring constantly.
  2. Add the cabbage, carrots, celery, and peppers to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Pour in the tomatoes and stir well. Add the apple cider vinegar and liquid (broth or water) to the pot, along with the fresh herbs.
  4. Bring to a simmer, just below boiling.
  5. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
  6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

How to Thicken The Soup

If you like a thicker soup it's easy to adjust. Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to give it more body.

You can also add a can of white cannellini beans or kidney beans to stretch the soup and make it more filling. If you include the liquid from the can, it will thicken the broth even more.

Just keep in mind that if you're trying to lose weight, the beans may slow things down a bit.

Extra Seasonings

Add any of the following to boost the flavor of your cabbage tomato soup:

  • Red pepper flakes
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme
  • A drizzle of sesame oil after cooking
  • A splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavor

Storage and Reheating

Once the soup has cooled, store it in airtight containers in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 6 months.

To reheat, warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it's frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature. Label and date your containers, then place them in the freezer. The soup will stay fresh for about 6 months.

Overview

Cabbage tomato soup is light, filling, and full of flavor. It blends the fresh taste of cabbage with the natural sweetness of tomatoes for a comforting bowl that can help support your weight loss goals.

It's similar to an Italian vegetable soup but made without wheat, soy, eggs, dairy, or sugar. This makes it a good fit for a low-calorie diet. It's also a great way to use up whatever veggies you have left in the fridge.

I like to make it at the end of the week with any produce that's still hanging on. Just chop it up and toss it in the pot.

More Recipes For Weight Loss

If you're looking for more light and healthy meals, try one of these. These recipes are clean, simple, and full of flavor. Perfect for healthy eating.

  • Easy Homemade Green Pea Soup
  • Grandma's Old Fashioned Chicken Soup Recipe
  • Keto Instant Pot Chicken Soup
  • Steamed Broccoli and Carrots Recipe
  • Steamed Brussels Sprouts
  • Oven Roasted Mahi Mahi
  • Roasted Yellowtail Snapper with Old Bay

FAQ

What is cabbage soup?

Cabbage soup is a simple, healthy soup made with chopped cabbage, broth, and a mix of vegetables. It's low in calories and often used to support weight loss.

What are the main ingredients in cabbage soup?

You'll need cabbage, broth (vegetable or chicken), tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery. Season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

How long does cabbage tomato soup last in the refrigerator?

Store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Let it cool first, then transfer to airtight containers.

Is cabbage tomato soup vegetarian?

Yes, just use vegetable broth and skip any animal products. It's easy to make vegan too.

Can I freeze cabbage soup?

Yes. Let it cool, then freeze in single portions for up to 6 months. Reheat on the stove for the best texture.

Can I eat cabbage soup every day?

You can. It's light, low in calories, and packed with fiber, which helps keep you full. A lot of people eat it for a few days in a row when they want to feel lighter or reset their eating habits

Cabbage and tomato soup in white bowl with lemon.

Cabbage Tomato Soup

Felice Kaufman
Light, veggie‑packed, and easy to make in one pot. This soup combines shredded cabbage, crushed tomatoes, onion, carrot, celery, and broth, simmered with garlic, fresh dill and bay leaves. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor. Ready in about 40 minutes. It's vegan, gluten‑free, keto‑friendly, and perfect for weight loss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 135.4 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups shredded cabbage, half a medium cabbage
  • 5 cups vegetable broth, chicken broth, bone broth or water
  • 2 cups diced yellow onion (1 big onion)
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 diced green bell pepper
  • 1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill
  • 2 bay leaves
  • a few sprigs fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes, or until the onions are soft. Add garlic and cook another minute, stirring constantly.
  • Add the chopped cabbage and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Pour in the tomatoes and stir well. Add the apple cider vinegar and liquid (broth or water) to the pot, along with the fresh herbs.
  • Bring to a simmer, just below boiling.
  • Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Cooking Liquid: Use homemade broth if you have it. Vegetable, chicken, or bone broth all work. I have recipes on the site for both chicken and beef bone broth. I don't care for bouillon because it's usually full of sugar and additives. If you don't have broth, plain filtered water is fine.
Tomato Paste: A spoonful of tomato paste adds more flavor and gives the soup a little more body. Totally optional, but a nice touch.
Beans: If you eat beans, you can add half a can to make the soup more filling.
Reheating: I like to reheat the soup in a saucepan and let it simmer for a few minutes. If you're using a microwave, warm it up in a glass or ceramic bowl.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 135.4kcalCarbohydrates: 21.5gProtein: 4gTotal Fat: 5.3gSaturated Fat: 0.8gSodium: 211.2mgPotassium: 692.5mgFiber: 5.8gSugar: 11.2gNet Carbohydrates: 15.8g
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below & tag @cookinginthekeys on social!

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Welcome!

Hi, I’m Felice. I live in the Florida Keys and share easy recipes made with fresh seafood, steak, and seasonal vegetables. Everything is inspired by island life, simple, delicious, and made with real food.

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