FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Cabbage Soup Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Cabbage Soup
• My Recipe Tips
• Cabbage Soup (Easy Recipe) Recipe card
• More Cabbage Soup Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Cabbage soup is one of my favorite healthy soup recipes when I want something light and healthy, especially to detox after heavier holiday meals. I already had a couple meal-style cabbage soup recipes here on Wholesome Yum, including cabbage and beef soup and chicken detox soup , but somehow I never got around to sharing the one I actually make most — this one. It’s loaded with fresh veggies and cozy flavors, and it’s my easiest one of all. It’ll leave you feeling amazing . Make it with me!

Why You Need My Cabbage Soup Recipe

• Packed with flavor – Forget those bland ones you might have had. This soup has so much garlicky, herby veggie goodness, with just a little brightness from lemon juice. It’s my best cabbage soup recipe! And it makes your house smell incredible.
• Even picky eaters love it – My 7-year-old, who usually doesn’t touch cabbage, went back for thirds last time I made this. My whole family did!
• So easy to make – With super simple ingredients and around half an hour, this is a breeze of a recipe.
• Perfect for meal prep – Cabbage soup stores well, so I love making a big batch on the weekend to enjoy for light lunches all week. It’s also a great comforting starter for your favorite dinner recipes on busy nights.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my simple cabbage soup recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cabbage – Obviously the main ingredient! I used green cabbage, but you can also use red cabbage or Napa cabbage.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes – These add a touch of sweetness and balance to the soup. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
• Mirepoix – That’s a fancy name for a combination of carrots, onion, and celery. Feel free to toss in other veggies! Hearty ones like bell peppers work best sauteed in the beginning, whereas more delicate ones like zucchini or leafy greens are better added toward the end.
• Aromatics – Minced garlic and grated ginger. If you need a shortcut, you can use a tablespoon of jarred garlic instead , and add a sprinkle of ground ginger with the spices (below).
• Olive Oil – For sauteing the veggies and aromatics. Avocado oil works, too.
• Chicken Broth – This cabbage soup tastes incredible with my homemade chicken broth , but store-bought works just fine. You can also use vegetable broth if you want a plant-based soup.
• Spices – Italian seasoning , sea salt, and black pepper. You can also use individual dried herbs instead, like basil or oregano, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Lemon Juice – Adds a bright, zesty flavor. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it!

How To Make Cabbage Soup

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant.
2. Saute the onions, carrots, and celery. They’ll soften first, but let them brown, too.

1. Simmer your soup. Add the cabbage, broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a boil, then cover and let it simmer until the cabbage is tender and your kitchen smells amazing.
2. Finish. If you’re using lemon juice, stir it in now, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your easy cabbage soup! I like to garnish it with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.

My Recipe Tips

• Make sure your pot is large enough. This recipe makes 12 cups and needs enough space to boil! I used this Dutch oven . If you don’t have one so large, you can cut the recipe in half.
• Let the sauteed vegetables brown a little for more flavor. Turn up the heat if needed to get some browning, but don’t rush it too much so that they caramelize a bit.
• The simmering time can vary. It depends on how big your cabbage pieces are, your pot material, and your stove.
• Cabbage doesn’t fit all at once? You can add it in batches. Push it down into the broth as it wilts and then you can add more.
• Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. A tablespoon might seem like a lot, but it’s a big batch, plus I used reduced-sodium broth. If your broth is regular or you just don’t like that much salt, you’ll need less. The amount of pepper I add gives a very subtle kick, so use less if you want none at all or more if you want more heat.
• If the soup tastes too acidic for you, try adding a little more salt. You can also add sweetener of your choice to cut the acidity, but that doesn’t feel right for a detox cabbage soup, does it? 😉 I have other tips for adjusting flavor to your liking in my vegetable soup recipe .
• Want to make it a meal? Sometimes I toss in leftover shredded chicken or ground beef into the cabbage soup, and we enjoy it for a light dinner all by itself. You can also add diced potatoes or white beans before simmering to make it more hearty.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 6 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated) ▢
• 1 large Onion (diced) ▢
• 3 medium Carrots (diced) ▢
• 3 ribs Celery (sliced) ▢
• 8 cups Green cabbage (chopped into 1/4-inch wide strips; ~1 lb) ▢
• 8 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option) ▢
• 1 15-oz can Diced tomatoes (with liquid) ▢
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning ▢
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice (optional) ▢
• 1 tbsp Sea salt (to taste) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper (to taste) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger. Saute for 1-2 minutes , until fragrant.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Saute for 7-10 minutes , until softened and starting to brown.
3. Add the cabbage, broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil (this will take 5-10 minutes ). Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes , until the cabbage is tender and your house smells amazing.
5. Add the lemon juice, if using. Season the cabbage soup with salt and pepper to your taste.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make this recipe perfectly. I’ve got some tricks to get everything to fit and get the best flavor.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, so this soup is perfect for meal prep!
• Reheat: Just warm on the stove or in the microwave. It’s even better the next day!
• Freeze: This cabbage soup freezes beautifully! Just pour it into a freezer-safe container or zip lock bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Note on serving size: The 1-cup serving size is ideal as a light starter. You can easily double or triple the serving, and toss in leftover proteins, to make it more of a meal.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Spring Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Cabbage Soup

More Cabbage Soup Recipes

I love cabbage in soup! It’s a great way to add bulk while keeping things light. Try some of my other recipes with it:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Cabbage Soup (Easy Recipe)

This is the perfect cozy cabbage soup recipe! It’s super easy, healthy, packed with flavor, and ready in around half an hour.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/cabbage-soup/

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 3 medium Carrots (diced)
• 3 ribs Celery (sliced)
• 8 cups Green cabbage (chopped into 1/4-inch wide strips; ~1 lb)
• 8 cups Chicken broth, reduced sodium (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 15-oz can Diced tomatoes (with liquid)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tbsp Sea salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger. Saute for 1-2 minutes , until fragrant.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Saute for 7-10 minutes , until softened and starting to brown.
3. Add the cabbage, broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil (this will take 5-10 minutes ). Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes , until the cabbage is tender and your house smells amazing.
5. Add the lemon juice, if using. Season the cabbage soup with salt and pepper to your taste.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make this recipe perfectly. I’ve got some tricks to get everything to fit and get the best flavor.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an air tight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, so this soup is perfect for meal prep!
• Reheat: Just warm on the stove or in the microwave. It’s even better the next day!
• Freeze: This cabbage soup freezes beautifully! Just pour it into a freezer-safe container or zip lock bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Note on serving size: The 1-cup serving size is ideal as a light starter. You can easily double or triple the serving, and toss in leftover proteins, to make it more of a meal.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Spring Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)