Dinner

Best Cabbage Soup Recipe

ByLila Prescott January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

This vibrant cabbage soup is a comforting and healthy option perfect for any day of the week. With simple ingredients and fresh herbs, it comes together quickly for a flavorful meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (diced)

1 large carrot (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)

2 garlic cloves (minced)
½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ cabbage (chopped)

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 to 6 cups vegetable broth (depending on desired thickness)
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice

¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to let the cabbage sweat and soften.
Step 4: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender to your liking.

Step 5: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a heartier soup, add cooked beans or shredded chicken before serving.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a different flavor twist.

Adjust the lemon juice to balance the soup’s acidity based on your preference.
If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with clear vegetable soup showing multiple layers of colorful ingredients: bright orange carrot cubes, light green celery pieces, pale green cabbage leaves, and red tomato chunks, all in a golden broth sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper flakes. A shiny silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a partial view of another white bowl containing the same soup on the right and some greenery in a white bowl above left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use green or red cabbage instead of regular cabbage?

Yes, both green and red cabbage work well in this soup. They may slightly change the color and flavor but will still provide great texture and nutrition.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. You can freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove for best results.