Ever feel like your body just needs a reset? Yeah, me too! That’s when I make my favorite detox cabbage soup.

It’s super simple and oh-so-good for you. I love how it makes me feel light and fresh. Plus, it’s full of yummy veggies!

This soup helps me when I want to eat healthy but still feel full. And guess what? It’s cozy, warm, and tastes amazing — like a hug in a bowl!

So, wanna try it with me? Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to make this easy detox cabbage soup step by step!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for a Reset: This soup is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it ideal for those looking to support digestion and feel lighter.
Flavorful and Comforting: Don’t be fooled by “detox”—this soup is rich in flavor thanks to garlic, ginger, and herbs.
Simple and Affordable: Made from humble ingredients, this is a budget-friendly recipe anyone can make.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it all week long—it stores beautifully.
Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegan: Great for many dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:

This recipe yields about 8 servings—perfect for meal prep or sharing with family.

Difficulty:

Easy: Perfect for beginners but satisfying for experienced home cooks too.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here are the essential tools you’ll need to make this hearty cabbage soup:

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: To cook everything in one pot.
Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
Sharp Knife: Essential for prepping cabbage, carrots, and celery.
Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring and serving the soup.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get the seasonings just right.
Vegetable Peeler (Optional): If you prefer to peel your carrots.

Ingredients for Detox Cabbage Soup

These everyday ingredients come together for a rich, veggie-packed soup. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Olive Oil: Just a little to sauté the aromatics—use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
Carrots: For natural sweetness and color—chop them into small, even pieces.
Celery Stalks: Adds a wonderful aromatic base and crunch.
Green Cabbage: The star of the show—shredded for easy eating and digestion.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings powerful flavor and health benefits.
Ginger Paste or Fresh Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory and digestive aid.
Ground Turmeric: Adds a golden hue and earthy flavor while supporting wellness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste.
Diced Tomatoes (Canned or Fresh): Adds body and richness to the broth.
Vegetable Broth: A savory, plant-based broth that ties all the flavors together—use low-sodium if preferred.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes for extra zing.

Variations for Detox Cabbage Soup

This cabbage soup is wonderfully flexible. Here are some easy ways to adjust it to your taste or dietary needs:

Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or tofu to make it a heartier meal.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño for a little heat.
Boost with More Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
Use Bone Broth: For added protein and collagen, replace vegetable broth with chicken or beef bone broth (if not vegan).
Low Carb Version: Skip carrots and use more leafy greens or cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
Add Grains (Optional): Stir in cooked quinoa, brown rice, or barley for a more filling option.

How to Make Detox Cabbage Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep All Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to wash and chop your vegetables:

Cabbage: Slice into thin shreds or small pieces for quick cooking.
Carrots and Celery: Chop into bite-sized pieces.
Onion and Garlic: Finely chop for even sautéing.
Ginger: If using fresh, peel and mince it finely.

Tip: Prepping everything first makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil.

Once hot, add the onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn them.

This step builds the flavor foundation of the soup.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings

To the pot, add:

Carrots and celery. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes to soften them slightly.
Sprinkle in the turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the veggies in the seasonings.

The turmeric will start to color the veggies a lovely golden hue.

4. Add Cabbage, Tomatoes, and Broth

Now it’s time to bring the soup together:

Add the shredded cabbage, stirring to combine with the other vegetables.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer.

5. Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot partially with a lid, leaving a small gap to let steam escape.
Simmer the soup for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy and flavors are well developed.

6. Taste and Adjust

Once the soup is done simmering:

Taste and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
For a thinner soup, add more broth or water as needed.

Optional Garnish Before Serving

Right before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top. A drizzle of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes also works well if you want a little kick.

How to Serve Detox Cabbage Soup

This nourishing soup is perfect on its own, but you can also enjoy it in different ways depending on your meal needs:

As a Light Main Course: Serve a warm bowl on its own with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
With Whole Grain Bread: Pair with a slice of whole grain or sourdough bread for a more filling meal.
Alongside a Protein: If you want more substance, enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
As a Starter: A small cup makes a great appetizer before a larger meal, especially if you’re looking for something light and healthy.

Storing Detox Cabbage Soup

This soup is excellent for meal prep and tastes even better after the flavors sit for a day. Here’s how to store it properly:

In the Refrigerator:
- Let the soup cool completely.
- Transfer to airtight containers.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer:
- Portion soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Detox Cabbage Soup

On the Stove:
- Place soup in a pot over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until heated through—about 5-10 minutes.
In the Microwave:
- Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Tip: You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen up the soup if it thickens in storage.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Chop Vegetables Evenly: For even cooking and a better texture in every bite, keep the veggies similar in size.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and cabbage make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Simmer just until tender. Overcooking can make the cabbage too soft and the soup less vibrant.
Season Gradually: Start with a moderate amount of salt and pepper, then adjust after simmering to suit your taste.
Brighten the Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to balance the richness of the broth.
Make It a Full Meal: Add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or shredded chicken to turn this light soup into a hearty meal.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (1 bowl) of this detox cabbage soup (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	85 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbohydrates	15 g
Dietary Fiber	5 g
Sugars	7 g
Fat	2 g
Saturated Fat	0 g
Sodium	520 mg
Vitamin A	60% DV
Vitamin C	70% DV
Calcium	8% DV
Iron	10% DV

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.

Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe

Recipe by Elena SmythCourse: Uncategorized

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger paste (or 1-inch fresh ginger, minced)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
Optional Garnishes: Chopped parsley, lemon wedges, red pepper flakes

Directions

Prep Vegetables: Chop all vegetables and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add chopped carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle in turmeric, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat.
Add Cabbage, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in shredded cabbage. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are tender
Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add lemon juice for brightness if desired.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little spice.

Detox Cabbage Soup FAQs

1. Can I freeze cabbage soup?

Yes! This soup freezes well. Cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

2. How long does cabbage soup last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors often improve over time.

3. Can I add protein to this soup?

Absolutely. Add cooked shredded chicken, turkey, tofu, or white beans for added protein if desired.

4. Is this soup good for weight loss?

This cabbage soup is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vegetables, making it a great option for a light, nourishing meal—often used as part of balanced eating plans.

5. What’s the best way to make this soup more filling?

Adding grains like quinoa, barley, or brown rice can make it more satisfying. You can also top it with avocado slices or stir in some chickpeas.

Conclusion

This Detox Cabbage Soup is simple, nourishing, and versatile—perfect for cozy evenings, meal prep, or when you want to give your body a reset. With easy swaps and optional add-ins, it’s a recipe you can make again and again, tailored to your needs.