Healthy Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe – Easy and Delicious!

I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes—a Healthy Vegan Cabbage Soup. It’s hearty, nourishing, and super easy to make. If you’re looking for a simple, delicious way to warm up on a cool day, this is the perfect dish for you!

I’ve always loved how this cabbage soup is packed with veggies and flavor, without feeling heavy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good inside and out. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients and fits right into any healthy eating plan.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, which means you can make a big pot and enjoy it throughout the week without breaking the bank. I always find it so comforting to have a pot of this soup simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with that irresistible aroma of fresh vegetables and herbs.

Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients and fits right into any healthy eating plan. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, which means you can make a big pot and enjoy it throughout the week without breaking the bank.

I always find it so comforting to have a pot of this soup simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with that irresistible aroma of fresh vegetables and herbs.

Why I Love This Recipe

This cabbage soup has everything I love in a meal. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. What’s even better is that it’s a versatile dish—perfect as a light lunch or paired with some crusty bread for a cozy dinner. You can even customize it with your favorite spices or vegetables!

Another reason I adore this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. I like to make a large batch at the beginning of the week and store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies I have in the fridge—reducing food waste and making every bite that much more satisfying. The flavors only get better as it sits, so you’ll find yourself reaching for a bowl again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
Juice of half a lemon
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Sometimes, I even throw in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for a little green boost. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible and allows you to make it your own.

Instructions

Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent. This step really helps to build the base flavor of the soup, so don’t rush it!
Add the Veggies: Stir in the carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes. I love this part because the aroma of these veggies cooking together is simply amazing. The combination of onion, garlic, carrot, and celery is a classic that always brings comfort and warmth.
Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes: Add the chopped cabbage and diced tomatoes to the pot, mixing everything together. Make sure all the veggies are well-coated with the oil and flavors from the onions and garlic.
Pour in the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add thyme, paprika, pepper, and salt. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. As it simmers, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty broth that’s packed with nutrients.
Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Trust me, this step makes all the difference! The acidity from the lemon balances the richness of the vegetables and really elevates the entire dish.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle your cabbage soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy! I love adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top for a little extra kick.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

Add More Flavor: You can add a bay leaf while simmering for extra flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving. You could also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano to add even more depth to the soup.
Mix It Up: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, potatoes, or even chickpeas for extra protein. Adding beans like white beans or kidney beans can make the soup even more filling and protein-rich, making it a complete meal on its own.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It gives the soup a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. It also freezes wonderfully! I like to portion it out into individual servings and freeze them, so I always have a healthy meal ready to go.

Why Cabbage Soup Is So Good for You

Cabbage is a powerhouse vegetable—it’s full of vitamins like C and K, and it’s low in calories but high in fiber. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.

This soup is not only nutritious but also super satisfying, which makes it a great addition to any balanced diet. The combination of cabbage, carrots, and celery provides a range of nutrients, while the vegetable broth keeps it light yet flavorful.

Eating cabbage soup regularly can help support digestion, thanks to its high fiber content, which keeps things moving smoothly. Plus, the vegetables in this soup provide a wealth of micronutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. I always feel energized and refreshed after enjoying a bowl.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love this healthy vegan cabbage soup as much as I do. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy simple ingredients in a way that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just looking for a tasty plant-based meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s also perfect for those days when you want something warm and cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Have you ever made cabbage soup before? I’d love to hear how you customize yours! Feel free to share your thoughts or variations in the comments below. Maybe you have a special ingredient that makes your version extra delicious? Let’s swap ideas and make this recipe even better together.

Happy cooking and stay warm, friends!