If you’re searching for a soul-warming meal that’s as nutritious as it is comforting, this Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Packed with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright zing of lemon, it’s perfect for whenever you want to hit the reset button on your eating habits or just crave something light but fulfilling. Every steaming bowl brims with bold color, garden-fresh flavor, and a nourishing boost you can feel good about—whether you savor it as a light lunch or an energizing dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each veggie and spice has a purpose: they layer in flavor, texture, vivid color, and the nutrients your body craves. Gather them up for a soup that’s as easy to make as it is deeply satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds a luscious base and helps develop flavor in the sautéed veggies.
- Onion: Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the whole soup with aromatic warmth.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots deliver a pop of color and a gentle, earthy sweetness.
- Celery: A classic soup base ingredient, it gives plenty of crunch and subtle flavor.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show—cabbage makes this soup hearty, fresh, and ultra-satisfying.
- Zucchini: Diced zucchini melts beautifully into the broth and brings in a delicate bite.
- Bell pepper: Chopped bell pepper introduces vibrant color and mild sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): A can of tomatoes brightens everything up and adds body to the soup.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: This savory base lets all the flavors meld without overpowering saltiness.
- Dried oregano: Adds Mediterranean flair and lovely fragrance.
- Dried basil: Sweet and slightly peppery, it pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
- Thyme: Just a hint of this earthy herb for depth.
- Salt: Accentuates all the fresh flavors in the pot.
- Black pepper: Provides that gentle warmth and a subtle kick.
- Spinach or kale (optional): Leafy greens stirred in at the end lend an extra nutrition boost and a pop of vibrant green.
- Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice wakes up all the flavors just before serving.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish and a dose of fresh, herby brightness.
How to Make Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these together for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything has softened and the kitchen smells irresistible. This foundation ensures your Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe develops big flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add the Core Vegetables
Next, stir in your chopped green cabbage, diced zucchini, and bell pepper. Let these veggies cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, giving them a head start before the broth goes in. This brief sauté locks in their crunch and color without making them mushy in the final soup.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (along with their juice) and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, then bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, uncovered, until the vegetables are wonderfully tender and the flavors have melded into a delicious harmony.
Step 4: Add Your Greens
If you’re adding spinach or kale, this is the moment. Stir it in and let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the leaves wilt and go vibrant green. This step packs in the final nutrient punch and gives the soup an appealing fresh look.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Serve
Turn off the heat and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, then give everything a good stir. The burst of acidity brightens the entire Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe. Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley to bring even more life and flavor to each serving.
How to Serve Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup becomes instantly more inviting with a scatter of fresh parsley, but don’t stop there! Add a twist of lemon zest, a few sliced green onions, or even a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat. Garnishes not only look beautiful, but each one helps elevate the flavors and add fresh dimension.
Side Dishes
Pair your Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe with crusty sourdough bread, brown rice, or a simple side salad for a more filling meal. Warm multigrain rolls, roasted sweet potatoes, or even classic saltine crackers can make it extra comforting, especially on chilly days when you want something cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style lunch, serve the soup in a big Dutch oven or soup tureen at the center of the table, and let everyone ladle their own. Pour single servings into wide mugs for a grab-and-go lunch, or use hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation that keeps the meal fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe has cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious over the next four or five days. Reheat only what you’ll need for each meal to keep everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve all of its bright flavors and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your portion on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave it in a covered bowl. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly. If the soup has thickened in storage, just add a splash of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I add protein to this Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked, shredded chicken breast, cannellini beans, or tofu toward the end of simmering for a protein punch that keeps things hearty but still health-focused.
Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
Yes, you can swap in purple cabbage for a more colorful spin. The flavor will remain similar, but the soup will have a vibrant, jewel-toned hue that looks gorgeous in the bowl.
Is the soup spicy?
This Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe is designed to be mild and family-friendly, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
How can I make this even more filling?
Add a drain-and-rinse can of beans, cooked brown rice, or even some diced potatoes during simmering for extra substance and staying power without sacrificing the light, healthy vibe.
Is it okay to skip the lemon juice?
While it’s optional, the fresh lemon juice truly wakes up the flavors and brightens the whole dish. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of apple cider vinegar works in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this easy, restorative Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe the next time you crave something cozy and energizing. It’s a true kitchen staple that never fails to make you feel nourished from the inside out. Happy cooking—your body (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Detox Cabbage Soup is a healthy and flavorful vegetable soup that is perfect for cleansing or a light meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup is easy to make and full of delicious, detoxifying flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Broth and Seasonings:
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in cabbage, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Finish: Stir in spinach or kale if using, simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup is low-calorie and great for cleansing.
- Feel free to add more leafy greens or seasonal veggies.
- Stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
