Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that truly shine, and this Zero Point Cabbage Soup is a perfect example. Brimming with a rainbow of veggies, a gently herbed tomato broth, and absolutely bursting with flavor, this soup feels light on your waistline but incredibly satisfying in every spoonful. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or just craving a cozy, wholesome soup, you’ll find yourself returning to this bowl again and again—it’s one of those reliable dishes you’ll gladly tuck into any time of day, for any reason at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple but flavorful, relying on fresh, colorful vegetables and a handful of pantry spices to bring the Zero Point Cabbage Soup to life. Each ingredient has its own special role—adding texture, a pop of color, or that savory base we all crave in a hearty soup.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth—don’t skip this foundation for flavor!
- Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic kick to the broth, making every bite comforting.
- Carrots: Their sweetness balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds bright color.
- Celery: Lends a fresh, herbal crunch and rounds out the base of the soup.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show! It softens beautifully and soaks up all the herby, savory flavors.
- Zucchini: Adds tender texture and a subtle, buttery taste.
- Canned diced tomatoes (no salt added): Brings classic tanginess and rich tomato flavor for a vibrant broth.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light and lets the veggies’ flavors shine through.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the flavor and adds body to the broth—just one tablespoon does wonders.
- Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: This herbal trio makes the soup taste like it simmered all day long.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle spicy kick; use to taste or leave out if you prefer mild soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): The perfect final touch—a sprinkle adds brightness and a fresh finishing note.
How to Make Zero Point Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggie Base
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Instead of oil, use a splash of broth or water. Sauté everything for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are soft and the onions are becoming translucent and fragrant. This first step sets up a sweet, savory base for the whole soup.
Step 2: Add the Core Ingredients
Now, stir in the chopped green cabbage and diced zucchini. Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice—they’ll combine with the broth to make a rich, flavorful liquid. Add the rest of your vegetable broth and the tablespoon of tomato paste. The soup will look bright and colorful at this point, already smelling absolutely incredible.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like a touch of heat. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then turn up the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. All those veggies should become tender and beautifully infused with all the savory, herby flavors.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give the soup a careful taste and make any seasoning tweaks you like—maybe a pinch more salt, a sprinkle of pepper, or even a shake more herbs if you want. The flavors mellow and meld wonderfully as the soup cooks, so adjust to your liking!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle hot Zero Point Cabbage Soup into bowls and finish each with a little fresh chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Each serving is a colorful celebration, perfect on its own or as a starter for a bigger meal.
How to Serve Zero Point Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
Bright green parsley is a classic choice for topping this soup, adding both freshness and gorgeous color. If you like, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a tiny sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra zip. A swirl of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes works great too, especially if everyone at the table likes a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
Zero Point Cabbage Soup is absolutely filling on its own, but if you’re making it part of a meal, serve it with a piece of crusty whole wheat bread or a side of roasted sweet potatoes for extra heartiness. It’s also brilliant alongside a simple salad or a sandwich for lunch—something like turkey or hummus keeps things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in big mugs for easy sipping by the fire, or pour it into mini bowls as a first course for a dinner party. You could even turn it into a stew by stirring in a handful of cooked beans or shredded chicken (if you’re not worried about keeping it zero points), making a brand-new meal out of leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. In the fridge, Zero Point Cabbage Soup keeps incredibly well for up to five days. In fact, the flavors only get better overnight—so don’t hesitate to make a batch ahead of time for easy, grab-and-go meals.
Freezing
This is a fantastic freezer-friendly dish. Once cooled, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Zero Point Cabbage Soup will taste just as delicious up to three months later. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stovetop straight from frozen.
Reheating
You can reheat this soup quickly on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then until it’s steaming hot. If you’re short on time, the microwave works perfectly—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up during storage.
FAQs
Is Zero Point Cabbage Soup really filling enough for a meal?
Absolutely! Thanks to all the fiber from the cabbage, carrots, and other veggies, this soup is incredibly satisfying. Pair it with some protein or a slice of bread if you want something even heartier.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
You bet. Spinach, green beans, bell peppers, or even mushrooms go perfectly in Zero Point Cabbage Soup. It’s a great fridge-cleanout meal—you can really make it your own.
What if I like my soup with a little kick?
Just increase the crushed red pepper flakes, or finish your bowl with some hot sauce. The base recipe is mild, so it’s easy to adjust the spice level for each person at the table.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields about 8 generous servings, which makes it perfect for meal prep or sharing with family. Each serving is about 1 1/2 cups—plenty for lunch or a light dinner.
Is Zero Point Cabbage Soup suitable for different diets?
Yes! It’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and packed with wholesome vegetables. As written, it fits into just about any lifestyle that focuses on nutritious, plant-based meals.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly guilt-free, soul-warming meal, you can’t go wrong with this Zero Point Cabbage Soup. It’s wholesome, easy to make, and endlessly flexible—why not give it a try and see for yourself how comforting healthy food can be?
Print
Zero Point Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and healthy Zero Point Cabbage Soup that is perfect for a light meal. Packed with vegetables and flavorful herbs, this soup is vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those following specific dietary plans.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
Soup Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a splash of broth or water until softened.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add cabbage, zucchini, diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- This soup stores well and tastes better the next day.
- Feel free to add spinach, green beans, or bell peppers for variety.
- Suitable for Weight Watchers zero point plans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
