This Weight Loss Cabbage Soup recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables. It’s high in flavor, yet naturally low in fat and calories! Make this nutritional soup easily in your instant pot, slow cooker, or on the stove.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Platings + Pairings.
This soup is also called wonder soup, weight loss soup, miracle soup, and weight watcher soup. There are so many names for this soup!
Each cup has only 71 calories (see nutritional info below). It’s a great way to get your vegetables in for the day and is very satisfying. After about a week of this eating plan, you should definitely see some pounds drop off the scale.
Basically, this soup is just veggies and some of my homemade “better than botox” bone broth (which you can make in the slow cooker or in the instant pot). You can also use store-bought vegetable, beef or chicken stock, just be sure that it’s low-sodium.
As for veggies, I kind of just threw in all of my favorites. Zucchini, carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes and some green pepper (red pepper also works). To add a bit more substance to the soup, a good amount of cabbage is added in as well.
Why cabbage?
The cabbage helps to keep you full and has detoxing properties to it. However, if you’re not a fan of cabbage, you could always swap in some baby spinach or kale instead.
I was sure to give my Weight Loss Cabbage Soup a good amount of seasoning with oregano, basil and red pepper flakes. I like my soup spicy, and reports show that spicy food can aid in weight loss, but if you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to leave the red pepper flakes out.
How much weight can you lose on the cabbage soup diet?
Most people lose between 5-10 pounds during the 7-day cabbage soup diet. However, everyone is different.
How do you do the 7-day cabbage soup diet plan?
The original cabbage soup diet allows you to eat all of the cabbage soup you like in addition to adding certain foods on specific days throughout the week (see below). Whats not allowed? Bread, alcohol and carbonated beverages, including diet sodas.
Be sure to drink lots of water while doing this plan, 8-10 glasses is recommended.
- Day 1: Any fruit (except bananas).
- Day 2: Any and all vegetables, baked potato with butter for dinner.
- Day 3: Combine Days 1 and 2 without potato.
- Day 4: Up to 6 bananas, skim milk.
- Day 5: 10 to 20 ounces of beef or skinless chicken, can of tomatoes.
- Day 6: All the beef or chicken and vegetables you want.
- Day 7: Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, and vegetables.
How I use cabbage soup for weight loss
I like to enjoy a cup of this Weight Loss Soup for lunch, again for an afternoon snack, and again for dinner with a bit of lean protein on the side. See below for my favorite suggestions.
My preferred lean protein sources
Ingredients needed
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Bell Pepper – You can use red, green or yellow bell pepper.
- Zucchini
- Canned Tomatoes
- Bone broth (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
- Olive Oil
- Spices – bay leaf, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper
How to make it
Stovetop directions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots and celery and cook, until softened, 5 -7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Instant pot directions
- Heat Instant Pot to SAUTE and heat olive oil.
- Add onion, carrots and celery and cook, until softened, 5 -7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Add remaining vegetables, broth, bay leaf, spices and salt and pepper.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes.
Note: This soup cooks in just 4-minutes in the Instant Pot. However, for timing purposes, you do need to take into consideration the amount of time it takes for the pressure to build, about 15 minutes.
Slow cooker directions
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.
Recipe tips
There’s quite a bit of chopping involved, so prep time is a bit time intense. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped bagged veggies, frozen veggies, or, if your store has a salad bar, you can grab a combination of veggies from there too.
If you’re not looking for the weight loss properties of this soup, but still want to enjoy this amazing vegetable soup, you could bulk it up with a can of kidney beans or some ditalini pasta. If you’re using pasta, just add a cup of it to the instant pot before you seal it and cook it for 5 minutes instead of 4 minutes. Or, simmer it on the stove in your soup for about 10 minutes.
How to make ahead & store
This Instant Pot Weight Loss Soup recipe makes about 14 cups of soup. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Or, freeze for up to three months.
Weight Watchers points
- If you follow Weight Watchers, this soup has 0 points.
Recipe variations
Want to switch this Instant Pot Weight Loss Soup recipe up a bit? Try adding in some of these:
- Broccoli
- Green Beans
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
- Chickpeas (will add calories)
- 1 or 2 Chipotle Peppers
- Shredded chicken or browned ground turkey (will add calories, but also protein)
- Roasted Red Peppers
More healthy recipes
- Juice Cleanse Recipes
- Farro Salad with Basil Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Zucchini Pizza Boats
- Taco Quinoa & Turkey Lettuce Wraps
- Chicken Gyro Bowls with Quinoa
- Instant Pot Dal with Split Peas
More soup recipes
- Curried Butternut Squash Soup
- Red Cabbage Soup
- Hungarian Mushroom Soup with Fresh Dill
- Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage & Kale
- Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Tomato Bisque Soup
Did you try this cabbage soup diet recipe?
If you loved this weight loss cabbage soup recipe, I would appreciate it so much if you would leave a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.
Weight Loss Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 medium carrots (chopped)
- 4 stalks celery (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chopped cabbage (half head)
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow, chopped)
- 1 zucchini (chopped)
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 8 cups bone broth (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Instant Pot
- Set Instant Pot to the saute setting. Add the olive oil and allow to heat for 1 minute. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 -7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Add the cabbage, green pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, spices and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Put the lid on the Instant Pot, close the steam vent and set to HIGH pressure using the manual setting. Decrease the time to 4 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes for the pressure to build, then the timer will start.
- Once the time is expired, wait for 5 minutes, then carefully use the quick release valve to release the steam. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
Stovetop
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Add the cabbage, green pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, spices and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
Slow Cooker
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published in 2018. It was updated in 2019 to add a video, and again in 2023 to add new photos. The original recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
Deliciousness! You make some great soups and dishes Erin! I love spicy soups too.
‘Platings and Pairings” sounds like a great book of your area, recipes and vineyards included!
When I found your blog I was intrigued with the beauty of your area. It’s so beautiful in
Oregon. I’m in Canada so it compares to BC but I’d love to visit Oregon.
Where are you losing your weight from?? Your big toe?? You’re in great shape girl!
Like I said before, I need a Rick in my life and live a beautiful life like yours!
Thank you so much for the kind words Kim! I’d love to visit Canada soon too! Vancouver has been on my list for quite some time now, but there are so many areas I’d like to explore!
I LOVE your soup recipe(will be making it tomorrow ) I make lots of bone broths to lose weight, but I was intrigued by your comments about wine (I LOVE wine too, and don’t want to give that up. ) How do you maintain balance with alcohol? I like to drink a glass a night 🙂
I say everything in moderation Danielle! I don’t eat dessert, so wine is my treat at the end of the day.
I’ve made this a couple of times and my husband and I love it! I used one 7 oz can of original Rotel tomatoes and one 7 oz can of mild Rotel tomatoes. It gives it a little spice but not too much for me. I also added 2 12 1/2 oz cans of chunk chicken breast. It lasts several days and is very filling.
Love the idea to add in Rotel Sharynn!
Brilliant thank you so much xxx
Congratulations on saying yes to the dress! I’m with you that I could never do Whole 30 as what I’d need to stop eating are some of my very favorite things – so I would rather just be careful of portions and make sure that I get in some exercise. I’m not a spin fiend but know some people absolutely love it – I just know my butt always hurts on top of the general muscle soreness!
Thank you Pech – Things are definitely getting REAL now!
Have you ever tried red cabbage? It’s what I have on hand. Think it may turn everything red and unappetizing looking
That’s so funny you mention that Mary – I was just thinking about this today. I have some red cabbage to use up too and I’m thinking the same as you – I’m thinking the color will be off, but it probably still tastes good! Let me know if you decide to try it, and I’ll report back if I give it a try too 😉
What size is your Instant Pot? I want to make this, but want to make sure mine will accommodate all of the ingredients. Thank you!!
Hi Erin – I use a 6-quart Instant Pot.
Of course you want to add the beans. Cut out the chicken and the oil if you want it to be healthy. Add some sweet potatoes, lentils, split peas, quinoa, or some other good protein source if you’re worried about that. Serve with nuts, avacado, or coconut milk if you want to sneak some extra fat in there. These are just my suggestions. Sounds good though. Thanks for the idea. I’m hungry now.
thank- you Erin…..that is always my question .seems like we see a lot of really good recipes, but hardly ever the size of the instant pot used…
What could be in place of cabbage?
Hi Kandice – You can leave it out entirely.
I am not a cook. Don’t even know what an Insta-Pot is. But I wanted to lose weight and was trying to find a good veggie- based recipe. I found/tried this one and oh my goodness! I ate it every day for lunch and a couple of times for dinner! My poor hubby only got one bowl, so now I’m making another pot (one week later) and hopefully I will be able to share this time. It is SO yummy and EASY to make!! Plus… I lost 3.6 lbs… so it works! Thanks for sharing this recipe. One of my faves now!
I’m so happy to hear that you liked it Amy! Did you make it on the stove top?
Yes! I made it on the stove. And I’m making it again tonight. Yum!
If your not a cook then you need an Instant pot it is an electric pressure cookerDar
Tried it!! the taste is just awesome.
I’m so happy you liked it Linda!
It sounds delicious. What is the serving size?
Loved it! It’s so good. The cabbage is my favorite. This is a favorite of mine now. Thanks for this!
I’m so happy you liked it Tori!
How long would you say this is good in the fridge? Or can I freeze some? I’m post bariatric surgery, so can only eat small amounts at a time and this made such a HUGE amount, I don’t want to end up wasting it.
Hi Heather – It should last about 5 days in the fridge. But you can definitely freeze it too!
I was looking for a soup that was vegetable, but didn’t have pasta. I think what I would do is add ground turkey and since I have an Instant Pot mini I’d have to halve this recipe. Probably will try it this weekend.
What is the serving size ?
1 cup
I tried this soup recomended from my friend and is Awsome .I can eat it before any meal and im losing a lot of weight https://tinyurl.com/y8bbw8ha
I made this soup two weeks ago and I am making it again right now. Delicious! Thank you for the recipe.
Glad you liked it Nina! I need to make another batch again soon too!
I have tried several of these cabbage-based “weight-loss” soups. I keep trying them because I LOVE a good veggie soup, not because they are weight-loss magic. Yours is the best-tasting ever! I will definitely be keeping this recipe. (I subbed a can of plain ol’ green beans for the zucchini. I really like zukes, but my husband dislikes them. It was great with the beans, too!)
Love it! Pressure cooker is one of the greatest things in my kitchen. I recently started the Simple Weight Loss Plan by Samuel F. Valle, but in case of lack of time, every diet plan is not so simple over all. You have to prepare food instead of ordering it. With the pressure cooker and yours recipes it’s more doable to me 🙂
Just excellent soup! The seasoning was perfect…not sure it helped me to lose any weight because I just couldn’t stop eating it. I’m making my second instant pot full tomorrow. Thank you for the recipe.
I’m so glad you liked it Lynda!
Quick question! The recipe says to naturally release for 5 minutes but the video has a 9 as natural release on the pot before quick releasing the rest. Can you clarify?
Thanks!
Hi Carolyn – 5 minutes is correct, but if it sits for a bit longer, that is OK. I just didn’t make it to the pot in time during the video. Sorry for the confusion. Hope that helps!
Love this soup so much! Lost 3lbs the first week I tried it, and am trying it again this week.
I add chicken fennel sausage for some protein, and the fennel really adds a lot to the flavoring. But otherwise, I find it perfectly seasoned as is. Love the heat!
Next I want to try making my own bone broth!
Thanks so much for this recipe.
I’m so glad you liked it Jenn – I love your addition of chicken sausage. I’ll definitely be trying that soon!
This soup is so full of flavor! and cooked perfectly. My stovetop soups were always a bit too mushy. This one is perfect and easy to cook in the Instant Pot!
I’m so glad you liked it Helene!
Oh my goodness! This soup is delicious! I made it tonight for the family and it was a huge hit! Thank you for such a yummy, good for you recipe. My husband already asked when I am making it again! (There are a lot of leftovers that he is bringing to work for lunch for the next couple of days!)
I’m so happy to hear that Kirsten! I really love this soup too! Can’t wait to make another batch!
Hi! I don’t have an instant pot but have a crock pot. How long and at what setting would I cook The soup?
Thank you!
Hi Jessica! You can cook on LOW for 8 hours, or HIGH for 5 hours. Hope that helps!
This is a delicious soup! My granddaughters begged me to reprise this for Thanksgiving.
We had some tonight, with but used diced tomatoes with green chilies, a nice bite to it!
I loved this cabbage soup so very much. I added two seeded jalapeño peppers for a little kick. Flavors are amazing. BEST cabbage soup recipe ever!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it Terri!
Made this with my husband’s differences, but delish!! We made it in our crock pot….let it cook for 8-10 hrs while at work. Yummy!!
I’m so happy you liked it Janet!!!
I am so excited to try this soup!! I have read every single comment and sounds like it did not disappoint! Will let you know how I go! 🙂
I’d love to hear your thoughts Natalie!
Only 4 minutes in the instant pot after the pressure builds up?
Looks delicious, will make for dinner!
This came together so easily in the IP and tastes very good. I added a can of rinsed navy beans for some protein and found a sprinkle of Parm on top added a delicious extra flavor boost for minimal added calories. I ate the first bowl chunky but pureéd the rest — it reminds me of a soup I loved from my days in NYC. Thank you!
You’re welcome Gina! Love your addition of the beans!
I am making this tomorrow. This may be a dumb question but the recipe calls for 4 stalks of celery but the video does not look like 4 stalks. I wasn’t sure if I didn’t know what a stalk meant. Do you mean an entire bunch of celery is = 1 or is 4 sticks of celery 4 stalks.
Hi Susy! 4 stalks of celery is 4 sticks of celery. Hope that helps!
Thank you for such delicious soup recipes
Vegetable soup are always good especially for weight loss. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve made this before and really love it, however tonight I accidentally added tomatoes with with peppers and it’s a bit too spicy. Any ideas on how to temper the spiciness
in the remainder of the soup?
Hi! You could add in a bit more broth and cabbage to tame down the heat.
What can I use instead of vegetable broth? I don’t have any.
Hi! You can use chicken stock, or just water with a pinch of salt. Hope that helps!
So for the weight loss aspect of this, are you suppose to eat only this soup for an entire week or until your goal is achieved? You’d think after day three you’re getting sick of the flavour and it’s more of a chore. How about after , doesn’t your weight just come back on because you’re eating more than just soup?
Very interested in trying this. I cannot find the video, even when clicking “skip to video”. Has it been removed?
Hi! The video is still there. In the recipe card block… So sorry you can’t see it. Maybe your browser is blocking it?
Oh wow!!! Thank you so much. How wonderful this recipe is! And 2 methods for preparing! I am so excited! Take care!
Great recipe that makes a TON of soup! I added mushrooms (sautéing them towards the end of the onion, celery, carrot sauté time but before the garlic) which made it more “meaty” but didn’t add calories, and, since I had just gotten back from a Trader Joe’s run, I used TJ’s version of Rotel for the tomatoes and also used TJ’s mushroom seasoning to add a little additional umami kick. I love making a big pot of soup to eat as lunches/snacks/light dinners for a week, and this is absolutely going into the rotation. It was light yet nourishing, smelled delicious (even my soup-averse husband came sniffing around), and tasted just as delicious as it smelled. Thank you!
Thanks Rachel!
Absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing your recipe! I had about 2 cups of kale that needed to be used and threw that in my second time of making this recipe and added some lemon zest at the end and it was AMAZING as well! No tweaking needed to your original recipe though.. the seasoning is spot on! Mmmmmm so good!
I pressure cooked for 10 mins and quick released after 5 and turned out just the way I like. I find most veggies are perfect after 10. Nice and filling and light on the calories.
I am anxious to try your soup but my question is about the 7 day plan. I would like to know quantity allowed for each day. Thank you!
Hi Patty – I would say that you can have as much of the soup that you want each day! It’s really low in calories.
This is my 3rd time making this! So tasty and filling! I add a can of red beans for some protein and extra nutrients and this batch is my best yet!
Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Thanks so much for trying it Nicole!