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Whenever I’ve overindulged — whether it’s a holiday weekend, a vacation, or just too many days of eating out — I always come back to soup. And this easy healthy shredded cabbage soup is one of my go-to recipes. Light, nourishing, and budget-friendly, it’s the perfect way to get back on track without feeling deprived.
Adapted from a classic Russian soup in Betty Crocker’s New International Cookbook (affiliate link) (1989), this version is slimmed down and WW friendly. With simple ingredients like cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes simmered in a savory broth, it’s hearty enough to satisfy yet light enough to enjoy any time you want a reset.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Easy Shredded Cabbage Soup
- WW Friendly and Low Calorie – A big, filling bowl for very few Points.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses everyday staples I usually already have on hand.
- Budget-Friendly – Cabbage, carrots, and potatoes are affordable staples.
- Comforting but Light – Hearty enough to satisfy but not heavy.
- Flexible – Easy to adapt with whatever favorite vegetables, herbs, or seasonings I’m in the mood for.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Olive oil – Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness. To lower calories/WW Points, you can reduce the amount or use cooking spray.
- Onions – Yellow or white onions work best, but shallots or leeks could be used for a milder flavor.
- Beef broth – Adds depth and heartiness. Substitute with vegetable or chicken broth if preferred, or use low-sodium broth to better control salt. I like Better than Bouillon in a jar.
- Water – Helps balance the broth without adding extra sodium.
- Cabbage – Green cabbage is classic, but savoy or napa cabbage also work. If you want extra color, mix in a little red cabbage.
- Carrots – Add natural sweetness and color. You could also use parsnips for a slightly earthier flavor.
- Potatoes – White, red, or Yukon gold all work well. For a lower-carb option, substitute with turnips or cauliflower florets.
- Celery – Adds flavor and aroma to the soup base. Fennel can be swapped in for a slightly licorice note.
- Tomatoes – Fresh chopped tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes both work. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra smokiness.
- Salt and pepper – Essential for flavor; adjust to your taste and broth choice.
- Sour cream or plain nonfat Greek yogurt (optional) – A dollop on top gives creaminess. Yogurt is the lighter, WW-friendly choice.
- Parsley or dill weed (optional) – Fresh herbs add a bright finishing touch.
WW Points and Nutrition
According to my calculations, each generous serving of 1-1/2 cups of this shredded cabbage soup has about:
- Calories: 149
- WW Points: 1
To see your WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) - Old WW Points: 4 PointsPlus
How to Make Easy Shredded Cabbage Soup, Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the onions
Place the olive oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Step 2: Add the broth and firm vegetables and cook
Add the beef broth, water, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and celery. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and then lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and simmer
Stir in the tomatoes, salt and pepper, and simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Garnish and enjoy!
Top each serving with a dollop of low fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Garnish with dill weed and/or parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This shredded cabbage soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs well with simple sides for a more complete meal. Serve it with:
- A slice of crusty whole grain bread or a WW-friendly roll for dipping into the broth.
- A light salad with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness.
- For more protein, top with a dollop of nonfat Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a few slices of lean cooked sausage.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers even better.
- Freezer: This cabbage soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze in portioned containers for easy reheat-and-eat meals.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave (affiliate link). Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
If you’ve made this Simply Filling Low Fat Cabbage Soup, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Shredded Cabbage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced into half moons
- 2 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed beef broth
- 2 broth cans of water
- 5 cups coarsely shredded green cabbage (1 small head)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 stalk celery (with leaves), sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Sour cream or Nonfat plain Greek yogurt, if desired
- Dill weed or parsley, if desired
Instructions
- Place the olive oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Add the beef broth, water, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and celery. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and then lower the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, salt and pepper, and simmer, uncovered, about 10 minutes.
- Top each serving with a dollop of low fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Garnish with dill weed and/or parsley, if desired.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet) 2 SmartPoints (Green plan) 2 SmartPoints (Blue plan) 1 SmartPoints (Purple plan) 4 PointsPlus (Old plan)
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: Betty Crocker’s New International Cookbook (affiliate link)
More Easy Healthy WW-Friendly Soup Recipes
If you like this WW Simply Filling Shredded Cabbage Soup, you may also enjoy:
- Simply Filling Slow Cooker Bean & Cabbage Soup – A hearty, fiber-rich soup that’s perfect for meal prep.
- Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup with Chicken Apple Sausage – Smoky, savory, and full of protein to keep you satisfied.
- Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole – A lighter twist on a classic comfort food, made simple in the CrockPot.
- Crock Pot Sweet & Sour Cabbage Soup – A tangy-sweet option that’s perfect for breaking out of a soup rut.
- Leftover Corned Beef & Cabbage Soup – A creative and delicious way to use up St. Patrick’s Day leftovers.
- Favorite WW Friendly Cabbage Soup Recipes – A full roundup of my best lighter cabbage soup recipes.
Eat Soup, Stay Slim eCookbook Bundle
Soup has always been one of my favorite tools for healthy, sustainable weight loss. That’s why I created the Eat Soup, Stay Slim eCookbook Bundle, packed with my most popular slow cooker and stovetop soup recipes. These soups are simple, nourishing, and designed to help you stay full and satisfied without overdoing it on calories or Points.
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The Smart Points budget is based on the SEX of the individual-NOT the gender. Big difference. Thanks for reminding me about cabbage soups! I needed the reminder about the Secret to Weight Loss.
It was good, not super flavorful. I loved all the yummy veggies and topped mine with yogurt. I’m hoping tomorrow after the flavors meld it will be even tastier!
This soup sounds good. It’ like stew without the beef.
Looks delish!!! Saved it! Thanks so much!