Some soups are hearty and heavy, and while they taste amazing, they can leave you feeling like you need a nap immediately after. Not this one. Keto Cabbage Soup is light yet satisfying—a low-carb soup recipe that’s loaded with flavor and nourishing veggies, without weighing you down.
This soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be carb-loaded or calorie-heavy. It’s packed with cabbage, spinach, and other vegetables that simmer together in a savory, spiced broth. The paprika and cumin add warmth, while a touch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but highly encouraged) gives it a gentle kick.
Whether you’re following a keto plan, looking for a healthy vegetable soup, or just need something easy and delicious for dinner, this recipe is a keeper. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, great for meal prep, and freezes beautifully. And the best part? Every spoonful feels like a hug for your insides—no guilt attached.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Cabbage Soup
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Naturally low in carbs but big on flavor.
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Perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
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A keto-friendly comfort food you can enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
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600 g (5 cups) cabbage, shredded
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140 g (1 medium) yellow onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1.4 L (6 cups) vegetable broth
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15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
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1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
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1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground black pepper
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1/2 tsp (1.5 g) paprika
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1/2 tsp (1.5 g) ground cumin
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1/4 tsp (0.5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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3 stalks celery, chopped (about 150 g)
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2 medium carrots, chopped (about 120 g)
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240 g (1 cup) diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
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30 g (2 tbsp) tomato paste
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30 g (1 cup) spinach, chopped
Steps
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Chop onion, celery, carrots, and spinach. Shred cabbage, mince garlic.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until onion softens.
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Add cabbage, spinach, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and (if using) red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until cabbage wilts slightly.
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Pour in vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce heat to low, simmer 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Cooking Tips
Want a richer flavor? Sauté your veggies a little longer before adding the broth to caramelize them slightly. If you prefer a thicker soup, remove a cup of cooked veggies, blend until smooth, then stir back in.
To add protein while keeping it keto-friendly, toss in shredded chicken, ground turkey, or sliced sausage. And if you’re spice-shy, skip the red pepper flakes—this soup is still delicious without the extra heat.

Personal Story
This healthy vegetable soup became my lunchtime staple last winter. I started making a big pot on Sundays, and it carried me through the week—warming me up after brisk walks and keeping me full without feeling sluggish. I even shared jars with a couple of neighbours, and now they’ve started calling it “Olivia’s Magic Soup” (I promise, no spells involved—just fresh ingredients and a little love).
What to Serve With Keto Cabbage Soup
Since this soup is light, it pairs well with protein-based sides like grilled chicken, baked fish, or even a cheese omelet. For a full keto-friendly dinner, add a fresh side salad with avocado and olive oil dressing. If carbs aren’t a concern, you can’t go wrong with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
How to Store
Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For easy lunches, portion into single servings before freezing. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just sauté the onion, garlic, and celery first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth.
Can I make it without tomatoes?
Absolutely—just replace them with extra broth or diced zucchini for texture.
Will it still be good without carrots?
Yes, but you might lose a bit of sweetness. Try adding a little bell pepper instead.
Final Thoughts
Keto Cabbage Soup proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring eating. It’s fresh, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, making it one of my favorite low-carb soup recipes for any season. If you’re looking for a bowl of warmth that loves you back, this is it.
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Print
Keto Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light yet satisfying low-carb soup loaded with cabbage, spinach, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a spiced vegetable broth. Warm notes of paprika and cumin make it cozy, while optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. Perfect for keto diets, healthy eating, or anyone wanting a flavorful, nourishing bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
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600 g (5 cups) cabbage, shredded
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140 g (1 medium) yellow onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1.4 L (6 cups) vegetable broth
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15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
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½ tsp (3 g) salt
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½ tsp (1.5 g) ground black pepper
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½ tsp (1.5 g) paprika
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½ tsp (1.5 g) ground cumin
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¼ tsp (0.5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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3 stalks celery, chopped (150 g)
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2 medium carrots, chopped (120 g)
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240 g (1 cup) diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
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30 g (2 tbsp) tomato paste
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30 g (1 cup) spinach, chopped
Instructions
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Chop onion, celery, carrots, and spinach. Shred cabbage and mince garlic.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic; sauté for 3–4 minutes until onion softens.
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Add cabbage, spinach, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for 5 minutes until cabbage wilts slightly.
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Pour in vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
For richer flavor, sauté vegetables longer to develop caramelization before adding broth.
Blend part of the cooked vegetables and stir back in for a thicker soup.
Add protein such as shredded chicken, ground turkey, or sliced sausage to make it heartier.
Skip red pepper flakes for a milder soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American