You know those weeks when your jeans feel a little too snug and the scale isn’t your friend? That’s when I pull out my secret weapon – this magical weight watchers cabbage soup. I stumbled onto this recipe during my own health journey, and wow, did it become my go-to reset button! Packed with crunchy veggies and simmered in savory broth, it’s like a warm hug that happens to be crazy low in calories. The best part? You’ll be slurping up mountains of vitamins while staying completely satisfied. My kids even beg for seconds (though they have no idea it’s “diet food”). Trust me, one pot of this and you’ll understand why it’s been a weight watchers favorite for decades.
Why You’ll Love This Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Listen, I’m not just excited about this soup because it’s healthy—I’m obsessed because it checks every box for busy, budget-conscious cooks like us! Here’s why you’ll fall for it too:
- Guilt-free comfort: At just 80 calories per bowl, you can eat until you’re happily stuffed without a shred of regret
- Pantry superhero: Uses simple, cheap veggies that last forever in the fridge (no last-minute grocery runs!)
- One-pot wonder: From chopping to serving in under an hour—my kind of weeknight magic
- Nutrition bomb: Packed with 6g fiber per serving to keep you full and energized
- Freezer-friendly: Makes enough for days of healthy lunches with zero effort
Seriously, this soup is like having a nutritional safety net for when life gets crazy. My pot’s always simmering during busy weeks!
Ingredients for Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Grab your biggest soup pot – we’re loading it up with the good stuff! Here’s exactly what you’ll need (and yes, every single ingredient matters for that perfect flavor balance):
- 1 head green cabbage, roughly chopped (trust me, fresh is best!)
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin coins
- 1 yellow onion, diced small
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (leaves and all for extra flavor)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium if you’re watching salt)
- 2 cups water
- 1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
That’s it – no fancy ingredients, just honest veggies and pantry staples. See why I call this my lazy day lifesaver?
How to Make Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Okay, let’s turn these humble veggies into magic! I’ve made this soup so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step like I’m right there with you in your kitchen.
First, roll up your sleeves and grab your favorite sharp knife – we’re doing some therapeutic veggie chopping! Toss that onion, carrot, and celery into a nice big soup pot (no need for oil, we’re keeping it light) and let them sizzle over medium heat for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent and your kitchen smells amazing.
Now throw in that mountain of chopped cabbage – don’t worry, it’ll cook down! Stir everything together and let it soften for another 5 minutes. This is when I add my secret weapon: a generous sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme right onto the veggies. The aroma will have your family wandering into the kitchen!
Time for liquids! Pour in your vegetable broth and water, then dump in the whole can of tomatoes (juice and all). Give it a good stir, crank the heat up until it boils, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Set your timer for 30 minutes – that’s just enough time for all the flavors to become best friends.
Final step? Taste and adjust! I usually add a few grinds of black pepper and maybe a tiny pinch of salt if needed. Pro tip: Let it sit for 10 minutes off heat before serving – the flavors intensify beautifully!
Tips for the Best Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “wow!” First, if your soup looks too thick, just splash in more broth – it’s supposed to be light and brothy, not stew-like. Taste as you go with the seasonings; sometimes that extra pinch of thyme makes all the difference. And whatever you do, don’t let it boil too hard – a gentle simmer keeps the cabbage perfectly tender without turning mushy. My last secret? Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors really meld together!
Variations for Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Who says diet food has to be boring? I love playing with this basic recipe to keep things exciting. Try adding 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skinless!) during the last 10 minutes of simmering for a protein boost. Vegetarian? A block of extra-firm tofu cubed small works wonders. On really hungry days, I’ll throw in a handful of green beans or zucchini slices – more veggies never hurt anyone! Just remember to keep portions weight-watcher friendly.
Serving Suggestions for Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
This soup shines bright on its own, but oh, the fun we have pairing it! For crunch, I love a simple side salad with balsamic vinegar – the tang plays off the soup’s savoriness perfectly. When I’m extra hungry, one slice of toasted whole-grain bread (lightly buttered, because we’re human) makes the meal feel complete. My kids go crazy when I float a few whole-grain croutons on top – instant “fancy restaurant” vibes with zero guilt!
Storing and Reheating Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Oh honey, this soup actually gets BETTER after sitting in the fridge overnight – the flavors really cozy up to each other! I always make a double batch because it keeps beautifully in airtight containers for 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions (I use mason jars, leaving an inch of space). Reheating’s a breeze – just microwave for 2 minutes or warm gently on the stove. Pro tip: Add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back that perfect soupy consistency!
Nutritional Information for Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Here’s why this soup is my nutritional rockstar – each hearty bowl (about 1.5 cups) gives you:
- Just 80 calories (seriously!)
- A whopping 6g fiber to keep you full
- Only 0.5g fat
- 3g plant-based protein
- 18g smart carbs
Now, my numbers come from using standard ingredients – your exact counts might dance a bit depending on your veggie sizes or broth brand. But one thing’s certain: this soup is hands-down one of the smartest choices in my recipe box when I’m watching my points but still want to eat like royalty!
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Can I add meat to this cabbage soup? Absolutely! Lean proteins like shredded chicken breast or 96% lean ground turkey work beautifully. Just brown the meat first and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stick to about 3oz per serving to keep it Weight Watchers friendly.
How long does this soup last in the fridge? Stored properly in airtight containers, it keeps wonderfully for 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld! For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable? Of course! Low-sodium chicken broth adds lovely depth. Just watch the salt if you’re adding other salty ingredients.
Why is my cabbage soup watery? If it seems too thin, try simmering uncovered for 10 extra minutes to concentrate flavors. Or mix 1 tbsp tomato paste with 2 tbsp broth and stir it in.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Sauté veggies first, then cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4. The cabbage stays perfectly tender.
Go On, Give It a Try – Your Jeans Will Thank You!
I’m dying to hear how your version turns out – chop those veggies and get simmering! Drop me a comment with your favorite tweaks when you’re done. Happy slurping!
PrintWeight Watchers Cabbage Soup That Melts 5 Pounds Fast
A simple and healthy cabbage soup perfect for weight watchers. This soup is low in calories and packed with nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables.
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.
- Add cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and water.
- Add diced tomatoes and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions for later use.
- Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg