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there are dozens of ideas What to do with leftover turkey,Especially at grateful and Christmas – you can in my Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe postal.One of my favorites is this one Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe, as it is made with common ingredients and is easy to prepare. Shredded turkey, colorful herbs and tender vegetables combine for a comforting and light soup perfect for those times after a holiday meal.
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
- Fresh flavors in delicious seasoned broth
- Tender shredded turkey and vegetables
- Simple ingredients on hand
- one pot
- No need for noodles, rice or potatoes
- Naturally healthy, low carb and gluten free
- The best turkey soup recipe ever made with leftover turkey!

Ingredients and Substitutes
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for leftover turkey soup, what each ingredient does in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see Recipe card below.
- olive oil – For stir-frying. You can substitute any neutral cooking oil you like.
- vegetable – Onions, carrots, celery and cauliflower. You can use other vegetables like green beans, peas, and zucchini, freezer bags, or even leftovers from holiday meals.
- sea salt and black pepper – as required.For extra saltiness, add a teaspoon or two poultry seasoning.
- leftover turkey – I like to use leftovers Thanksgiving Turkey, Slow Cooker Turkey Breasteven meat turkey leg in this turkey soup recipe. (This is one of the best ways to handle leftover turkey of any kind!) If you don’t have one, you can use store-bought shredded turkey, or other poultry such as chicken shredsAnother option is to add raw chicken or turkey directly to the soup and let them cook while the soup simmers.
- chicken soup – I use a Sodium-reduced version. If time permits, do Homemade Bone Broth Instead use your leftover turkey carcasses.
- fresh herbs – Include fresh parsley and fresh thyme. If you need to use dried herbs, use 2 tsp dried parsley and 1/2 tsp dried thyme instead.

How to Make Turkey Soup
This section describes how to make this leftover turkey soup recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique to help you visualize it.For complete instructions, including quantities and temperatures, see Recipe card below.
- Saute until fragrant. in a hot oil large dutch oven Sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic and saute until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables. Add carrots, celery, cauliflower, salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables start to soften.


- simmer. Add turkey, broth, parsley and thyme. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the flavors have thickened.
- season. Taste and season as desired. Add chopped parsley to your homemade turkey soup recipe if desired.


Variation: Make Creamy Turkey Soup or Turkey Noodle Soup!
- To make turkey soup creamy: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream for the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Turkey Noodle Soup: Substitute all or half of the cauliflower with your favorite dry pasta and simmer for the last 8-12 minutes. (That’s how long it takes to cook the noodles, and you don’t want to add them too early to prevent overcooking.)
How long will the leftover turkey last?
Leftover turkey will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. If you use it for leftover turkey recipes, they will still be good within the same time frame that the turkey was originally cooked.
Storage Instructions
- Shop: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Pour leftovers into a pot and cook over medium heat until warm.
- freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip lock bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat straight from the freezer.

More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Turkey isn’t just for soup…try these leftover turkey recipes:
Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe (easy and healthy!)
What to do with leftover turkey? Make this easy leftover turkey soup recipe with comforting meats and vegetables in seasoned broth.
Prepare: 10 minute
chef: 30 minute
All: 40 minute
Serving Size: 6 (Adjust the scale recipe)
raw material
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instruct
Tap the time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while cooking.
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heat the olive oil cauldron Over medium fire.
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Add onion and saute until fragrant 4-5 minutesuntil softened.
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Add garlic and continue to cook 30 secondsuntil fragrant.
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Add carrots, celery, cauliflower, sea salt and black pepper.Stir well and continue to cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
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Add remaining turkey, chicken broth, parsley, and thyme.Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for approx. 20 minutesuntil the flavors develop to your liking.
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Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve with more fresh parsley, if desired.
recipe notes
serving size: 1 1/2 cups
nutrient content
Amount per serving. Serving Sizes in Recipe Instructions Above.
Calories 170
fat 8.6 grams
protein 16 grams
total carbohydrates 7.3 grams
net carbs 5.5 grams
fiber 1.8 grams
sugar 3.5 grams
Nutrition Facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about the calculation or why you get different results?see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please do not screenshot or copy/paste recipes to social media or websites. We want you to share the link with the photo. 🙂





