# Leftover Turkey Vegetable Soup

> To make leftover turkey soup, soften onion, carrots and celery in olive oil, add garlic, thyme and diced potatoes, then pour in 2 L (8 cups) turkey or chicken broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Stir in 500 g chopped cooked turkey and simmer for 5 minutes, until steaming hot. Finish with parsley and lemon juice.

Source: https://savourrecipes.com/recipe/leftover-turkey-soup
Author: Yasmin Haddad | Published: Oct 14, 2026
Categories: Easy Dinner Recipes, Healthy Recipes, American Recipes
Collections: Soup Recipes, Freezer Meals, Thanksgiving Recipes
Tags: Thanksgiving, High Protein, Low Calorie, Gluten Free, Make Ahead

The day after a big turkey dinner, this is the soup to make. Leftover roast turkey simmers in broth with potatoes, carrots, celery and herbs for a light but filling bowl, and it takes very little effort after a long day in the kitchen.

## Key facts

- Prep time: 15 mins
- Cook time: 30 mins
- Total time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: North American
- Method: Simmering
- Calories: 270 per serving

## Ingredients

- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, or 3/4 tsp dried
- 1 bay leaf
- 450 g Yukon Gold potatoes, about 3 medium, cut into 2 cm (3/4 inch) cubes
- 2 litres low-sodium turkey or chicken broth, 8 cups
- 500 g cooked turkey, about 3 1/2 cups, chopped or shredded
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice

## Equipment

- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Ladle

## Instructions

1. **Soften the vegetables.** Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then, until softened. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute.
2. **Simmer with the potatoes.** Add the potatoes, bay leaf and broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, partly covered, for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
3. **Add the turkey.** Stir in the turkey and simmer for 5 minutes, until it's heated through and the soup is steaming hot, 74°C (165°F).
4. **Season and serve.** Remove the bay leaf. Season with the salt and pepper, then stir in the parsley and lemon juice just before serving.

## Tips

- Use any mix of white and dark meat. Dark meat adds more flavour.
- Refrigerate leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking and use it within 3-4 days.
- If you avoid gluten, check that your broth is labelled gluten-free.

## Variations

- Add 150 g (1 1/2 cups) egg noodles or cooked rice to each bowl instead of potatoes.
- Stir in 2 handfuls of baby spinach or chopped kale with the turkey.
- Swap the potatoes for leftover roasted sweet potatoes or squash, added with the turkey.

## Storage

- Fridge: Keep in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. The potatoes soften a little after freezing.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring, until steaming hot, 74°C (165°F).

## Nutrition per serving (estimate)

| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 270 | 27 g | 19 g | 9 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does leftover turkey keep?

Refrigerate cooked turkey within 2 hours and use it within 3-4 days. To keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.

### Can I freeze turkey soup?

Yes. Cool it quickly, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until steaming hot.

### Can I make broth from the turkey carcass?

Yes. Cover the carcass with cold water, add an onion, a carrot, a celery rib and a bay leaf and simmer gently for 3-4 hours. Strain, cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days, then use it in this soup.

### Can I add noodles to turkey soup?

Yes. Cook egg noodles separately and add them to each bowl. Cooked in the pot, they soak up the broth and turn soft in leftovers.

## Disclaimer

- Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients. It changes with the brands, portion sizes and swaps you use.
- Read ingredient labels for allergens and for diet claims such as gluten-free or vegan. Products and their ingredients can change.
- Cooking times are a guide, since ovens, air fryers and slow cookers all run differently. Use a food thermometer and cook meat, poultry and fish to the safe internal temperatures in government food safety guidance.
- This recipe is general information, not medical or nutrition advice. If you have an allergy, a health condition or a special diet, check with a qualified health professional.