Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for leftover turkey soup, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Olive Oil – For sauteing. You can substitute any neutral cooking oil you like. Vegetables – Onion, carrots, celery, and cauliflower. You can use other veggies such as green beans, peas, and zucchini, frozen bagged vegetables, or even leftover veggies from holiday meals. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – As needed. You can also use kosher salt instead of sea salt, but might need to adjust the amount a bit. For an extra savory flavor, add a teaspoon or two of poultry seasoning. Leftover Turkey Meat – I make this recipe for turkey soup most often using leftover Thanksgiving turkey, but you can also shred slow cooker turkey breast or even meat from turkey legs or turkey wings. If you don’t have any, you can use store-bought shredded turkey, or other poultry, like shredded chicken. Another option is to add pieces of raw chicken or turkey directly to the soup, and let them cook while the soup simmers. Chicken Broth – I use a reduced sodium version. If time allows, make your own chicken broth or use your leftover turkey carcass to make homemade bone broth instead. Fresh Herbs – Including fresh parsley and fresh thyme. If you need to use dried herbs, replace with 2 teaspoons dried parsley and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. You can also add a bay leaf for extra flavor, and just remove it before serving.
How To Make Turkey Soup
This section shows how to make this leftover turkey soup recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in a covered container up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat: Pour the turkey vegetable soup into a pot or saucepan, place over medium heat on the stove, and simmer until warm. Freeze: Place portions in freezer safe containers or zip lock bags, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat directly from frozen.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
A bowl of this easy turkey soup isn’t the only thing you can do with your leftovers! Try these other leftover turkey recipes:
Casseroles – One dish casseroles are perfect for busy schedules! Try leftover turkey casserole recipes or make chicken cordon bleu casserole with turkey meat instead. Salads – This turkey salad recipe is my favorite. You can also swap chicken with turkey in avocado chicken salad, buffalo chicken salad, or Mediterranean chicken salad. Or, add plain meat on top of fall dishes like butternut squash salad and kale salad. Sandwiches – Use turkey in cucumber subs, lettuce wraps, or between slices of your favorite bread (almond flour bread is one of my fave healthy options).
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