The Best Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

When cold winds whip through neighborhoods, a hearty turkey vegetable soup recipe offers comfort and warmth to weary souls.

This classic soup transforms leftover turkey into a nourishing meal packed with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors.

Tender chunks of meat mingle with colorful carrots, celery, and potatoes in a savory broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Each spoonful carries the essence of home-cooked goodness and resourceful cooking.

The recipe breathes new life into holiday remnants, creating a delicious second act for your roasted turkey.

Simmering slowly, the soup develops deep, complex tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to savor a bowl of pure, wholesome satisfaction.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Standout Qualities

• Packed with lean turkey and colorful vegetables, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that nourishes both body and soul.
• Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge, making this recipe flexible for busy home cooks who want a quick and satisfying dinner.
• Prepare a complete meal in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time for enjoying with family and friends.
• Loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this soup supports wellness goals while tasting incredibly delicious and satisfying.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Ingredient Rundown

• Turkey: Lean meat that adds protein and rich flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that creates a deep and aromatic foundation.
• Peas, Corn: Sweet vegetables that provide texture and additional nutrition.
• Tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth to the soup's overall flavor profile.

• Garlic: Provides robust and pungent flavor to the soup.
• Oregano, Thyme, Bay Leaves: Herbaceous seasonings that enhance the soup's complexity.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color at the end of cooking.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding subtle richness.
• Broth: Creates the liquid base of the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing the soup's overall taste.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Kitchen Tools

• Large Soup Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, with plenty of space for ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring vegetables and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for precisely dicing vegetables and preparing ingredients quickly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add accurate amounts of herbs, salt, and seasonings.
• Ladle: Great for serving hot soup smoothly into bowls.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Stepwise Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Sprinkle a small pinch of salt to help draw out moisture and enhance flavors.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme
• Bay leaves

Stir continuously for about two minutes to release their delightful essential oils and create a rich base for the soup.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Cooked turkey meat
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken or vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together and vegetables to become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Add Final Vegetable Touches

• Frozen peas
• Corn kernels

Let these additional vegetables cook for about five minutes, maintaining the soup’s vibrant texture and flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy immediately.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Expert Tips

• Slightly caramelize onions before adding other vegetables to enhance the soup's depth and richness.
• Replace turkey with rotisserie chicken, shredded beef, or plant-based protein for variety and dietary preferences.
• Add more broth for a lighter soup or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid and create a thicker consistency.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for brighter, more vibrant flavor profiles if available.
• Cool soup completely before refrigerating and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Creative Add-Ins

• Chicken Veggie Delight: Replace turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein swap, maintaining the same hearty soup base.
• Vegetarian Wellness Bowl: Substitute turkey with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of poultry stock for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Soup: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and seasonings to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Option: Use no-salt-added broth, reduce salt quantities, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like basil or additional dried spices for a heart-healthy adaptation.

Turkey Vegetable Soup for Every Table

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the soup in deep ceramic mugs or rustic bowls for a warm, inviting presentation that feels like a hug from the kitchen.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy shredded rotisserie chicken or crumbled turkey bacon for extra protein and a delightful crunch.
• Bread Companion: Pair with crusty sourdough bread, garlic toast, or homemade biscuits to soak up the delicious broth and make the meal more satisfying.
• Garnish Glow: Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like chives or additional parsley, add a dollop of Greek yogurt, or squeeze fresh lemon juice for bright, fresh flavors.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Storage Guide

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring soup is completely cooled before sealing.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and steaming.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this soup?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for turkey. Use cooked or raw chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with lean protein from turkey, multiple vegetables providing essential nutrients, and low in calories. It’s a nutritious one-pot meal that supports balanced eating.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup reheats well and can be prepared in advance. The flavors actually develop and become more rich when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No problem. You can use dried herbs as a substitute. Generally, use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to maintain the right flavor balance.

Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty turkey vegetable soup blends tender meat with seasonal produce from Italian kitchens. Comforting ingredients simmer together, creating a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups diced or shredded turkey (white or dark meat)
• 8 cups low-sodium turkey broth
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes with juices

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh, canned)
• 1 cup frozen peas

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious soup pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery with a light sprinkle of salt until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh thyme, and bay leaves to the vegetable mixture. Gently stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, and rich broth into the pot. Elevate heat to create a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low. Cover and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing vegetables to tenderize and flavors to meld.
4. Introduce vibrant green peas and sweet corn kernels to the simmering soup. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the new ingredients are heated through and maintain their crisp texture.
5. Remove bay leaves from the soup. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum flavor and warmth.

Notes

• Boost veggie nutrition by adding extra colorful vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more vitamins and texture.
• Swap turkey with rotisserie chicken or plant-based protein for dietary flexibility, ensuring equal protein content.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt additions, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Enhance soup’s depth by roasting vegetables before adding to pot, intensifying natural sweetness and creating richer flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg