With enough leftover turkey meat to feed a large crowd, this low-cost recipe for Turkey Soup is a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Plus, if you’ve held onto the turkey after carving it, you can toss the bones in too.
We cook two turkeys for Thanksgiving—one for dinner and one for the leftovers—because leftovers are very important to us (for the best roast turkey recipe ever, check out How to Cook a Turkey)
We think this is a bit much; if you would rather have a more manageable amount of leftovers, prepare ahead of time by following this easy guide on How Much Turkey Per Person (or prepare some Air Fryer Turkey Breast or Crockpot Turkey Breast on the side).
Whether you make this recipe intentionally or by accident, this easy recipe for turkey soup is a great way to use up extra leftover turkey meat. For more inspiration, see our collection of recipes for leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
I also love turkey soup because, if you don’t have a lot of leftovers, it’s a great way to stretch them.
Soup is a comforting and versatile dish, perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a cozy warm-up on a chilly day. But is turkey soup healthy? The answer, like most things in life, is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. It depends on the ingredients and the recipe you choose.
To explore this question further let’s dive into two popular turkey soup recipes:
1. Weight Loss Soup by The Food Charlatan
This recipe is a great option for anyone trying to lose weight because it’s made to be high in vegetables and low in calories. It has ground turkey, a variety of veggies, including cabbage, celery, and carrots, and a tasty broth.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
Pros:
- Low in calories
- High in fiber
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Easy to customize with different vegetables
Cons:
- May not be as filling as other soups
- Can be bland without additional seasonings
2. Turkey Soup by Well Plated
This is a heartier version that uses brown rice, leftover turkey, and a variety of veggies like spinach, carrots, and celery. It’s also packed with flavor thanks to the addition of herbs and spices.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
Pros:
- More filling than the Weight Loss Soup
- Richer in flavor
- Good source of protein and fiber
Cons:
- Higher in calories
- May not be suitable for those on a low-carb diet
So, is turkey soup healthy?
As you can see, both of these recipes offer different benefits and drawbacks. The Weight Loss Soup is a good option for those looking for a low-calorie meal, while the Well Plated Turkey Soup is a more filling and flavorful choice. Ultimately, the healthiest turkey soup for you will depend on your individual dietary needs and preferences.
Here are some additional tips for making healthy turkey soup:
- Use lean ground turkey or leftover turkey breast.
- Choose a variety of colorful vegetables.
- Use low-sodium broth or make your own.
- Add herbs and spices for flavor.
- Avoid adding too much salt or sugar.
- Serve with a side of whole-wheat bread or a salad.
With a little planning and creativity, you can easily make a delicious and healthy turkey soup that fits your dietary needs.
Additional Resources:
- The Food Charlatan: Weight Loss Soup (Turkey Vegetable Soup)
- Well Plated: Turkey Soup Recipe
Substitution Tip
This recipe was developed using long grain brown rice. If you use any other kind of rice, like wild rice or white rice, you have to adjust the cooking time.
- Compared to brown rice, white rice cooks more quickly. Start checking for doneness after 15 minutes of simmering.
- USE NOT instant brown rice as it will become mushy. Save it for Broccoli Rice Casserole instead.
If you want to make this soup thicker or really stretch it out for a big crowd, add an entire cup of rice.
- Veggies. Like with all soups, I began by slowly sautéing aromatic vegetables. I chose the classic mirepoix, which gives the soup flavor and brightness and consists of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Spinach and peas are added to the soup to increase its complexity and to pack more nutrients—like potassium, calcium, and vitamin C—into a single bowl.
Storage Tips
I love freezing soups in Ziplock bags laid flat to freeze. Saves precious freezer space and keeps your storage containers available for other meals!.