This homemade turkey soup recipe is a simple, healthy soup you can make in your instant pot , slow cooker , or on the stove! A yummy, easy turkey soup everyone will love!
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There’s nothing worse than eating thanksgiving dinner 4x in a row to use up the leftover turkey.. that’s why this leftover turkey is a MUCH better option!
This isn’t just any leftover turkey soup… it’s the BEST leftover turkey soup. What makes it so good you might ask?
Well, we use real turkey bone broth (which you can easily make in under 5 minutes of prep), loads of hearty veggies, and tons of leftover turkey for maximum flavor.
This turkey soup is cozy, easy to make, and delicious! It can also be paleo/whole30 friendly, or gluten free depending on what add-ins you use. There’s a long list of substitutions below!
If you’re looking for how to cook your turkey – this Crockpot Turkey Breast is the best! (And if you’re still planning your Thanksgiving menu – check out these Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes!)
Turkey soup is an excellent healthy meal option, especially if you have leftover turkey from a holiday or family dinner. Made with turkey, vegetables, herbs, and broth, turkey soup provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Here’s an overview of the health benefits of turkey soup and why it makes for a nutritious choice.
Nutrition Profile
Turkey is a lean source of protein that is low in fat and calories. It contains B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid. Turkey also provides zinc, selenium, choline, phosphorus, and potassium.
The vegetables used in turkey soup add vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants. Carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and herbs further boost the nutritional value. Broths made from turkey bones deliver collagen, amino acids, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Overall, turkey soup made with lots of veggies and broth is low in calories and fat but high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It makes for a balanced meal.
Weight Loss
Many turkey soup recipes are designed to be low-calorie options for weight loss. Turkey is naturally lean and vegetables add volume with minimal calories. Broth-based soups are also filling thanks to their high liquid content.
Making turkey soup with lots of low-calorie, high-fiber veggies helps create a meal that is nutritious, filling, and slimming. The protein from the turkey gives a satisfaction factor as well.
Immune-Boosting Benefits
The nutrients in turkey soup can give your immune system a boost. For example, turkey provides selenium, which supports immune function. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, also important for immunity.
Onion, garlic, and bone broth contain compounds that may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. This combination of ingredients makes turkey soup a soothing choice when you’re feeling under the weather.
Leftover Turkey Uses
One of the best things about turkey soup is that it puts leftover turkey to use after the holidays Leftover meat often goes to waste, but turkey soup gives it new life and transforms it into something tasty.
Shredded turkey combines especially well with veggies, herbs, broth, rice or pasta. So don’t let that turkey go to waste – use it to make a pot of nourishing soup.
Easy and Comforting
Turkey soup comes together easily by sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic then simmering with broth turkey, vegetables, and herbs. Most recipes take 30 minutes or less of active prep time. The ingredients are simple and affordable too.
This soup makes for a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out The pieces of turkey and tender vegetables make it feel indulgent Enjoy a bowl any time you need warming comfort food.
Turkey soup is the perfect way to use holiday leftovers and transform them into a nutritious, satisfying meal. With protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it offers an array of health benefits. So next time you have extra turkey, put it to use in a wholesome pot of soup.
Can you make Instant Pot Turkey Soup?
Yes, you can! See below for instructions. Here are some tips for making turkey soup in your instant pot.
Make sure to really scrape the veggies off the bottom of the pot to avoid getting a burn notice.
Do *not* add rice/pasta/zoodles to the instant pot to cook. Cook them separately and add when you’re ready to serve.
Substitutions for Leftover Turkey Soup
There are so many ways to customize this healthy soup and adjust it depending on what you have in your pantry/fridge… Here are a few.
Meat: You can make this with leftover chicken instead of turkey meat if you’d like. We also have a Chicken Wild Rice Soup recipe!
Can you make a creamy turkey soup? Sure! Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream once it has cooked to make this recipe a creamy soup.
Oil: Avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used in place of olive oil .
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe: Just add cooked noodles to the soup when you’re ready to serve turkey noodle soup. Or try this Turkey Noodle Soup
Keto Turkey Soup: If you are strict keto, cut the amount of carrots in half for this recipe and serve with zucchini noodles.
Spicy Turkey Soup: If you want some spice, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the soup as it’s cooking
Broth: We used homemade turkey broth in this recipe, but you can use chicken stock, veggie stock, or whatever broth you have on hand.
Add ins: Quinoa, pasta, brown rice, or noodles all work in this recipe. You can also add zucchini noodles
Wild Rice: If you like wild rice, try our Turkey Wild Rice Soup!
Zucchini Noodles: For best results, I recommend adding the zucchini noodles to the bowl instead of adding them to the slow cooker pot. This way your zucchini noodles/spinach won’t get soggy if you eat leftovers. You can also sub pasta for zucchini noodles.
Veggies: You can add peas, potatoes, or even spinach to this recipe!
Herbs: I like to add in a little chopped fresh rosemary and a bay leaf to this recipe – but you can use whatever herbs you like!
Low Sodium: If you’re watching your salt intake – omit the salt from the recipe or add it at the end to taste… Also, make sure to check your canned beans/broth. Look for low or no salt added beans/broth.
Healthy Organic Turkey soup!
FAQ
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