If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your turkey leftovers in a way that feels fresh and comforting, this Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, combining tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, and satisfying rice into a flavorful soup that feels both hearty and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking after a big holiday feast or just craving something nourishing and easy, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the pot: from the sweetness of carrots to the earthiness of herbs, every flavor works together beautifully to create a balanced, inviting meal.

Olive oil: A smooth base that sautés the aromatics perfectly, adding a subtle richness.
Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and depth when diced and gently cooked.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the soup with that warm, fragrant punch you love.
Carrots: Peeled and sliced, they add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery stalks: Thinly sliced for a crunchy contrast and classic soup flavor.
Dried thyme: Earthy and herbaceous, it layers the soup with complexity.
Dried rosemary: Adds an aromatic, piney note that complements the turkey beautifully.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that brightens the broth.
Chicken or turkey broth: The comforting base that infuses the entire soup with savory goodness.
Cooked turkey: Shredded for tender bites of leftover protein that make this soup hearty.
Cooked rice (or pasta/noodles): For that lovely, filling texture and to soak up the flavors.
Frozen peas: Tossed in near the end for a pop of sweetness and color.
Spinach or kale: Adds a fresh, leafy green touch that wilts just right.
Salt and pepper: To season perfectly according to your taste.
Fresh parsley: Garnishes to brighten the presentation and flavor.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion and minced garlic. The aroma that fills your kitchen after a few minutes will let you know you’re off to a great start.

Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base

Next, stir in the sliced carrots and celery along with the dried thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Cooking these for about 5 to 7 minutes softens the vegetables and allows those herbs and spices to bloom, setting the tone for the soup.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, then bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. This simmering step lets the flavors marry beautifully, developing a rich, savory broth over about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Turkey and Rice

Stir in the shredded leftover turkey and cooked rice (or your choice of pasta or noodles). These ingredients bring heartiness to the soup and soak up the fragrant broth, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Peas

Add the frozen peas and either spinach or kale. Cook for a couple more minutes until the greens have just wilted and the peas are tender—this final fresh touch brightens the soup both visually and flavor-wise.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, season with salt and pepper to your preference. Ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness that ties everything together.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic topping here, but you can also try a little squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to elevate the flavors even more. Crispy croutons or a dollop of sour cream make wonderful add-ons for extra texture and creaminess.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs so nicely with a crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls that invite dipping. For a lighter side, a simple mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls and garnish with colorful bowls of chopped herbs or chili flakes for guests to customize their bowls. You can also ladle it into individual ramekins and heat under the broiler briefly for a toasted cheesy top—a fun twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, too. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, you might want to freeze the rice separately or add it fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use other grains instead of rice in the Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe?

Absolutely! While rice is traditional here, cooked quinoa, barley, or even small pasta shapes work wonderfully and add their own unique texture and flavor.

Is it okay to use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme and rosemary?

Yes, fresh herbs can add a bright, lively note. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, added toward the end of cooking to preserve their fragrance.

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

You can adapt it by using vegetable broth and substituting turkey with hearty ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, or tofu, and omitting any animal products. Adjust seasoning to taste.

What is the best way to reheat leftover turkey soup with rice?

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of broth or water will help maintain the soup’s consistency and keep the rice from becoming too dense.

How long does this soup keep in the freezer?

For best quality, consume frozen soup within 2 to 3 months. Beyond that, it’s still safe but the texture and flavor may decline.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe is such a wonderful, cozy way to breathe new life into your turkey leftovers. It’s nourishing, delicious, and downright satisfying, perfect for those days you want something homemade without lots of fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting soup as much as I do—it’s truly a little bowl of happy every time.

Leftover Turkey Soup with Rice, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe

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3.9 from 46 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Leftover Turkey Soup is a hearty and flavorful way to use up turkey remnants. Packed with tender vegetables, savory herbs, and nutritious greens, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon paprika
6 cups chicken or turkey broth
2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or noodles
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups spinach or kale
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Heat oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, preparing the base for your soup.
Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they release a fragrant aroma.
Cook vegetables and spices: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add broth and simmer: Pour in 6 cups of chicken or turkey broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
Incorporate turkey and grains: Add the shredded cooked turkey and cooked rice, pasta, or noodles. Stir well and heat through to combine flavors.
Add greens and peas: Toss in frozen peas and spinach or kale. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt and the peas are tender.
Season: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

You can substitute kale for spinach or use a mix of both for added texture.
Use leftover cooked rice, pasta, or noodles depending on what you have on hand.
For a richer flavor, homemade turkey broth is ideal, but store-bought works well, too.
Adjust herbs to your taste; fresh herbs can be used instead of dried if available.
This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American