Recipes for Turkey Soup with Vegetables That Warm You Up

Updated On: October 8, 2025

When the weather turns chilly or you just crave a comforting, nutritious meal, turkey soup with vegetables is an unbeatable choice. This hearty soup blends tender turkey meat with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, simmered in a rich broth that warms you from the inside out.

Whether you’re using leftover roasted turkey or fresh turkey meat, this soup is incredibly versatile and easy to make. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, it’s not just delicious but also a wholesome way to nourish your body.

This recipe invites you to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables, making it perfect year-round. The combination of turkey and garden-fresh veggies creates layers of flavor and texture that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkey soup with vegetables is a classic comfort food that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s a fantastic way to use up turkey leftovers, reducing food waste while creating a meal that’s full of flavor.

This soup is light enough for a weekday lunch yet hearty enough for a cozy dinner.

The vegetables add vibrant colors and essential nutrients, making it a balanced meal in a bowl. Plus, the broth is soothing and easy to digest, especially if you’re recovering from a cold or just need something gentle on the stomach.

What’s more, this recipe is flexible, allowing you to swap veggies based on your pantry or preferences. It’s a great starter recipe if you want to explore more soups, or you can pair it with other hearty dishes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked turkey meat, shredded or chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving
  • Optional: Immersion blender (for a creamier texture)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Incorporate the carrots, celery, and potatoes into the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes to start softening the vegetables.
  4. Pour in the turkey or chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  5. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and parsley. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Stir in the green beans, corn, and shredded turkey meat. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the green beans are cooked but still crisp.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, squeeze in the lemon juice for a touch of acidity that brightens the soup.
  8. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optionally, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup if you prefer a creamier texture while keeping some chunks for heartiness.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm with your favorite bread or crackers.

Tips & Variations

For an extra nutrient boost, add chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

If you want a thicker soup, stir in 2 tablespoons of cooked rice or small pasta shapes along with the turkey.

Use homemade broth if possible for a richer flavor, or enhance store-bought broth with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

You can also swap the turkey meat for chicken if leftovers are scarce. For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or check out this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for inspiration.

For vegetarian alternatives, explore our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try hearty soups like the 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1.5 cups)
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 22 g
Fat 7 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 4 g
Vitamin A 105% DV
Vitamin C 25% DV
Iron 12% DV
Sodium 600 mg*

*Sodium content may vary depending on the broth used.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey soup with vegetables pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or warm whole wheat rolls. For a light side, try a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted root vegetables or a baked sweet potato. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and make an excellent lunchtime option.

Pair your soup with some warm, buttered toast or even a grilled cheese sandwich for a satisfying combo that’s perfect on a cool day.

Conclusion

Turkey soup with vegetables is a timeless dish that combines wholesome ingredients into a flavorful and nourishing meal. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or fresh meat, this recipe is easy to adapt and customize.

Its vibrant vegetables and fragrant herbs make every spoonful a delight, while the broth soothes and comforts. This soup not only warms your body but also brings a sense of home and care to your table.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe that both novice and experienced cooks can enjoy preparing. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying the rich taste of turkey.

Give this recipe a try and discover why soup remains a beloved classic in kitchens worldwide.

If you’re interested in exploring more delicious, wholesome recipes, check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for more inspiration.

📖 Recipe Card: Turkey Soup with Vegetables

Description: A hearty and nutritious turkey soup loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add carrots, celery, potato, and green beans; cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  5. Add shredded turkey, peas, thyme, and parsley.
  6. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 15 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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