Name: Easy Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery ribs, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups shredded turkey meat (leftover turkey)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking for a heartwarming bowl that combines comfort, nutrition, and a burst of vibrant flavors, this Easy Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey into a wholesome meal packed with tender potatoes, crisp veggies, and fragrant herbs. This soup is simple, satisfying, and just like a warm hug on a cold day, guaranteed to become one of your kitchen favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an assortment of fresh ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are three bright orange carrots on the bottom left, next to two green celery stalks. Above them sits a round, light brown onion. Near the center, a white bowl is filled with light beige cooked turkey slices. To the right, a glass measuring cup holds clear golden chicken broth. Two round Yukon potatoes with yellow skin are placed above the broth. Near the middle right, there are green thyme sprigs and a bay leaf. A fresh bunch of green parsley is at the bottom right, near a white garlic bulb. Finally, a small white bowl with golden olive oil and another small dish containing salt and black pepper complete the setup. All ingredients have labels in black and white text. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by how straightforward these ingredients are—each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this soup truly special. Plus, they’re easy to find in any pantry or fridge, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and beautiful orange color that brighten up the soup.
Celery ribs: Bring a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that balances the heartiness of the potatoes and turkey.
Onion: Adds a savory depth and a hint of natural sweetness once sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with aromatic warmth that enhances every mouthful.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the vibrant flavors of the vegetables and turkey.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
Yukon gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor create a comforting, satisfying substance throughout the soup.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Offer an earthy, slightly floral note that elevates the broth’s flavor profile.
Bay leaf: Contributes subtle herbal undertones that deepen the soup’s aroma.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory, flavorful base without excess saltiness that might overpower other ingredients.
Shredded turkey meat: The star ingredient, bringing lean protein and heartiness to every bite.
Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of fresh, green brightness to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Easy Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the veggies to build flavor

Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, and diced onions. Cooking these for about 4 to 5 minutes lets their natural sweetness develop and gives the soup a rich base. Stir frequently so everything softens evenly without browning. Then, add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring for another minute until fragrant. This step creates that inviting aroma that sets the tone for the whole soup.

Step 2: Add the potatoes and herbs

Next, add the diced Yukon gold potatoes along with the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, which will meld all these flavors together. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup cook gently for about 20 minutes, just until the potatoes reach that perfect fork-tender texture—soft yet still holding their shape, which adds fantastic heartiness and comfort.

Step 3: Stir in the shredded turkey

Once your potatoes are ready, it’s time to add the star: shredded turkey meat. Stir it into the simmering soup and let it warm through for just one to two minutes. Since the turkey is already cooked, you don’t want to overcook it, or it could dry out. This last step melds the savory meat with the aromatic broth, veggies, and tender potatoes to create a truly comforting feast in a bowl.

Step 4: Final touches before serving

Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot to prevent any bitter bites. Stir in roughly chopped fresh parsley for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Before serving, feel free to garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper to give each bowl a lively finishing touch. Now your Easy Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe

Inside a white pot with two handles on a white marbled surface, there are layers of vegetables and herbs in broth. The bottom layer shows small pieces of onion and celery in light yellow broth. On top of that, there are slices of bright orange carrots and green celery, mixed together. Above these, there are pale yellow potato cubes, evenly spread. On the top, fresh green sprigs of thyme and a single bay leaf lie over the potatoes. To the right, a measuring cup is pouring more light yellow broth into the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley leaves are the perfect simple garnish, brightening the flavors and adding a pop of green. If you want to get a little creative, a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can offer a creamy contrast that’s utterly indulgent. A few cracks of fresh black pepper on top also bring a lovely warming note.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with rustic crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect companions. For something lighter, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness without competing with the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve this soup in big, rustic bowls that keep it warm and inviting. Taking it on the go? Mason jars are fantastic for packing individual servings and even look adorable on a picnic table. Another idea is to ladle the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier, stew-like meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve those fresh flavors and the lovely texture of the vegetables and turkey.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? This Easy Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe freezes well for up to three months. Leave out the fresh parsley before freezing and stir it in fresh when reheating to keep its vibrant color and flavor intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling, which can make the turkey tough and the potatoes mushy. Microwave works too—just make sure to cover and check frequently, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can substitute russet potatoes or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the potato type.

What if I don’t have leftover turkey?

No worries! You can use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken as a substitute with great results. The flavors will still be delicious, and the soup remains a fantastic way to use up extra poultry.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with hearty beans like white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the soup nutritious and comforting without meat.

Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced zucchini, green beans, or peas during the simmering stage for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so they stay tender-crisp.

How can I make the soup spicier?

If you love a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stir in some hot sauce at the end. It’s a simple way to turn up the heat while keeping all the great flavors balanced.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Easy Turkey Soup with Vegetables and Potatoes Recipe with you truly feels like passing along a secret kitchen hug. It’s so satisfying, cozy, and incredibly flexible—whether you’re using leftovers or fresh ingredients. Once you try it, it’s sure to find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, ready to warm you up anytime. So grab your pot, invite some deliciousness into your kitchen, and enjoy every heartwarming spoonful.