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    Home ยป Recipes

    Leftover Turkey Quinoa Soup

    Published: Nov 23, 2020 ยท Updated: Nov 25, 2020 ยท Post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for tasty recipes using leftovers? Make this Leftover Turkey Quinoa Soup for a nourishing and filling meal perfect for the holiday season especially since it is budget-friendly. Dairy-free can easily be gluten-free. Freezes well, too!

    two white bowls of soup with turkey on white wooden table with red soup pot
    • About Turkey Quinoa Soup
      • Ingredients
        • Cost of Recipe
    • How to Make Quinoa Turkey Soup
    • Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe Tips
      • Variations
        • Ingredient Options
        • Flavor Substitutions
        • How to Make Allergy Friendly
        • How to Fix a Mistake
      • Make Ahead Ideas
      • Storage Suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Nutrition Benefits
      • What to Serve with Turkey Quinoa Soup

    About Turkey Quinoa Soup

    If you have leftovers from a holiday meal, you will love this soup recipe! I mean, one can only eat so many turkey and cranberry sandwiches. Right?

    Also, it's dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free. And if you have fresh veggies in the fridge that you want to use up or any leftover roasted veggies, you can add those in here too. Like most soup, it's very versatile.

    Plus, this makes a whole lot of soup (about 10 cups) and it freezes well. And last but not least, it is warming and filling and oh so satisfying.

    oil, turkey, quinoa, flour, broth, water, garlic, paprika, parsley, salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, rosemary, onions, carrots, celery

    Ingredients

    Oil: Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or butter can be used for this Turkey Quinoa Soup. Use whatever you like best and have in the kitchen.

    Veggies: The recipe calls for onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. However, you can adjust those to your liking or what you have in the kitchen.

    Flour: Many different flour types work in this leftover turkey soup recipe. All-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, whole wheat pastry flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, rice flour, and cornstarch have all been tested. For the flours, you'll add them as described in the recipe. For cornstarch, you won't add until the later. If using cornstarch, be sure to mix it with cold water so there are no cornstarch clumps in the soup.

    Broth/water: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, turkey stock, and water are all great options. The soup needs about 8-10 cups of liquid depending on the consistency of soup you like and how long you plan on cooking it. (You'll need less water for a thicker soup or one that will only be simmered for the minimum amount of time. Use more water for a thinner soup or one that you plan on simmering for a while or if you are reheating it later).

    Quinoa: White quinoa is typically what I use because it's easier to find and more budget-friendly, but any quinoa is great for this Quinoa Turkey Soup.

    Turkey: Any kind of cooked turkey will work. I usually end up with a combo of white and dark meal (usually it's mostly white meat because people like to eat the dark meat more). Also, the amount listed in the recipe is a guideline. Add more if you have extra, and no worries if you have a little less. You can even use shredded chicken or ham if needed.

    Spices: The spices & herbs in this leftover turkey and quinoa soup include rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can use dried herbs or fresh. And use less cayenne pepper or omit for a more mild soup.

    Cost of Recipe

    For the cost of this Turkey Quinoa Soup, I am using amounts for if you had to buy all new ingredients. However, since you're likely going to be using up leftover ingredients, the cost will be less since you'd possibly end up wasting those ingredients if you weren't using them in this recipe. Additionally, rosemary & thyme are often herbs you can pick from the garden for free, so the cost listed is for dried herbs.

    • oil 1 tablespoon: $0.24
    • onion 1 large: $0.68
    • carrots 3 medium: $0.60
    • celery 3 stalks: $0.42
    • garlic 3 cloves: $0.18
    • flour 3 tablespoons: $0.05
    • broth 4 cups: $1.99
    • quinoa โ…” cup: $1.66
    • turkey 6 ounces: $1.87
    • salt ยพ teaspoon: $0.01
    • thyme ยผ teaspoon dried: $0.02
    • rosemary ยฝ teaspoon dried: $0.25
    • paprika ยผ teaspoon: $0.04
    • cayenne pepper ยผ teaspoon: $0.02
    • dried parsley 1 teaspoon: $0.33

    TOTAL COST: $8.36 or $0.93/serving (Based on San Diego Sprouts 2020)

    collage with four photos showing veggie being sauteed in red pot, then flour being stirred in using orange spoon, then liquid and spices being added, then adding turkey in a measuring cup

    How to Make Quinoa Turkey Soup

    Time needed: 1 hour and 5 minutes.

    This Quinoa Turkey Soup is easy to make and is great for using up leftover ingredients in your kitchen.

    1. Sauté the veggies in oil.

    2. Add garlic and flour. Coat the veggies completely in the flour.

      Then stir in one cup liquid until the all the flour has been mixed in.

    3. Stir in quinoa and spices.

      Simmer.

    4. Add turkey.

      Simmer until ready to serve. Taste and add seasoning if needed. Enjoy!two white bowls with soup on a plaid blanket and white table with red soup pot

    Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe Tips

    Variations

    Ingredient Options

    Veggies: Use any veggie you like. Bell peppers, potatoes, squash would all be good in here. Also, the amounts listed are just suggestions. Use whatever amount you like. Additionally, you can add already cooked veggies to the soup when you add the turkey.

    Turkey: Chicken can be used in place of turkey. Or you can use cooked ground turkey or chicken or sausage.

    Flavor Substitutions

    The tastes great served with a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add 1 tablespoon or lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the soup before serving if you feel like it is missing something.

    How to Make Allergy Friendly

    This is already dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free.

    To make it gluten-free, use gluten free all-purpose flour or rice flour.

    Alternatively, you can omit adding the flour in the second step. Then whisk together. 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ยผ cup cold water until no lumps remain. Stir into the soup after you add the turkey.

    How to Fix a Mistake

    Soup is too thin: add 2 tablespoons cornstarch to ยผ cup cold water, whisk until no lumps remain, stir into soup and simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

    Soup is too thick: add extra water or broth in ยฝ cup increments until it reaches the desired consistency.

    green bowl with quinoa turkey soup
    (this is from the original 2012 post)

    Make Ahead Ideas

    Soup is great to make ahead of time. Simply prepare as directed and keep in airtight containers or even in the cooled soup pot in the fridge (for up to 1 day) until ready to reheat.

    Storage Suggestions

    Store this soup in glass or plastic airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 5 weeks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Nutrition Benefits

    Thanks to the veggies in the soup plus the spices, this is full of antioxidants and phytochemicals which can help fight inflammation-related diseases in your body.

    This Quinoa Turkey Soup has a nice balance of carbohydrates, fiber, and protein along with some fat to help you feel satisfied. And soup is my favorite way to get veggies and extra fluid in the colder months.

    What to Serve with Turkey Quinoa Soup

    I usually enjoy this soup by itself because it is satisfying enough, but you could also include a roll or slice of bread on the side. Or finish it off with a pecan pie bar!

    two white bowls of turkey quinoa soup on white wooden table

    Final thoughts:

    After every holiday meal that includes turkey, I make this Turkey Quinoa Soup. I even make this recipe without turkey and use chicken in its place. I just love how comforting and filling it is. Plus, it's a tasty way to eat more veggies.

    MORE LEFTOVER RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE:

    • Cranberry Honey Mustard Sauce
    • Leftover Thanksgiving Frittata
    • Easy Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
    • Cranberry Margaritas & Mocktails

    two white bowls of soup with turkey on white wooden table with red soup pot

    Turkey Quinoa Soup

    Use leftover turkey to make this nourishing and filling soup perfect for the holiday season
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 9 cups
    Author: Meme
    Total Cost: $8.36 or $0.93/serving

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1 large onion 2-3 cups, diced
    • 3 medium carrots 2 cups, diced
    • 3 stalks celery 1 ยฝ cups, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic 1 TBSP, minced
    • 3 tablespoons flour
    • 4 cups unsalted chicken broth or water
    • 4 cups water
    • โ…” cup uncooked quinoa
    • ยผ teaspoon paprika
    • ยผ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
    • 6 ounces cooked turkey or chicken (1 ยฝ cups)
    • ยพ teaspoon salt
    • ยฝ teaspoon fresh thyme (about 3 sprigs fresh) or ยผ teaspoon dried
    • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary minced (about 2 sprigs) or ยฝ teaspoon dried

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and flour, and completely coat vegetables in flour.
    • Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth (or water). Make sure the flour is completely incorporated and there are no lumps. Stir in remaining chicken broth & water.
    • Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in quinoa, paprika, cayenne pepper, and parsley. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Stir in remaining ingredients, and simmer partially covered for at least 20-30 minutes. Taste and add any additional seasoning as needed. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *If you are using dried rosemary and thyme, add with the quinoa.
    *Makes about 8-10 cups
    *Use gluten-free flour or omit flour and whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with ยผ cup cold water to add with the turkey.

    What to Use in This Recipe

    large red stock pot
    Large pot
    red spoon
    Spoon
    glass containers
    Glass Storage Containers
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    [showhide type="post" more_text="Click here for Nutrition Facts" less_text="Clear Nutrition Facts"]
    *

    Nutrition Facts
    Turkey Quinoa Soup
    Serving Size
     
    1 cup
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    124
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    4
    g
    6
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    10
    mg
    3
    %
    Sodium
     
    273
    mg
    12
    %
    Potassium
     
    334
    mg
    10
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    16
    g
    5
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    8
    g
    16
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    3531
    IU
    71
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    4
    mg
    5
    %
    Calcium
     
    36
    mg
    4
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    *
    [/showhide]

    Meme

    This post was originally published on November 23, 2012. Text, recipe, and photos have been updated.

    Doesn't this recipe look good?! You should probably share it:

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    Comments

    1. Fawn says

      November 14, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      This soup is quick to prepare, easy and very tasty. I loved that I had all the ingredients in my cupboard and garden. The only thing I did differently was to simmer my leftover turkey carcass in water and chicken stock for a couple hours, cooled, cut the meat into cubes and drained the stock through a sieve and then added enough water to make 4 cups broth. I think sautรฉing the veggies really give the soup flavor. I think you could brighten the soup with a dash of fresh lemon or lime juice right before serving.

      Reply
      • Meme says

        November 16, 2020 at 10:57 pm

        Yay!!! I absolutely LOVE the idea of giving this extra richness & flavor by simmering with the turkey carcass beforehand.
        Also, definitely add lemon!! I am making this tomorrow and will totally do that. Thanks for the recommendation and for coming back to share! Happy holidays! xo

        Reply
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    Meme (a brunette female) is holding umbrella and spinning around in front of the Eiffel Tower wearing a denim jacket, skirt, and blue shoesHi, I'm Meme, a thirty-something registered dietitian nutritionist from Alabama living in San Diego. Here to help you enjoy food, feel better in your body at any size, and live free of diets & shame.
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