High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup the day after Thanksgiving. Once the big feast is over, the fridge is packed with roasted turkey, herbs, and veggies that shouldn’t go to waste. Instead of another heavy plate of leftovers, this cozy soup transforms what you already have into a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s light, nourishing, and perfect for fall and winter.

For me, it’s become a tradition. After hosting Thanksgiving dinner, I wake up the next day craving something comforting but also nutrient-dense. That’s where this soup shines. By combining shredded turkey with broth, seasonal vegetables, and high protein add-ins like beans, lentils, or quinoa, you get a meal that feels indulgent yet supports a balanced diet. It’s the ideal post-holiday reset recipe—warming, flavorful, and naturally loaded with protein to keep you satisfied.

This Thanksgiving leftover soup recipe also doubles as a meal-prep favorite. You can make a big batch, freeze portions, and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s a smarter, healthier way to stretch your turkey into multiple meals while keeping the flavors fresh and seasonal.

Bowl of high protein leftover turkey soup with shredded turkey, vegetables, and quinoa in golden broth. — High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup – Cozy Comfort Bowl

If you love cozy comfort foods that still meet your health goals, you’ll want to bookmark this one. Pair it with a slice of Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl or serve it alongside your Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas for a festive spread that feels effortless.

Table of Contents

Why This Leftover Turkey Soup is a Post-Holiday Favorite

When it comes to leftover turkey recipes, soup is always the most versatile. But what makes this version different is the focus on protein. Adding beans, lentils, or quinoa alongside lean turkey creates a protein-rich soup that keeps hunger away and helps balance out all the holiday treats. The natural flavors of turkey pair beautifully with thyme, rosemary, and sage—classic Thanksgiving herbs that make this soup taste like the holiday in a bowl.

This isn’t just about using up what’s in the fridge. It’s about creating a meal that’s healthy, budget-friendly, and family-approved. Even kids love it when you throw in noodles or rice, while adults appreciate a hearty bowl that feels light yet filling. Whether you’re looking for a quick post-Thanksgiving lunch, an easy high protein dinner recipe, or a freezer-friendly meal, this soup does it all.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup

There are plenty of ways to use up Thanksgiving turkey, but this High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup is by far one of the most rewarding. Instead of another heavy plate of stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy, you get a meal that’s warm, comforting, and nourishing all at once. This recipe stands out because it takes a classic Thanksgiving leftover soup and transforms it into a protein-packed turkey soup that fuels your body long after the holiday.

1. Protein-Packed and Satisfying

Turkey itself is a lean protein, but by boosting the recipe with beans, lentils, or quinoa, you get a healthy holiday soup that’s extra filling. For anyone looking to balance out rich Thanksgiving foods, this is the perfect high protein dinner recipe to keep you on track.

2. Comforting Post-Holiday Reset

After days of feasting, your body craves something light but still cozy. This soup delivers all the warmth of a traditional comfort food while keeping things wholesome and nutrient-dense. It’s the kind of post-Thanksgiving meal prep soup you can rely on all week long.

3. Easy, Budget-Friendly, and Versatile

You don’t need to buy extra groceries—this soup uses what you already have. From leftover turkey to roasted veggies, everything gets a second life. Plus, you can adjust the recipe to your taste: add noodles for a heartier meal, keep it grain-free for a lighter bowl, or swap in seasonal ingredients like butternut squash or sweet potatoes for extra flavor.

4. Freezer-Friendly for Busy Weeks

One of the best parts about this protein-rich soup is that it stores beautifully. Make a big batch on Friday, freeze half, and enjoy cozy fall high protein meals even after the holiday season is over. That’s meal prep magic.

5. Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

This soup is a hit for all ages. Kids love the noodles, adults love the depth of flavor, and everyone appreciates a warm bowl on a chilly fall night. It’s a simple way to bring everyone back together at the table after the holiday chaos.

By turning your turkey into a healthy leftover turkey soup, you’re not just saving food—you’re creating a recipe that keeps your family nourished, energized, and satisfied.

Ingredients Breakdown for High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup

The beauty of High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup is that it starts with what’s already in your kitchen after Thanksgiving. The turkey is the star, but the supporting cast of vegetables, broth, and protein boosters take it to the next level. Here’s everything you’ll need to create a hearty, protein-packed turkey soup that doubles as the perfect healthy holiday soup base.

Ingredients including turkey, vegetables, beans, and quinoa for high protein leftover turkey soup. — Ingredients for High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup

Leftover Turkey
Shredded turkey is what makes this a Thanksgiving leftover soup. Use both white and dark meat for the best flavor. If you roasted your turkey with herbs like thyme and rosemary, those flavors carry beautifully into the soup. Turkey breast is lean and high in protein, while darker cuts add richness and depth.

Vegetables
Classic aromatics—onion, garlic, carrots, and celery—create the flavor foundation. These ingredients not only add nutrients but also balance the richness of the turkey. Roasted vegetables from your holiday meal can also be tossed in, making this recipe even more resourceful.

Broth
For maximum flavor and nutrition, use turkey or chicken broth. If you simmered your turkey carcass for homemade broth, you’re already halfway there! The broth acts as the healthy holiday soup base and can be lightened up or enriched depending on your taste.

Protein Boosters
This is where the soup transforms into a true high protein dinner recipe. Instead of relying on just turkey, add one or more of these protein-rich ingredients:

Beans: Black beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas add fiber and extra protein. If you want to see just how much beans can turn a soup into a complete meal, check out my Black Bean Soup Recipe.
Lentils: A great option for a thicker texture and higher protein count.
Quinoa: Gluten-free and packed with complete protein, making it perfect for meal prep.
Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: Stirred in at the end for creaminess and extra protein.

Herbs & Spices
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without thyme, sage, and rosemary. Add a bay leaf for depth and finish with fresh parsley for brightness. These classic herbs make the soup taste like the holiday in a bowl.

Optional Add-Ins

Noodles or rice for a heartier, family-friendly soup.
Kale or spinach for extra greens and nutrients.
A splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Protein Comparison Table

Protein Booster	Protein per Cup	Texture & Benefits	Best For
Turkey (shredded)	~25g	Lean, savory	Core protein source
Black Beans	~15g	Creamy, hearty	High-fiber option
Lentils	~18g	Thick, earthy	Protein + iron boost
Quinoa (cooked)	~8g	Light, nutty	Gluten-free add-in
Greek Yogurt	~10g (per ½ c)	Creamy, tangy	Cream-based soups

By mixing and matching these protein boosters, you can customize your High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup to fit your nutrition needs, whether you want a lighter healthy leftover turkey soup or a hearty protein-packed meal prep soup that lasts for days.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup couldn’t be easier. In just a few simple steps, you’ll turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a protein-rich, cozy fall meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Step 1: Prep the Turkey and Vegetables

Shred your leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces. Aim for about 2–3 cups of meat. Chop your onions, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic. Keeping everything uniform helps the soup cook evenly and gives it that classic homestyle feel.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, then cook until softened—about 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This forms the healthy holiday soup base that gives the broth a rich, savory flavor.

Onions, carrots, and celery sautéing in olive oil for high protein leftover turkey soup. — Sautéing Vegetables for High Protein Turkey Soup

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in your turkey broth (or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand). Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. If you saved the turkey carcass, simmering it with the soup base deepens the flavor and creates a nutrient-rich stock.

Shredded turkey and broth added to vegetables for high protein leftover turkey soup. — Adding Turkey and Broth to High Protein Soup

Step 4: Add the Turkey and Protein Boosters

Stir in the shredded turkey along with your chosen protein boosters—lentils, beans, quinoa, or even a mix of them. This is what transforms a simple leftover soup into a protein-packed turkey soup that will keep you full and satisfied.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Soup simmering with beans, quinoa, and turkey for extra protein. — Simmering High Protein Turkey Soup with Beans and Quinoa

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If you like creamy soups, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese just before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or alongside lighter holiday favorites like my Butternut Squash Soup for a full protein-rich meal spread.

Variations & Tips for High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup

One of the best things about this High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup is how versatile it can be. Whether you’re trying to fit specific diets, use up what’s in your fridge, or switch things up for the holidays, this recipe adapts easily. Here are some of my favorite ways to make it your own.

High Protein Twists

Turkey and Lentil Soup: Lentils thicken the broth and pack in even more protein and fiber.
Turkey and Quinoa Soup: Quinoa makes the soup gluten-free while delivering a complete protein boost.
Creamy Protein Boost: Stir in cottage cheese or Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy, protein-rich finish without heavy cream.

Diet-Friendly Adaptations

Keto Leftover Turkey Soup: Skip the noodles and add zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead.
Gluten-Free Turkey Soup: Use rice or quinoa in place of pasta.
Dairy-Free Turkey Soup: Replace Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with coconut milk for creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.

Cooking Methods for Busy Days

Instant Pot Turkey Soup: Sauté the aromatics on the sauté setting, add broth, turkey, and protein boosters, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release. This makes a quick, Instant Pot leftover turkey soup that’s perfect for weeknights.
Slow Cooker Turkey Soup: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The flavors meld beautifully while you focus on holiday clean-up or other meals.

Leftover Hacks

Add roasted vegetables from Thanksgiving dinner for an extra depth of flavor.
Use up fresh herbs before they wilt by tossing them into the pot.
Freeze extra portions in single-serving containers for post-Thanksgiving meal prep.

Seasonal Adaptations

Thanksgiving Version: Stick with classic flavors like sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Christmas Leftover Soup: Add a hint of nutmeg or cloves for a festive twist.
New Year’s Reset Soup: Go heavy on greens like kale and spinach, plus lentils for extra nutrients. If you love seasonal flavors, you’ll also enjoy my Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe, another cozy bowl that fits perfectly into the fall and winter season.

This flexibility is what makes protein-packed turkey soup such a reliable recipe. It’s a meal you can adjust for taste, dietary needs, or whatever happens to be in your fridge that week.

FAQs About High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup

What to add to soup for extra protein?

When making High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup, you already have lean turkey as the base, but you can boost the protein even more with smart add-ins. Beans, lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas are excellent plant-based protein sources that blend seamlessly into the broth. For creaminess without heavy cream, stir in Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, which add both texture and extra grams of protein. Some cooks also like to mix in edamame, shredded chicken, or even tofu for variety. By combining turkey with these protein boosters, you create a protein-packed turkey soup that’s hearty enough to be a full meal while still keeping it healthy and balanced.

Can you use leftover turkey for soup?

Absolutely! Using leftover turkey is one of the best ways to build a flavorful and resourceful soup. The roasted meat carries the herbs and seasoning from your Thanksgiving dinner, which means your soup starts with layers of flavor before you even add broth or vegetables. Shredded turkey adds lean protein while preventing food waste. Whether it’s white breast meat or darker cuts, both work beautifully. I often tell readers that High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup is the ultimate way to extend the holiday feast into the following days. With just a few simple pantry staples, you’ll have a Thanksgiving leftover soup recipe that’s healthier and more filling than reheating another plate of stuffing and gravy.

Does turkey soup have protein?

Yes, turkey soup is naturally protein-rich, especially when you prepare it as High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup. A single serving with shredded turkey can provide 20–25 grams of protein on its own, making it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. The real magic happens when you add other protein-rich ingredients like beans, lentils, or quinoa, which raise the protein content even higher. Compared to creamy potato or cheese-based soups, turkey soup offers lean protein that supports muscle repair, keeps you fuller for longer, and helps balance out heavier holiday meals. This makes it not only a comfort food but also a smart high protein dinner recipe that fits into a balanced diet.

What can you do with leftover turkey?

Leftover turkey is incredibly versatile, and soup is just one of many delicious ways to use it up. Beyond protein-packed turkey soup, you can fold shredded turkey into tacos, quesadillas, salads, or pasta dishes. It’s also great in casseroles or grain bowls with quinoa and roasted vegetables. However, soup remains my favorite because it stretches leftovers further and creates a meal that’s both cozy and nourishing. With minimal effort, you can transform holiday leftovers into a healthy holiday soup that stores well and feeds the family for days. For those who love seasonal comfort food, this Thanksgiving leftover soup recipe is one you’ll want to make a yearly tradition.

Which soup has the most protein?

When comparing soups, those made with lean meats and legumes typically have the highest protein. Chicken and turkey soups naturally provide strong protein content, but when you make High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup and add lentils, beans, or quinoa, you can push the protein count even higher—sometimes up to 30 grams per serving. Soups that rely solely on vegetables or creamy bases tend to be lower in protein unless boosted with ingredients like cottage cheese or protein-rich grains. This is why turkey soup stands out as a protein-packed meal prep recipe: it combines lean meat with easy add-ins that increase protein while keeping the dish flavorful and hearty.

What is another way you can increase your protein besides adding beans to a soup?

Beans are a great option, but they’re not the only way to build a high protein dinner soup. Quinoa is a fantastic choice because it’s a complete protein and works well in brothy soups. Dairy-based add-ins like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese are also powerful ways to raise protein while adding creaminess. You can also stir in shredded chicken, edamame, or even top your soup with roasted pumpkin seeds for a boost of protein and crunch. In High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup, the turkey itself is the foundation, but with these extras, you’ll transform a simple Thanksgiving leftover recipe into a nutrient-dense, protein-rich dish that keeps you fueled long after the holiday.

Conclusion

High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup is more than just a way to use up what’s in your fridge—it’s a comforting, nutrient-rich recipe that helps you reset after the holiday feast. Packed with lean turkey, hearty vegetables, and protein boosters like beans or quinoa, it transforms Thanksgiving scraps into a meal that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.

Bowl of high protein leftover turkey soup served with bread. — Serving High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup

What makes this soup special is its versatility. Whether you enjoy it with noodles for a family-friendly dinner, keep it light with lentils and greens, or make it creamy with Greek yogurt, you’ll find it fits seamlessly into your routine. It’s a recipe you can batch-cook, freeze, and enjoy long after the holidays are over.

For me, this Thanksgiving leftover soup recipe has become a tradition. It’s the first dish I make after Thanksgiving, and it always brings the same comfort as the holiday table itself. Pair it with something sweet like my Cranberry Brie Bites with Pu f f Pastry for a festive balance, and you’ve got yourself a spread that feels indulgent yet completely wholesome.

So the next time you’re staring at a fridge full of turkey, don’t reheat another plate of stuffing. Turn those leftovers into a protein-packed turkey soup that nourishes your body and warms your soul. This recipe isn’t just a way to save food—it’s a reminder that the best meals often come from what we already have.

High Protein Leftover Turkey Soup – Best 25g Protein Meal