Turkey, Wild Rice, and Vegetable Soup
After a big holiday meal, leftover turkey, vegetables, and wild rice can become another dinner instead of going to waste. This turkey, wild rice, and vegetable soup brings those cooked leftovers together in one pot with chicken and vegetable broth, Better Than Bouillon, rosemary, and thyme. It’s a flexible Thanksgiving leftover soup: use the mix of vegetables and rice you already have on hand.
The method is simple—bring everything to a simmer until heated through, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Dr. J suggests covering the ingredients with broth by a few inches, so the exact amount can vary with your leftovers. Add grated Pecorino Romano at the table if you like, and serve a warm bowl for an easy, comforting meal the day after the feast.
Turkey, Wild Rice, and Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
Method
- I heated a 6-quart stock pot over medium high heat. I added all the ingredients into the pot and brought it to a simmer until heated through. It’s a good time to taste and check your seasonings. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, etc. You are now ready to serve. Top with some pecorino Romano and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!My Favorite Way to Give Thanksgiving Leftovers a Second Life
One of the things I love most about Thanksgiving is having leftovers the next day. But after a couple of turkey sandwiches, I’m usually ready for something different!
That’s where this Turkey, Wild Rice, and Vegetable Soup comes in. It’s warm, hearty, and a wonderful way to turn the turkey, vegetables, and rice you already have in the refrigerator into another delicious homemade meal.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to follow exact measurements. This is one of those recipes where you can use what you have and make it your own.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Start with cooked turkey. I use about 3 cups of leftover diced turkey, but you can adjust that depending on how much you have.
Use whatever vegetables are left. My original combination includes carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. Green beans, peas, celery, or other cooked vegetables would also work.
Make sure the wild rice is already cooked. This is a quick leftovers soup, so we’re simply warming everything together rather than cooking rice from scratch.
Add enough broth to cover everything. I use a combination of low-sodium chicken and vegetable broth, usually about 8 cups. Depending on how much turkey, rice, and vegetables you have, you may need a little more or less.
Season at the end. I add rosemary, thyme, and a little Better Than Bouillon for extra flavor. Since the turkey and broth may already be seasoned, taste the soup before adding more salt.
Finish with Pecorino Romano. A little freshly grated cheese on top gives the soup a delicious savory finish.
Make It Your Own
This is one of those recipes I hope you’ll feel comfortable experimenting with.
If you have more turkey than vegetables, add it! If you have extra vegetables and only a little turkey, that’s fine too.
You can even change the rice. A cooked brown rice blend works well, although wild rice adds a wonderful nutty flavor and chewy texture.
The idea is to turn what you already have into something new instead of letting good food go to waste.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Soup
Because this soup is made with previously cooked leftovers, food safety is especially important.
Use turkey and vegetables that have been refrigerated promptly and are still within their safe storage period. Refrigerate the finished soup promptly in shallow, airtight containers.
For best safety, use refrigerated cooked turkey and leftovers within 3–4 days of their original preparation. Making soup doesn’t restart that storage clock.
You can also freeze the soup in individual portions for future meals. The rice may soften a little when reheated, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Reheat until the soup reaches 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe. It’s a great way to make the soup any time of year, not just after Thanksgiving.
Do I need to cook the wild rice first?
Yes. This recipe uses cooked wild rice. Since everything is already cooked, the soup only needs to simmer until it’s heated through.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes. If you don’t have leftover vegetables, frozen peas, carrots, or a mixed vegetable blend are easy substitutes. Simmer until they’re tender and heated through.
What if my soup becomes too thick?
Wild rice can absorb some of the broth as the soup sits. Simply add a little more chicken or vegetable broth when reheating until you reach the consistency you like.
Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot?
You can use the Instant Pot’s Sauté setting to heat everything together, but there’s no need to pressure-cook the soup. The turkey, rice, and vegetables are already cooked.
More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
If you’re looking for more ideas for your holiday leftovers, here are a few of my favorites.
- Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – Layer leftover turkey, vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes into a comforting casserole topped with melted cheddar.
- Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Panini – Turn turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other holiday favorites into a crispy, toasted sandwich.
- Instant Pot Boneless Turkey Breast with Gravy – A wonderful option for smaller holiday dinners, with tender turkey and homemade gravy.
- Explore More Soup Recipes – Browse more homemade meals, including soups and comforting dinners for busy weeknights.
Sometimes the best part of a holiday meal is discovering all the delicious things you can make with what’s left over. This soup is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can become another meal the whole family will enjoy.
Watch Dr. J Make Turkey, Wild Rice, and Vegetable Soup
Watch Dr. J make Turkey, Wild Rice, and Vegetable Soup and see how it comes together.
Products used
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Victorinox Chef’s, 8″ Blade, 2″ At Blue Fibrox Pro Handle
Cuisinart CB-30P1 Cast-Iron Single Burner
