Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Introduction

Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food for utilizing holiday leftovers while delivering rich, hearty flavors and nourishing warmth. This recipe transforms leftover turkey into a hearty, creamy soup brimming with wild rice, vegetables, and fresh herbs—making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or cozy gatherings.

With its one-pot simplicity and flexible ingredient list, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights and meal prep, turning leftovers into a meal everyone looks forward to.

Why This Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is Special

What sets this wild rice soup apart is its unique texture and depth of flavor: earthy wild rice, tender turkey, and pops of vibrant vegetables mingle in a savory, herby broth. Cream (optional) lends luxurious richness without overpowering the clean, savory taste of turkey and vegetables. This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches.

Chopping Veggies for Maximum Flavor

Getting just the right dice on your carrots, celery, and onions is key; even cuts mean even cooking and an aesthetically pleasing bowl. Make this step faster (and safer) by using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which gives you consistent, restaurant-quality results in seconds.

Wild rice takes some time to cook, but prepping your aromatics first helps infuse the soup with layers of flavor.

Bringing It All Together: Cooking and Creaminess

Sauté your vegetables until soft and fragrant before adding broth and wild rice for a full-bodied, slow-cooked flavor. Leftover turkey can be added as-is, or for perfectly shredded pieces, try the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen for effortless, uniform shreds that blend seamlessly into the soup.

For extra richness, add a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end (optional). For those who love a creamier texture, an immersion blender can partially blend some of the soup—otherwise, just mix and heat through until thick and satisfying.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Tips

Serve your soup piping hot in large bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for brightness. Planning to pack leftovers? The Bentgo Salad Container lets you transport your soup to work or school spill-free, while keeping garnishes fresh.

To store, transfer soup into airtight containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors only deepen overnight—just add a splash of broth when reheating if the soup thickens too much.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe serves 6 hearty portions. Each bowl is packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins for a satisfying and balanced meal, with approximately 320–380 calories per serving depending on cream and add-ins.

Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup (Recap)

Transforming leftover turkey into a creamy, protein-packed soup full of wild rice and vibrant veggies ensures nothing goes to waste. Its balanced flavors and easy meal prep make it a winning weeknight favorite for the whole family.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. The Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes veggie prep quick and uniform.
2. Add garlic, thyme, and parsley. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add rinsed wild rice, broth, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender (40–50 minutes).
4. Stir in shredded turkey (use the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen for quick, uniform pieces). Simmer another 5–10 minutes to blend flavors. Season with salt to taste.
5. Optional: Stir in cream or half-and-half for a creamy soup, and heat gently until warmed through.
6. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating and transport in the Bentgo Salad Container for a delicious lunch.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Enjoy a bowl of this creamy, protein-rich soup and turn leftovers into the star of your table!