Cozy Turkey Soup with Olive Oil (Perfect for Leftovers) 🍲

Why This Soup Works — And Why Olive Oil Matters

Using high-quality olive oil like Verde Valley Olive Oil adds a rich, smooth base fat that enhances the flavor of vegetables and herbs. Olive oil brings out the aromatics of mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery) and gives the broth a silky mouthfeel — a great alternative to butter or heavier fats.

This soup is perfect for post-holiday clean-up: it uses leftover turkey (breast, thigh, or mixed), and — if you kept the turkey bones — you can even make a homemade turkey stock. If not, store-bought chicken or turkey broth works fine for an easy shortcut.

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Ingredients (Serves ~6–8)

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (like Verde Valley Olive Oil)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2–3 ribs celery, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 5–6 cups turkey or chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme + 1 bay leaf (or 1 tsp dried thyme + ½ tsp poultry seasoning)
• 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced (optional — adds heartiness)
• 3 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tbsp dried)
• Optional: 1 cup frozen corn or peas, or other vegetables (e.g. zucchini, bell pepper)

Note: If you didn’t save the turkey bones for stock, store-bought broth works just fine. The key flavor boost here comes from the vegetables, herbs, and olive oil base.

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Add diced potatoes (if using), broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes (or carrots) are tender — about 15–20 minutes.
3. Stir in the leftover turkey. Since the meat is already cooked, you only need 1–2 minutes to warm it through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley.
5. Ladle into bowls and enjoy! Optional: serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for extra comfort.

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Variations & Tips

• Skip the potatoes, add pasta or rice: Instead of potatoes, you can add small pasta (like shells or rotini) or rice for a more classic “noodle soup.” Cook until tender before adding turkey.
• Add more veggies: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, corn, peas, or green beans — anything you have on hand. Adds nutrition and uses up leftovers.
• Creamy twist: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of cream (or leftover turkey gravy) at the end. Great as a comforting winter soup.
• Freeze for later: This soup freezes well — portion into freezer-safe containers and reheat when you need a cozy meal.

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What Else to Do with Leftover Turkey (Using Olive Oil & Pantry Staples)

If soup isn’t your thing — or you want variety — leftover turkey is super versatile. Here are several delicious ways to stretch those leftovers into new meals 👇

🍝 Creamy Turkey Pasta Skillet

Using leftover turkey, olive oil, and whatever veggies you have (mushrooms, bell peppers, onions), you can create a quick, comforting pasta. Start by sautéing vegetables in olive oil, add garlic, then toss in cooked turkey and cooked pasta with a handful of pasta water for a silky sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

🍅 Rustic Turkey Cacciatore (Tomato-Sauced Stew)

Leftover turkey works wonderfully in a rustic “cacciatore.” In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, mushrooms, and bell peppers in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes (or marinara), herbs (oregano, thyme), and olives or mushrooms. Stir in chopped turkey toward the end (just to warm through), then serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Quick, satisfying, and decidedly more Italian than turkey sandwiches.

🥗 Light & Fresh Turkey Grain or Salad Bowls

Use turkey as the lean protein base, drizzle with olive oil (plus lemon or vinegar), and top with grains (quinoa, rice) or leafy greens, roasted veggies, nuts, and herbs. Great as a healthy lunch or post-holiday detox meal. This kind of idea is often recommended for using leftover turkey without heavy sauces.

🔥 Quick Herby Turkey Main

For a super simple meal, toss shredded turkey in a skillet with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and maybe some dried herbs (rosemary or thyme). Heat through and serve as a lean main with steamed veggies or over rice — minimal effort, maximum flavor.

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Why Olive Oil Makes a Difference

Using a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil like Verde Valley Olive Oil — rather than a neutral vegetable oil or heavy fat — brings these benefits:

• Lipid profile: Olive oil has a good balance of healthy fats and adds a smoother mouthfeel to soups, sauces, and sautés.
• Flavor enhancement: The mild, fruity notes of olive oil complement herbs, vegetables, and turkey without overpowering them.
• Versatility: Olive oil works across soup, pasta, sauté, and stew — making it ideal for multiple leftover-turkey recipes.
• Lightness: Olive oil feels lighter than butter or cream-based sauces, which is often more appealing after a heavy holiday meal.

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Final Thoughts

Leftover turkey is a gift that keeps on giving — with just a bit of olive oil and a few pantry staples, you can transform it into comforting soup, cozy pasta, rustic stew, or a simple herby main dish. Using a quality olive oil like Verde Valley Olive Oil adds depth, flavor, and a lighter, more versatile base.