Keto Turkey Soup

This keto turkey soup is an easy way to use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. It’s made with cooked turkey, cauliflower rice, vegetables, and a simple broth base, so it comes together fast without rice, noodles, or flour.

I like this low carb turkey soup for the days after a big holiday dinner when I want something simple that does not feel like reheating the same plate again. Use leftover turkey from recipes like Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast, or Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin. You can also make it with freshly cooked turkey when you do not have leftovers.

Why Make This Leftover Turkey Soup

• Uses leftover turkey: This is an easy way to turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a new meal instead of reheating the same plate again.
• Ready fast: Since the turkey is already cooked, the soup does not need a long cook time. The vegetables soften, the broth gets flavor, and the turkey warms through near the end.
• Freezer-friendly: This soup stores well, so you can make a batch after the holidays and save some for later.
• Made with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice gives the soup a rice-like texture while keeping it low in carbs. Fresh or frozen cauliflower rice works.

Ingredients Needed

• Cooked turkey: Use shredded or chopped cooked turkey. Leftover turkey breast, turkey tenderloin, turkey thighs, or turkey wings all work. This is a great way to use leftovers from Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, Air Fryer Turkey Thighs, or Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin. If your turkey is already well-seasoned, taste the soup before adding extra salt.
• Olive oil: Helps soften the vegetables and garlic before you add the liquid.
• Carrots: A small amount adds classic soup flavor and color.
• Celery: Adds flavor to the soup base.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the soup more flavor.
• Chicken Better than Bouillon: I use this because it gives the soup a lot of flavor quickly. You can also use chicken broth, turkey broth, turkey bone broth, chicken bone broth, chicken stock, or turkey stock.
• Water: Use this with the bouillon to make the broth. If you’re using broth or stock instead of bouillon, adjust the water as needed.
• Bay leaves: Add savory flavor while the soup simmers.
• Cauliflower rice: Fresh or frozen cauliflower rice works well. If using frozen, add it straight to the soup without thawing.

How to Make Keto Leftover Turkey Soup

Start the soup base

Cook the carrots, celery, garlic, and olive oil in the pot until the vegetables begin to soften. Starting with the vegetables gives the soup more flavor than adding everything to the pot at once.

Simmer the broth

Stir in the bouillon, water, and bay leaves, then let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender. Taste the broth before adding extra seasoning, especially if your turkey or bouillon already has salt.

Add the turkey and cauliflower rice

Shred or chop the cooked turkey, then add it to the pot with the cauliflower rice. Since the turkey is already cooked and the cauliflower rice heats quickly, this only needs a few minutes. The goal is to warm everything through without overcooking the turkey.

Tips for the Best Keto Turkey Soup

• Add the turkey near the end: Leftover turkey is already cooked, so it only needs to warm through. Adding it near the end keeps it from getting tough.
• Use fresh or frozen cauliflower rice: Both work well here. Frozen cauliflower rice can go straight into the pot without thawing.
• Taste before adding salt: Leftover turkey, bouillon, broth, stock, and turkey drippings can all add salt. Taste the soup once the broth comes together, then adjust.
• Make it thinner or heartier: Add more broth or water if you want more liquid. Add more turkey or cauliflower rice if you want a fuller bowl.
• Use turkey drippings carefully: Turkey drippings can add a lot of flavor, but they can also be salty. Use them to replace part of the water or broth, then taste before adding more seasoning.
• Switch up the vegetables: Bell peppers, green beans, mushrooms, or spinach can work here. Add quick-cooking vegetables near the end so they do not get too soft.
• Use chicken if needed: If you do not have turkey, cooked shredded chicken also works with this same soup base.

What to Serve With Keto Turkey Soup

This keto turkey soup can be served on its own, especially with the turkey and cauliflower rice. If you want something on the side, pair it with Keto Cornbread, Easy Keto Parmesan Garlic Bread Bites, or a simple green vegetable that you still have like Collard Greens with Bacon.

Storage & Leftovers

• Store leftover keto turkey soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• You can also freeze it for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers. The cauliflower rice may soften a bit after freezing and reheating, but the soup still works well for meal prep.
• To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens after storing.

More Leftover Turkey Recipes

If you have more turkey to use, try my Leftover Turkey Salad. It’s another easy way to turn cooked turkey into a new meal.

FAQs

If you try this recipe, please stop back and leave it a star rating and/or a review in the comments. Stay connected & share photos of your creations with me & others on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!