Heart Healthy Turkey Vegetable Soup

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 1/25/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic
Heart Healthy Turkey Vegetable Soup
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

This heart healthy turkey soup is the ultimate comforting meal, whether you are looking to use up Thanksgiving leftovers or just want a light, nutritious dinner year-round. Packed with lean protein, tender vegetables, and fiber-rich beans, this soup is naturally low calorie and diabetic friendly. It delivers all the savory flavor you crave without the excess sodium or saturated fat.

For more cozy meals, explore all of our delicious heart-healthy soup recipes!

Total Time
60 minutes
Servings
10
Calories
132

What Makes This Turkey Vegetable Soup Healthy

This recipe is designed to be nutrient-dense but calorie-light, making it an excellent choice for weight management and heart health. By using lean turkey breast and a variety of colorful vegetables, you get a high-volume meal that fills you up with fiber and protein, not empty calories.

Key Health Highlights

  • Low Calorie & Weight Loss Friendly: A large serving provides high satiety with very few calories.
  • Diabetic Friendly: The balance of protein and fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
  • Heart Healthy: Low in sodium and saturated fat to support cardiovascular health.
  • Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Naturally safe for those with common food sensitivities.

FAQs About Turkey Soup

Yes, this turkey soup is excellent for high cholesterol because it is low in saturated fat and high in fiber from the vegetables and beans, which can help lower cholesterol levels.

Carrots, celery, onions, and zucchini are classics, but you can also add green beans, peas, corn, kale, or diced sweet potatoes. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a great convenient option.

Absolutely. This broth-based soup freezes very well. Just ensure the vegetables aren't overcooked before freezing so they don't become too soft when reheated.

Yes, with its lean protein and high fiber content, this soup has a low glycemic impact, making it a suitable choice for a diabetic meal plan.

Heart Healthy Soups & Stews

Warm up with our collection of heart-healthy soups and stews, packed with fiber-rich beans, lean turkey, and nutrient-dense vegetables. These comforting soup recipes are naturally low in sodium and saturated fat, making them the perfect choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Tasty Leftover Turkey Ideas

Transform your turkey leftovers into delicious new meals with these creative and easy turkey recipes that go way beyond basic sandwiches. From savory casseroles and pot pies to fresh wraps, these ideas help you reduce food waste while enjoying flavorful, protein-packed dishes.

Ingredient Spotlight: Turkey

Turkey is a powerhouse of lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. Unlike red meats that can be high in saturated fat, turkey breast offers a heart-smart alternative that keeps this soup light yet satisfying. It is also a good source of B vitamins and minerals like selenium, supporting overall metabolic health.

Healthy Variations

  • Spicy Turkey Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a kick.
  • Creamy (Dairy-Free): Blend 1 cup of the white beans with a little broth before adding them to the pot to create a creamy texture without cream.
  • Lemon Herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot just before serving for a bright, zesty finish.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 10 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in carrot, celery, pepper, oregano and basil. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    Add tomatoes with their liquid, water, broth and beans and stir. Cover saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add turkey, zucchini and parsley and cook until zucchini is cooked through and flavors are blended, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1 cup

132
Calories
2
g
Fat
38
mg
Cholesterol
422
mg
Sodium
12
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
3
g
Fiber
17
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Slow Cooker / Crockpot: Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery first for the best flavor. Add them to your slow cooker along with the broth, water, seasonings, beans, and diced tomatoes. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. Add the cooked turkey and zucchini in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don't get mushy.]
  • Instant Pot: Use the Sauté function for the aromatics. Add the remaining ingredients (except zucchini and turkey) and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release, then stir in the turkey and zucchini and let sit on the "Keep Warm" setting for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

What to Serve with This Heart Healthy Turkey Vegetable Soup

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap the fresh carrots and green beans for a bag of mixed frozen vegetables to save prep time.

Great Northern beans are creamy and mild, but Cannellini beans, navy beans, or chickpeas work just as well.

For a heartier soup, add 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice, quinoa, or small gluten-free pasta (adjust broth as needed).

Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of vitamins.

Try More Heart Healthy Soup Recipes