You know those days when you just crave something warm, comforting, and good for you? That’s exactly why I created this High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup! I’ve spent tons of time in the kitchen tinkering with healthy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, and this soup is a total winner. It’s become my absolute go-to when I need a satisfying meal that also keeps me full and energized. It’s hearty, packed with lean protein, and just tastes like a hug in a bowl. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to whip up!
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
Oh, you are going to *adore* this soup! It’s just the best for so many reasons. Think of it as your new best friend in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s a total win:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it comes together so quickly, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Packed with Goodness: It’s loaded with lean turkey and protein-rich quinoa, keeping you full and happy!
- Delicious Flavor: The herbs and veggies make for a comforting, savory taste you’ll crave.
- So Versatile: You can totally tweak it with whatever veggies you have on hand!
Gather Your Ingredients for High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
Alright, let’s get our game faces on and pull together everything we need for this amazing High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup! You’d be surprised how simple it is. You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped up nice
- 2 carrots, also chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, all minced up fine
- 8 cups of chicken broth – the good stuff!
- 1 cup of quinoa, make sure you rinse it first!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your taste
- And about 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped for that pop of green at the end!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! This step-by-step guide will have you whipping up this incredible High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup in no time. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get that rich, satisfying flavor.
Sautéing the Aromatics and Turkey
First things first, grab your favorite big pot or Dutch oven. Heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your ground turkey and break it all up with your spoon until it’s nice and browned. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease – we want hearty, not heavy!
Building the Flavor Base
Now, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them soften up for about 5-7 minutes; I like to stir them every so often. Once they’re looking good, add your minced garlic. Cook for just another minute until you can smell that amazing garlic aroma – it’s the best!
Simmering the High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
Pour in your chicken broth and bring it all up to a good boil. Then, in go your rinsed quinoa, dried thyme, and rosemary. Give it a good stir, then turn the heat down low. Pop a lid on that pot and let it simmer away for about 15-20 minutes. You want that quinoa to be perfectly cooked and tender. You know, if you’re looking for other great ways to use quinoa, this slow cooker quinoa bean chili is fantastic too!
Finishing Touches and Seasoning
Once the quinoa is done, it’s time for the best part: seasoning! Taste your soup and add salt and black pepper to make it just right for you. Finally, stir in that fresh chopped parsley right before serving. It adds such a lovely fresh finish!
Tips for the Best High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
Okay, so you’ve made the soup, but how do we make it *spectacular*? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years, and honestly, they make all the difference for this High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup. You want the best, right? Think of it like getting that perfect depth of flavor in a classic chicken noodle soup or the creamy comfort of a creamy chicken soup – it’s all about the little details!
Ingredient Quality Matters
Seriously, use the good stuff! Fresh veggies make a huge difference, and a good quality broth really sings in the bowl. It’s those little things that make a soup go from “yum” to “OMG, I need more!”
Don’t Overcook the Quinoa
Nobody likes mushy quinoa! Keep an eye on it. You want it tender, with just a tiny bit of chew. When it’s done, it should look like it has little ‘tails’ peeking out. Overcooking and you’ll have pasty quinoa, which is a total bummer.
Adjusting Seasoning
Broth can be tricky, right? Some are saltier than others. So, always, always taste your soup towards the end and add salt and pepper until it’s just perfect for *you*. Don’t be shy with those seasonings!
Variations to Your High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
You know, the beauty of this High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup is just how easy it is to make it your own! It’s already fantastic, but sometimes a little tweak here and there can really make it sing. Think of it like adding your own personal flair to a classic dish, maybe like how you might jazz up a taco soup or a hearty vegetarian chili.
Adding More Vegetables
Want to sneak in more greens? Absolutely! Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Corn kernels are also a sweet and tasty addition – just add them when the quinoa is almost done.
Spice It Up!
If you love a little heat, now’s your chance! A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give it a nice little kick without being overpowering. Or, keep a bottle of your favorite hot sauce on the side for anyone who wants to go wild!
Serving Suggestions for Your Soup
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing bowl of High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup all ready to go, but what do you serve with it? I love pairing this hearty soup with things that just make the meal feel complete and extra comforting. Imagine digging into this soup alongside some warm, fluffy cheesy garlic bread! Or, if you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp Caesar salad is just perfect to cut through the richness. These little additions just take the whole meal to the next level!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup actually tastes even better the next day. Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or you can zap it in the microwave. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through.
Frequently Asked Questions About High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
Got questions about my favorite High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup? I’ve totally got you covered! It’s such a popular recipe, and I get asked about it a lot. Let’s clear a few things up:
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Oh, for sure! You can totally make this a vegetarian dream. Just skip the turkey and add in some extra veggies like mushrooms or some canned beans (drained and rinsed, of course!) along with the onions and carrots. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and bam! Vegetarian perfection.
How long does the quinoa take to cook?
The quinoa usually cooks up really nicely in about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender and you can see those little ‘tails’ starting to peek out. Just make sure you’ve rinsed it really well beforehand!
Can I use different types of broth?
You bet! While chicken broth is awesome for this soup, feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or even beef broth if you have that on hand. Just be mindful of the sodium levels, and always taste and adjust your seasonings!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the numbers below are estimates for about a 1.5-cup serving, and they can change a bit depending on exactly what you use and how big your portions are. But generally, you’re looking at around 350 calories, a fantastic 30g of protein, about 10g of fat, and roughly 35g of carbs. It’s a really balanced and healthy bowl!
Print
High-Protein Turkey & Quinoa Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and healthy soup packed with lean turkey and protein-rich quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add rinsed quinoa, thyme, and rosemary. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for the turkey.
- Add other vegetables like spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: turkey quinoa soup, high protein soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, lean protein, gluten-free soup