Turkey avgolemono soup (turkey orzo soup) is creamy, light and bursting with lemon and dill for freshness. This classic lemon orzo Greek soup traditionally made with chicken is a great option for leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

I feel very un-American saying this but usually white, creamy soups freak me out.

Pretty sure it all traces back to a long ago run in with a can of cream of mushroom soup that I thought you just ate as is not realizing you’re supposed to add water. 

I gag a little just thinking about that.

A few years after that experience I went to Greece right after my high school graduation.

Among moussaka, patstisio and what seemed like a million Greek salads over the course of 10 days, I had a single bowl of avgolemono soup that completely changed my tune about creamy white soups.

It was creamy, but not overly so, bright and fresh thanks to lemon and dill but hearty and filling thanks to the orzo.

In short, perfection.

I’ve had a few bowls since in the U.S. and unfortunately not a single one has compared, not even the one I got AT a local Greek festival.

When you add eggs to hot liquid (like in hot and sour egg drop soup) it can either be amazing or a hot mess. Unfortunately, I seem to have tried the hot messes.

Don’t be freaked out by the egg thing either, if you temper them correctly (and that’s not hard, just takes some constant whisking) you’ll be fine.

If you’re lazy about it, you’re gonna end up with scrambled eggs in a lemon soup and that’s not only weird, it’s gross. Don’t be lazy.

Avgolemono usually has chicken in it but what better time to switch things up then Thanksgiving when you probably have pounds upon pounds of leftover turkey sitting in your fridge?

When that happens, you’ll find me either making turkey stew or this Greek soup.

{Looking for more Thanksgiving leftover ideas? Check out these stuffing frittata bites and open faced turkey cranberry enchilada melts.}

I was so excited to have Ulysses try this one knowing that I willingly made a traditional Greek dish and he didn’t even have to drop hints about wanting it to get me to.

What was his response on the first spoonful? “I don’t like dill.” Um, excuse me? You’re first generation Greek and YOU DON’T LIKE DILL? I can’t even guys…

Since you can’t trust a dill hating Greek, take it from me, this turkey orzo soup is amazing.

If you’re not hosting, make sure you grab some leftover turkey from whoever is and put this one on the menu for sometime over the long weekend!

Ingredients Needed

• extra virgin olive oil
• yellow onion
• carrots
• chicken broth
• water
• fresh lemon juice
• eggs
• orzo
• fresh dill
• salt and pepper
• leftover shredded turkey

How to Make Creamy Turkey Orzo Soup (with leftover turkey)

Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the onion and cook until softened. Then add the carrots and cook for another couple of minutes.

Pour in the broth and water and bring to a low simmer.

Take out 1 cup of the liquid and transfer it to a blender. Allow it to cool, then add the eggs and lemon juice. Blend until foamy.

Stir the orzo into the pot with the veggies and cook until tender.

Slowly pour the egg mixture into the pot whisking constantly.

Season with salt, pepper, and dill.

Add the leftover shredded turkey and stir.

FAQs and Expert Tips

• When pouring in the eggs, do this slowly over low heat. If it’s too hot or you pour them in all at one time you will end up with scrambled eggs!
• As the turkey orzo soup sits it will thicken. It will also thicken up after being in the refrigerator. You can add additional broth or water to thin it out when reheating.
• While this turkey soup is best served the day it’s made, it will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Then transfer to a container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop once it comes to room temperature.
• You can also use this same recipe and replace the turkey with leftover shredded chicken. In that case though, you may want to try this buffalo chicken soup with orzo instead.

MORE CREAMY SOUPS TO TRY:

Creamy Root Vegetable Soup
Thai Buttercup Squash Soup
Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprout Soup
Creamy Carrot Soup with White Beans and Fennel