9 Great Recipes for Leftover Turkey
Turkey is really about leftovers
Holiday dinners will likely leave you with mounds of leftover turkey. This lean meat is low in fat and an excellent source of protein, so don't let it go to waste.
But you don't have to settle for another boring turkey sandwich.
Here are nine original—and tasty—recipes to help you create great meals using leftover turkey.
1 of 10
Turkey-Broccoli Bake
Incorporating unsalted butter and low-sodium broth in this recipe makes it perfect for those watching their salt intake. If you’re looking to cut down on fat, use only the white meat.
For a lighter version, substitute olive oil for the butter and replace the heavy cream with either milk or half-and-half.
Serves: 6
Calories: 320 per 1 1/2 cups serving
Try this recipe: Turkey-Broccoli Bake
2 of 10
Turkey Tostadas
Take your turkey leftovers south of the border with this recipe. Using turkey instead of beef will take off 7 grams of saturated fat, while the whole-wheat tortilla increases your fiber intake.
Serves: 4
Calories: 395 per tostada
Try this recipe: Turkey Tostadas
3 of 10
Thai Curry Turkey
Wake up from your turkey-induced trance by tossing leftover sweet potatoes and turkey into this spicy dish. By using light coconut milk and no oil, you'll slash as much as 30 grams of fat and cut your sodium by a quarter.
Serves: 4
Calories: 382 per 1 cup turkey and 1 1/4 cups rice
Try this recipe: Thai Curry Turkey
4 of 10
Turkey Lasagna
Lasagna is notorious for having a lot of cheese, which is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This recipe calls for low-fat and reduced-fat cheese, making it a much healthier option. Throw in some spinach for a great source of fiber.
Serves: 9
Calories: 283 per slice
Try this recipe: Turkey Lasagna
5 of 10
Turkey Pesto Club
Pesto packs two metabolism boosters—olive oil and pine nuts. Add that to the pumpernickel bread, the fiber-loaded apple, and the protein in leftover turkey, and you’ve got an easy-to-make, healthier club sandwich.
Serves: 1
Calories: 390 per sandwich
Try this recipe: Turkey Pesto Club
6 of 10
Mojo Turkey Tacos
Tacos 3 Ways! Cut the fat with turkey. Or fish. Or make 'em vegetarian!
7 of 10
Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches With Cranberry Chutney
Try this relatively light sandwich when you don't want a hefty version that will weigh you down. The Dijon mustard and cranberry chutney give it an extra zing you'll love, and the cheese provides a calcium boost.
Serves: 4
Calories: 317 per sandwich
Try this recipe: Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches With Cranberry Chutney
8 of 10
Turkey-and-Swiss Radicchio Cups
Combine your turkey with cheese and Granny Smith apple matchsticks for a fresh and crunchy lunch. Fill the crispy radicchio leaves evenly with the apple mixture and turkey slices, and garnish with chives.
Serves: 4
Calories: 102 per 2 radicchio cups
Try this recipe: Turkey-and-Swiss Radicchio Cups
9 of 10
Turkey-Boursin Wrap
Assorted veggies freshen up leftover turkey in this healthy wrap. Cabbage and plum tomatoes are antioxidant-rich, and carrots provide a full day's worth of vitamin A. Spread one tablespoon of Boursin cheese on spinach or tomato-basil tortillas for added color and flavor.
Serves: 6
Calories: 276 per wrap
Try this recipe: Turkey-Boursin Wrap