Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes

Here are some creative and healthy dishes you can make with Thanksgiving leftovers like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and more. Each recipe prioritizes nutrition while making the most of your holiday feast.

1. Turkey and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup leftover vegetables (like green beans or peas)
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (optional)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking until fragrant.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add shredded turkey and leftover vegetables. Heat through.
5. Stir in cooked rice or quinoa if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Stuffing-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds scooped out
• 2 cups leftover stuffing
• 1 cup shredded turkey
• ½ cup low-fat shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 cup marinara sauce or turkey gravy

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix stuffing, turkey, and half of the cheese.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture.
4. Place peppers in a baking dish and pour marinara or gravy around them.
5. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes, until peppers are tender.

3. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, egg, flour, green onions, and garlic powder until combined.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Scoop ¼ cup of the potato mixture and flatten into a pancake shape.
4. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve with Greek yogurt or leftover cranberry sauce.

4. Turkey and Cranberry Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed greens or spinach
• 1 cup shredded turkey
• ¼ cup leftover cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• 2 tbsp roasted nuts (pecans or almonds)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Toss greens with turkey, cheese, and nuts in a large bowl.
2. Whisk cranberry sauce, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for dressing.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve.

5. Thanksgiving Leftover Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded turkey
• 1 cup stuffing
• ½ cup mashed potatoes
• ½ cup leftover roasted vegetables
• 1 cup turkey gravy or a drizzle of olive oil for a lighter version

Instructions:

1. Layer all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Heat in the microwave or oven until warm.
3. Top with gravy or a light drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

6. Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 cup leftover roasted vegetables, diced
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Butter or romaine lettuce leaves

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add turkey and vegetables, cooking until heated.
3. Stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
4. Serve in lettuce leaves as wraps.

7. Cranberry and Sweet Potato Smoothie

Ingredients:

• ½ cup leftover sweet potatoes (without marshmallows)
• ¼ cup leftover cranberry sauce
• 1 banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Adjust sweetness with a drizzle of honey if needed.