What to do with the piles and piles of turkey meat staring at you from the fridge? No worries. Here’s a collection of tasty, healthy and easy leftover turkey recipes.
No one likes to throw out leftovers. I know I’m not the only one who faces this issue year after year.
Every year, I try to find a solution to the issue of leftover 🦃. And every year I hope that maybe this year I won’t have to come up with leftover turkey recipes!
What to do with leftover turkey
Sometimes I buy a very small turkey. This actually works best, but small turkeys (6 to 8 lbs.) are not easy to find.
Occasionally I don’t roast a whole turkey. Instead, I roast just a turkey breast or turkey legs. This is a decent solution, although it’s not as elegant. Presenting and carving a whole turkey is such a big part of the holiday meal.
More often than not, I buy a standard turkey. I roast it for hours, and then – just like you – we are stuck with piles of leftover meat. And then the search for leftover turkey recipes begins!
Over the years, I’ve come up with many ways of using up those leftovers. Before my husband and I adopted a low carb diet, I made lots of sandwiches, paninis, and wraps. These days I favor interesting recipes such as stir-fries, chilis, and curries.
Generally speaking, these recipes are healthy, low carb and gluten-free. This is not too difficult to achieve. Fresh, unprocessed turkey meat is quite healthy. It’s just a matter of not spoiling it with added junk.
Enchilada Casserole
This cheesy, delicious enchilada casserole calls for pre-cooked chicken breast, but you can easily replace the chicken with shredded turkey meat, white or dark.
Turkey Chili
By far one of my favorite leftover turkey recipes, this chili is flavorful, comforting and very filling. It’s an easy recipe, and using precooked meat makes it even easier.
Chinese Turkey Salad
The day after Thanksgiving, I often use shredded turkey breast to make a delicious Chinese turkey salad, inspired by my easy recipe for Chinese chicken salad. I also like to make a classic turkey salad with leftover turkey breast.
Stuffed Poblano Peppers
This is one of my favorite recipes, Thanksgiving or not. I usually make stuffed poblano peppers with precooked chicken, but obviously, turkey works just as well.
Turkey Curry
I adore the exotic flavors of this turkey curry. It’s also quick and easy to make. No doubt, one of the advantages of having pre-cooked meat on hand is that it considerably shortens the cooking time in these recipes.
Moo Shu Turkey
Another recipe that calls for cooked chicken but is perfect for turkey is this yummy moo shu chicken. The flavors in this dish are truly phenomenal, and the addition of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
Turkey Lo Mein
Another Asian inspired recipe with lots of flavors and texture, I keep this lo mein recipe low carb by using shirataki noodles.
Turkey Stir Fry
Delicious turkey stir-fry coats the meat with Asian-style sauce. Boring leftover turkey is thus transformed into a new, fabulous dish!
Mediterranean Turkey Salad
Another delicious, well-seasoned recipe where the chicken can be replaced with turkey. I really like the flavors of this olive oil turkey salad. Looking at the recipe, I’m thinking that crumbled feta would really enhance it.
Turkey Hash
Flavorful turkey hash makes a wonderful breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. For a low carb option, use cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Turkey Patties
These crisp and golden patties are a great way to use up leftover turkey. They are very versatile – they’re great on their own or (for those who eat bread) in a sandwich.
Turkey Soup
Just as much a tradition as the bird itself, having a hot, comforting bowl of turkey soup for a late dinner on Thanksgiving is something I look forward to every year.
Never miss a recipe!
I typically publish a new healthy recipe once or twice per week. Want the new recipes in your inbox? Subscribe!
Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., has been following a healthy real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She has taken 
