6 Healthy Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for That Extra Turkey

Turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into six fresh, healthy meals: soups, salads, a breakfast hash and a lighter casserole.

Healthy Thanksgiving leftover recipes: turkey vegetable soup, turkey cobb salad and turkey cranberry hash

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

The day after Thanksgiving is one of my favorite food days of the year. The fridge is full, nobody wants to cook a big meal, and that container of leftover turkey is just waiting for a second life. Every recipe below uses cooked turkey straight from the fridge, so you get a fresh, healthy meal on the table with almost no effort.

Still planning the big day? Start with my complete healthy Thanksgiving menu.

Cozy Leftover Turkey Soups

1
Bowl of hearty turkey soup with vegetables and herbs on rustic wooden table
Hearty Turkey Soup Recipe with Vegetables
A hearty turkey and vegetable soup that uses 3 cups of leftover turkey.
Check out this recipe
2
A warm bowl of creamy turkey and wild rice soup with carrots and fresh herbs.
Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy turkey and wild rice soup, the coziest way to use up the bird.
Check out this recipe

Turkey Salads for Lighter Lunches

3
A vibrant bowl of creamy turkey salad with celery, red onion, and fresh parsley, ready to be served on a sandwich or with crackers.
Creamy Turkey Salad
A creamy turkey salad for sandwiches, wraps or lettuce cups.
Check out this recipe
4
A beautifully arranged Turkey Cobb Salad with tender turkey, crisp lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs.
Turkey Cobb Salad
A protein-packed turkey cobb salad with all the classic toppings.
Check out this recipe

Breakfast & Dinner

5
A golden-brown turkey cranberry hash in a cast iron skillet garnished with fresh parsley.
Turkey Cranberry Hash
Turkey cranberry hash that uses up both the turkey and the cranberry sauce.
Check out this recipe
6
A golden-brown Lighter Turkey Casserole, bubbling with tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, light sauce.
Lighter Turkey Casserole
A lighter turkey casserole that works with shredded leftover turkey.
Check out this recipe

How to Store Thanksgiving Leftovers Safely

  • Refrigerate within 2 hours: carve the remaining turkey off the bone and chill it in shallow containers.
  • Use within 3 to 4 days: cooked turkey keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Freeze for later: portion shredded turkey into freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months, ready for soups and casseroles.
  • Reheat to 165°F (74°C): reheat leftovers until steaming hot all the way through.

Leftover Turkey FAQ

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken in recipes?

Yes. Cooked turkey works in almost any recipe that calls for cooked or shredded chicken, from soups and salads to casseroles.

Need more ideas? Browse all of my healthy turkey recipes.

More Holiday Recipe Collections

You Might Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *