10 Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes to Keep Your Meals Exciting

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching we know you’ll soon have a ton of leftover turkey sitting in your fridge that you don’t want to let go to waste. Instead, transform it into something delicious and nutritious with these 10 healthy leftover turkey recipes.

From soups to sandwiches, each recipe is designed to be easy, flavorful, and perfect for making the most of your holiday feast. Whether you’re aiming to keep things light or want to indulge in some comfort food without the guilt, these recipes have got you covered. Delve into delicious new ways to make the most of your turkey!

1. Turkey and Avocado Salad

Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this light and refreshing salad is ideal for a quick lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the turkey, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the turkey, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
3. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

2. Turkey and Black Bean Tacos

Tacos are always a hit, and these turkey and black bean tacos are a flavorful way to use up your leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the skillet over medium and add the olive oil. Add the turkey, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
2. Heat the tortillas in a microwave or dry skillet.
3. Fill each tortilla with the turkey and black bean mixture. Top with salsa and cilantro.
4. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

3. Turkey and Kale Soup

This hardy soup is perfect for a cozy night in, filled with nourishing ingredients that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. While still cooking, stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
3. Slowly add your chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the kale and turkey, cooking until the kale is tender and the turkey is heated through about 10 minutes.
4. Just before serving, enhance the flavor with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Turkey Lettuce Wraps

For a light and healthy meal, these turkey lettuce wraps are a perfect choice. They’re quick to prepare and full of fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 8 large lettuce leaves (butter or romaine)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the turkey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until the turkey is evenly coated.
2. Place the lettuce leaves out and divide the turkey mixture among them.
3. Top with shredded carrots, cucumber, and green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
4. Roll up each lettuce wrap and serve.

5. Turkey Chili

This turkey chili is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold day. Packed with beans, veggies, and spices, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. This should take around 5 minutes.
2. While still cooking, stir in the chili powder and cumin, cooking for another minute.
3. Add the beans, tomatoes, turkey, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6. Turkey and Avocado Sandwich

This flavorful sandwich, rich in healthy fats, makes for a filling lunch or an easy, light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 3 ounces cooked turkey, sliced
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 handful of baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Spread the Dijon mustard evenly on one slice of bread.
2. Layer the turkey, avocado, tomato, and spinach on the other slice of bread.
3. Press the two slices together and cut in half before serving.

7. Turkey and Cranberry Salad

This fresh and festive salad combines turkey with the tartness of cranberries for a delicious contrast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 apple, diced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey, cranberries, pecans, and apple.
2. Toss with mixed greens and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.

8. Turkey Enchiladas

These turkey enchiladas are a fun way to enjoy your leftovers with a bit of a Mexican twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fill each tortilla with turkey and roll it up, placing it seam-side down in a baking dish.
3. Drizzle the enchilada sauce on top and add a layer of cheese.
4. Allow to bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.

9. Healthy Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This hardy soup is full of flavor and easy to make, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth, turkey, white beans, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook for 20 minutes until the flavors are well combined. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

10. Turkey, Spinach, and Feta Wrap

This wrap is a quick and healthy lunch option, perfect for when you’re on the go.

Ingredients:

• 1 large whole wheat tortilla
• 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup hummus
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced

Instructions:

1. Spread hummus on the tortilla.
2. Layer the turkey, spinach, feta, and cucumber on top.
3. Tightly roll the tortilla before slicing it in half to serve.

Make the Most of Your Bird with These Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes

These healthy leftover turkey recipes will help you transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into exciting and nutritious meals. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or warm and comforting, there’s a recipe here that will satisfy your cravings. Enjoy your turkey in a whole new way, and keep your meals healthy and delicious!