11 Delicious Ways To Use Up Leftover Turkey
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Make the most of your leftover turkey with cozy soups, hearty salads, and easy weeknight meals that come together with almost no effort.
Whether you’re someone who purposely cooks extra turkey just for the leftovers or you simply have a bit left after the big meal, the days that follow Thanksgiving are prime time for turning that turkey into something new. I actually look forward to the leftovers almost as much as the main event.
The trick is choosing recipes where turkey fits right in without feeling like a rerun. Below are some of my favorite ways to repurpose it—cozy soups, hearty salads, and quick weeknight dishes. In recipes that call for cooked chicken, just swap the turkey in one-for-one, and in the salads, simply fold it in for a little extra protein. Suddenly you’ve got a whole new round of easy, delicious meals. Perfect for the holiday weekend when you want good food…without much effort.
Creamy Chicken (or Turkey) & Wild Rice Soup
This recipe practically begs for leftover turkey — just swap it in for the chicken and you’ve got a cozy, creamy pot of comfort perfect for the days after Thanksgiving. Get the recipe for chicken wild rice soup.
Cobb Salad
Turkey is already a classic Cobb ingredient, so it fits right in. Just chop or shred your leftovers and toss them into the salad in place of the chicken. Get the recipe for Cobb salad.
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Use shredded turkey instead of chicken and you’ll have the quickest, most satisfying post-holiday soup. It’s soothing, simple, and tastes like a reset button after a big week. Get the recipe for chicken noodle soup.
Leftover turkey is fantastic here — just stir it in at the end in place of the cooked chicken. It soaks up the chili’s warm spices and makes for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Get the recipe for white chicken chili.
Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cranberries, Apples & Orange Vinaigrette
Toss in chopped leftover turkey you’ve got a fresh, hearty and wholesome salad that feels just right for the season. Get the recipe for wild rice salad.
Chicken Quesadillas
Leftover turkey works beautifully in place of chicken. It’s an easy, no-measuring-needed kind of meal that everyone loves. Get the recipe for chicken quesadillas.
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Walnuts & Parmesan
This crunchy, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to heavy holiday meals. Add chopped leftover turkey for a light but satisfying lunch. Get the recipe for Brussels sprouts salad.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Add leftover turkey in place of the chicken—it pairs with the warm spices and creamy broth beautifully. It’s a great way to turn leftovers into something totally new. Get the recipe for chicken tortilla soup.
Egyptian Barley Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Leftover turkey adds great texture and protein to this vibrant salad. Just add it along with the other toppings and lunch is served. Get the recipe for barley salad.
Mulligatawny Soup
This creamy, curry-scented soup is a surprisingly perfect home for leftover turkey. Simply substitute it for the chicken and let the flavors meld. Get the recipe for mulligatawny soup.
Chicken Salad with Grapes & Almonds
This chicken salad is creamy, crunchy, and just sweet enough thanks to the grapes. Swap in leftover turkey and you’ve got an easy, fresh lunch that feels a little special. Get the recipe for chicken salad with grapes and almonds.
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