I love helping my clients get the most out of their meals, and repurposing leftovers is an excellent way to do just that. Not only can you transform Thanksgiving dishes into new, exciting meals, but you’ll also minimize food waste and keep your fridge stocked with healthy, home-cooked options. Check out these fun, easy, and nutritious ideas to give those Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving leftovers a new life.
What You’ll Need: Turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, leftover veggies (think Brussels sprouts or green beans), a few eggs, and some herbs.
How to Make It: Dice up the turkey and veggies. Sauté everything in a pan with a little olive oil or butter, add in some fresh herbs, and crack a couple of eggs on top to cook until set. It’s a quick, protein-packed breakfast to start the day.
What You’ll Need: Leftover cranberry sauce, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a handful of nuts.
How to Make It: Layer Greek yogurt with a dollop of cranberry sauce, add chia seeds and nuts for crunch, and enjoy a delicious breakfast or snack that feels like dessert.
What You’ll Need: Shredded turkey, roasted sweet potatoes and carrots.
How to Make It: Combine shredded turkey, diced sweet potatoes, veggies and beans with diced or crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne (optional). Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
What You’ll Need: Turkey, leftover veggies, broth, and any leftover grains (like rice or quinoa).
How to Make It: Sauté some garlic, add broth, turkey, veggies, and grains, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with herbs and spices, like thyme and rosemary.
What You’ll Need: Shredded turkey, cranberry sauce, Greek yogurt, lettuce leaves, shredded carrots, and nuts or seeds for crunch.
How to Make It: Use lettuce leaves as a wrap and fill with shredded turkey, mashed avocado or Greek yogurt, a small spoon of cranberry sauce, shredded carrots, and nuts or seeds.
What You’ll Need: Leftover stuffing, turkey, bell peppers, a sprinkle of cheese (optional), and any extra vegetables.
How to Make It: Cut bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and stuff with a mixture of turkey, stuffing, and veggies. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is warmed through.
What You’ll Need: Turkey, rice or cauliflower rice, flavor booster
How to Make It: Sauté leftover turkey with cooked rice and diced veggies, with a bit of soy sauce, Tamari or coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil and fresh grated ginger. Add scrambled eggs for extra protein, and garnish with green onions.
Embrace the opportunity to get creative with leftovers. With a few tweaks, those Thanksgiving staples can become fresh, healthy, and exciting meals that bring a little extra holiday joy into the following week.
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