The days of boring, uninspiring leftovers are long gone. These healthy leftover turkey recipes will keep you gobbling up turkey for days.
31 Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
Turkey Soup
My daughter got this recipe from her husband’s mother. As in many households, our turkey gets picked over for a few days after the holidays. This soup is especially good on cold winter nights when it’s snowing…which happens a lot where I live! —Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado
1/31
2/31
Pastry-Topped Turkey Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends tell me this is the best potpie. Hearty and full-flavored, this meal-in-one never lets on that it’s low fat and full of fiber. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 280 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 696mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Don’t ruin your leftovers by making them dry! Our methods for reheating turkey will keep the bird as juicy and moist as it was for Thanksgiving dinner.
3/31
Air-Fryer Turkey Croquettes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up with a family that looked forward to Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. But we didn’t just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like these air-fryer turkey croquettes. Serve them with a crisp green salad for an unforgettable meal. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 croquettes: 322 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
4/31
Butternut Turkey Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Although chock-full of lots of nutritious vegetables and turkey, this soup is also light on calories. —Denise LaRoche, Hudson, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 192 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
5/31
Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A sweet-tart cranberry salsa is the ideal accompaniment to leftover turkey in this breezy quesadilla. With a hint of lemon and pear, the salsa is also good with chicken or pork. —Jodi Kristensen, Macomb, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla with 1/3 cup salsa: 321 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
6/31
Turkey and Pasta Ranch Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh veggies, and the classic ranch dressing makes it appealing to kids. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 256 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
7/31
Strawberry-Turkey Spinach Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light, refreshing salad is a true showstopper, visually and nutritionally, with fresh strawberries and yellow pepper strips tossed with fresh baby spinach. Serve with warm whole wheat rolls or flax or bran muffins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 260 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 397mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
8/31
Turkey Avocado Sandwich
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With this recipe, two can enjoy the taste of something new and elegant in minutes. All you need to add is the ambiance for a bistro meal at home. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 464 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein.
9/31
Cashew Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite and you’ll be hooked on this slightly sweet turkey salad sandwich. It’s protein-packed so you can feel good while you munch! —Mary Wilhelm, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 298 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
10/31
Whole Grain Chow Mein
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids are picky eaters, but teriyaki and hoisin sauces work wonders with them. They love the meatballs, and I swap the noodles for whole grain pasta. —Kelly Shippey, Orange, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 305 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 758mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
11/31
Tuscan Turkey Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ladle up this quick, creamy soup chock-full of leftover turkey, pumpkin and beans to your hungry family and friends. It’s fabulous! —Marie McConnell, Shelbyville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 549mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
12/31
Curry Turkey Stir-Fry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just open the fridge and go to town making this throw-together curry. We prefer turkey, but if you like chicken, shrimp, even bean sprouts and carrots, by all means, add them. —Lauren Rush, Clark, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup turkey mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 287 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
13/31
Greens and Beans Turkey Soup
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
On winter evenings, we like nothing better than a piping hot bowl of soup. This one uses the turkey carcass to make a flavorful stock for the soup. —Susan Albert, Jonesburg, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
14/31
Mediterranean Turkey Potpies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your clan will love these wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs potpies with a Mediterranean twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 potpie: 326 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
15/31
Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it’s a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 357 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
16/31
Turkey-Vegetable Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The blend of flavors and colors in this hearty soup will bring everyone at the table back for more. —Charlotte Welch, Utica, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 191 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/31
Sesame Turkey Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I really like the rich taste of sesame oil in this Thai-inspired dish. If you don’t have it, canola oil does the trick, too. To get a similar nuttiness, toss in a handful sliced almonds before serving. —Kelli Whiting, Fortville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stir-fry with 1/2 cup rice: 269 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/31
Turkey and Apple Arugula Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying salad proves that turkey can be enjoyed outside of the holidays. Peppery salad greens, sweet grapes and rich walnuts combine to create a flavor sensation. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 354 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
19/31
Waldorf Turkey Pitas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Living in New York City means not having a lot of time to prepare meals. This recipe is quick, easy and healthy, making it perfect for my lifestyle. —Kevin Sobotka, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 363 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein.
20/31
Turkey and Vegetable Barley Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Using ingredients on hand, I stirred up this turkey and veggie-packed soup. If you have them, corn, beans and celery are great here, too. —Lisa Wiger, St. Michael, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 208 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
21/31
Turkey a la King with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this dish with our leftover turkey. It’s a nice change from casseroles and so simple. Serve over rice, noodles, biscuits or toast. —Pat Lemke, Brandon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups turkey mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 350 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 594mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
22/31
Turkey Curry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to use leftover turkey—especially around the holidays. Make this skillet meal as spicy as you’d like by varying the amount of curry powder. —Martha Balser, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 172 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat.
23/31
Turkey Spaghetti Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made this creamy comforting dish when I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple, yet tasty, filling dish. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 284 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
24/31
Turkey Mushroom Tetrazzini
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family will flip over this turkey and mushroom casserole. In fact, the creamy Parmesan-topped tetrazzini is so satisfying, no one will suspect it’s lower in fat! —Irene Banegas, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 331 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat-free milk.
25/31
Black Bean ‘n’ Pumpkin Chili
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don’t usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 192 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
26/31
Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is a welcome alternative to the usual post-Thanksgiving fare. It’s a tasty main dish loaded with good-for-you protein.—Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 379 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/31
Butternut Squash and Barley Soup
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to use my garden produce in this veggie-packed soup. Serve it with oatmeal dinner rolls and you have a delicious, healthy dinner. —Julie Sloan, Osceola, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
28/31
Turkey Thyme Risotto
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying risotto is a wonderful way to reinvent leftover turkey. I use Romano cheese, garlic and plenty of fresh mushrooms to create it. —Sunny McDaniel, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 337 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
29/31
Turkey Potpie
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
2 pies (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
With golden brown crust and scrumptious filling, these comforting potpies will warm you down to your toes. Because it makes two, you can eat one now and freeze the other for later. They bake and cut beautifully. —Laurie Jensen, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 287 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
30/31
Classic Cobb Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
31/31
Weeknight Turkey Tortilla Soup
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is now my family’s most requested soup—so much so that they will make sure I have leftover turkey. You can spice up this soup and make it more hearty by adding smoked sausage or andouille and some Cajun seasoning to taste. —Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 144 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 846mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
