5 Healthy Ideas to Use Up Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, family, and gratitude, but what do you do when everyone goes home and leaves you with enough food for the rest of the year? Rather than letting those delicious dishes go to waste, you can transform them into healthy meals. Here are some creative ideas to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers while keeping your meals nutritious and delicious.

1. Turkey and Veggie Stir-Fry

Instead of piling your plate high with turkey and stuffing, whip up a quick stir-fry. Sauté leftover turkey with a mix of fresh or frozen vegetables. Add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce and some ginger or turmeric¹ for a flavorful kick. Serve it over brown rice or quinoa for a healthy, balanced meal.

2. Stuffing Muffins

Give your stuffing a second life by transforming it into stuffing muffins. Mix leftover stuffing with beaten eggs, then spoon the mixture into muffin tins. Bake until golden brown. These savory muffins make for a great on-the-go breakfast or a side dish that adds a fun twist to your meals.

3. Pumpkin Soup

Don’t let that leftover pumpkin pie filling go to waste! Use it as a base for a creamy pumpkin soup. Combine it with vegetable broth, sautéed onions, garlic, and a splash of coconut milk for creaminess. Add in carrots, potatoes, or beets for a more filling meal. Then, enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that is rich in vitamins and flavor.²

4. Veggie-Loaded Turkey Chili

Take that leftover turkey and turn it into a hearty chili. Sauté onions, garlic, and any other vegetables you have on hand, then add diced tomatoes, beans, and your turkey. Season with chili powder, cumin, and salt to taste. Let it simmer, and you’ll have a delicious, warming meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

5. Healthy Turkey Wraps

Swap out your traditional sandwich for a healthy turkey wrap. Use whole-grain tortillas, maize tortilla³, or lettuce leaves as your base, then layer on turkey, any leftover veggies, and a smear of hummus or avocado. Roll it up for a satisfying lunch that is low in carbs but high in flavor.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving leftovers do not have to be a monotonous repeat of the holiday feast. With a bit of creativity, you can whip up healthy and delicious meals that make the most of what you have. Not only will you reduce food waste, but you will also enjoy new flavors and textures throughout the week. So, dig into that fridge, and get cooking! For more healthy eating tips, consider dietary services whether it is during the holidays or even year round.

Resources:

1. Jiang TA. Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices. J AOAC Int. 2019;102(2):395-411. doi:10.5740/jaoacint.18-0418
2. Knez E, Kadac-Czapska K, Dmochowska-Ślęzak K, Grembecka M. Root Vegetables-Composition, Health Effects, and Contaminants. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(23):15531. Published 2022 Nov 23. doi:10.3390/ijerph192315531
3. Reinhold JG, Garcia JS. Fiber of the maize tortilla. Am J Clin Nutr. 1979;32(6):1326-1329. doi:10.1093/ajcn/32.6.1326