Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to be boring or send you into a carb coma. We’re certainly not saying goodbye to the classic Thanksgiving leftover sandwich (it’s not “just a sandwich”), but why not try something new with all that leftover turkey, vegetables, and cranberry sauce. Let’s get creative in the kitchen with leftover recipes that might even rival the main event.
Here are 5 unique and healthy Thanksgiving leftover recipes for you to try!
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Grain-Free Skillet Turkey Pot Pie, Danielle Walker
This comforting and delicious recipe from New York Times Bestselling Author Danielle Walker makes great use of leftover turkey, dripping, vegetables, and herbs. It’s gluten-free and big on flavour. This pot pie recipe calls for cashew butter, which is packed with good nutrients, like protein, calcium, iron, vitamin E, riboflavin, and healthy fats, like oleic acid, that your body loves. This ingredient also helps prevent painful gallbladder stones, especially in women.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins, plus 1 hour chill time
Sweet Potato Waffles, Feel Good Foodie
Jazz up breakfast and use up those leftover whole or mashed sweet potatoes in some tasty sweet potato waffles! Naturally low-carb, sweet potatoes are full of fibre, which helps keep you feeling full and aids digestion. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin A, which is vital for eye health! Bonus tip, add some leftover turkey for a Thanksgiving take on the classic American dish, chicken and waffles.
Total Time: 15 mins
Turkey & Stuffing Meatballs, Marissa Moore
These Thanksgiving meatballs from registered dietician nutritionist Marissa Moore might be a new holiday favorite. Perfect for using up leftover turkey and stuffing, and they taste delicious dipped in cranberry sauce! Finely chopped mushrooms add an extra depth of flavor. They are also a rich source of potassium, which can reduce the negative impact sodium can have on your body. Potassium also lessens the tension in blood vessels, potentially helping to lower blood pressure. We all know how easy it is to go overboard on salt at Thanksgiving.
Total Time: 30 mins
Turkey Hash Salad, Food 52
We love this recipe for when everyone has packed up and gone home and there is just that last bit of turkey leftovers. After all that pumpkin pie and stuffing, this nutrient-rich salad with arugula and watercress is fresh and light! Watercress is a little wonder leaf, adding a delicious pepper flavor, and it’s full of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for blood clotting and healthy bones.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Green Bean Nicoise, Kate Barreira
A green bean casserole is a classic, but we recommend saving those leftover green beans for this fun take on a traditional tuna nicoise. It’s quick, easy, and packed full of protein. Green beans are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and protein. The simple and light dressing in this recipe of oil, lemon juice, parsley, tarragon, and salt is delicious and pairs well with other foods. Make extra and add to your next salad or toss over some leftover roasted vegetables!
Total Time: 20 mins
