19 Yum Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

After Thanksgiving dinner, chances are you’ll have plenty of turkey left in the fridge. Instead of eating the same plate of leftovers on repeat, you can turn that turkey into fresh, exciting meals the whole family will love.

From hearty soups to cheesy casseroles and even lighter dishes like salads, these recipes make the most of your holiday bird.

They’re easy, tasty, and a smart way to cut down on food waste while still enjoying all the flavors of Thanksgiving. Here are 19 delicious ways to use up leftover turkey:

1. Turkey and Vegetable Soup

A warm, comforting soup made with leftover turkey, carrots, celery, and herbs. It’s easy to prepare and freezes well for later.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 14g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey and Vegetable Soup recipe.

2. Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover turkey, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce baked under a flaky crust make this a cozy classic for the days after Thanksgiving.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 17g
3. Carbs: 28g
4. Fat: 15g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey Pot Pie recipe.

3. Turkey Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas filled with turkey, cheese, and salsa for a quick and fun weeknight meal. Serve with guacamole or sour cream.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 2g

Get the Turkey Quesadillas recipe.

4. Turkey Salad Lettuce Wraps

A lighter option made with chopped turkey, Greek yogurt, celery, and herbs wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Fresh and healthy.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 160
2. Protein: 19g
3. Carbs: 4g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 1g

Get the Turkey Salad Lettuce Wraps recipe.

5. Turkey Fried Rice

Transform leftover turkey into a savory fried rice with eggs, peas, carrots, and soy sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for using pantry staples.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 21g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey Fried Rice recipe.

6. Creamy Turkey Pasta

Leftover turkey tossed with pasta, garlic, and a light cream sauce makes for a quick, family-friendly dinner.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 22g
3. Carbs: 38g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Creamy Turkey Pasta recipe.

7. Turkey Chili

A hearty pot of chili made with leftover turkey, beans, tomatoes, and spices. It’s filling and perfect for chilly evenings.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 21g
3. Carbs: 24g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 6g

Get the Turkey Chili recipe.

8. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers filled with turkey, rice, and spinach make a colorful and healthy meal that’s easy to bake in advance.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 19g
3. Carbs: 21g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers recipe.

9. Turkey Tacos

Swap turkey for beef in tacos. Add shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado for a fresh and fast meal.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 20g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey Tacos recipe.

10. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Turkey layered with vegetables and topped with mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting dish that reheats well.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 29g
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Turkey Shepherd’s Pie recipe.

11. Turkey and Cranberry Panini

A sweet-and-savory sandwich with turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese pressed until golden and melty.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 330
2. Protein: 21g
3. Carbs: 35g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey and Cranberry Panini recipe.

12. Turkey Curry

Leftover turkey simmered in a creamy curry sauce with spices and coconut milk. Serve with rice or cauliflower rice.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 23g
3. Carbs: 14g
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey Curry recipe.

13. Turkey Enchiladas

Shredded turkey rolled into tortillas, covered in enchilada sauce, and baked with cheese for a comforting Tex-Mex dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 22g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 4g

Get the Turkey Enchiladas recipe.

14. Turkey and Rice Soup

A simple, warming soup with turkey, rice, and vegetables. It’s light yet filling and perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 22g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 2g

Get the Turkey and Rice Soup recipe.

15. BBQ Turkey Sliders

Shredded turkey mixed with BBQ sauce and piled onto slider buns for a fun, easy meal that kids love.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 2g

Get the BBQ Turkey Sliders recipe.

16. Turkey Caesar Salad

Chopped turkey tossed with crisp romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing makes a refreshing protein-packed salad.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 22g
3. Carbs: 8g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 2g

Get the Turkey Caesar Salad recipe.

17. Turkey Breakfast Scramble

Scrambled eggs with turkey, spinach, and a sprinkle of cheese make a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 3g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 1g

Get the Turkey Breakfast Scramble recipe.

18. Turkey Pizza

Use leftover turkey as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Add vegetables and cheese for a quick dinner.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 300
2. Protein: 19g
3. Carbs: 32g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey Pizza recipe.

19. Turkey Zoodle Bowl

A lighter option with zucchini noodles topped with shredded turkey, marinara sauce, and parmesan. It’s low-carb and flavorful.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 21g
3. Carbs: 10g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 3g

Get the Turkey Zoodle Bowl recipe.