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10 Recipes That Will Make You Gobble Up Thanksgiving Leftovers

written by

Andi LaBrune

posted on

October 28, 2019

Stuffed. That's how everyone is going to feel after a hearty Thanksgiving meal with delicious pastured turkey. The last thing you'll be thinking of is what to do with all the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers! Before you start prepping for the big meal, think about and shop for the leftovers too! Here's why...

Meals are going to get B-O-R-I-N-G (and dry) real fast after 3 days of eating the SAME turkey leftovers. The last thing you want to deal with are moans and groans from your picky eaters about I have to eat turkey aaagggggaaainnnnn?" 

We know that sound all too well! So, we scoured for the BEST Thanksgiving leftover recipes that will not only get rid of all the turkey, but everyone will be so disappointed it's gone already! 


Zesty Turkey Salad with Beans & Walnuts

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https://draxe.com/recipes/turkey-salad/

Bursting with new and different flavors, this easy Thanksgiving leftover recipe is simple to make and easy to please the pickiest of eaters! It's a nice, light and refreshing change from all the stuffing and dressings. 

Autumn Turkey & Apple Salads

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Photo: Autumn Turkey & Apple Salads/Photo courtesy of Brianne at Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Mmm, keep the freshness continuing! This savory and sweet dish brings out new textures and flavors to complement your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Pair with your favorite raw cheese and you're golden. 

Open-Faced Turkey Cranberry Enchilada Melt

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Photo: Open Faced Turkey Cranberry Enchilada Melt/Running to the Kitchen

Oh my! Cranberries, black beans, salsa, cheese, cranberry sauce, and turkey?! Yes, yes, yes, and ummmm, yes! Grab a slice or two of Elizabeth's Sourdough bread and head south of the border right in the middle of your kitchen. This Mexican inspired leftover turkey recipe is sure to warrant some, "more please!" comments ^_^. 

Paleo Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

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Photo: Paleo Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich/Stephanie Gaudreau, Stupid Easy Paleo

Got some sweet potato? Then make those sweet potatoes into cakes as buns! Devour all the colors of the rainbow with this Paleo roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and Brussels sprouts sandwich. Swap out the pork bacon, for turkey bacon (or not, we don't judge), and thoroughly enjoy.

Turkey, Kale and Cheese Quesadillas

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Photo: Turkey, Kale and Cheese Quesadillas/The Perfect Pantry

Oh, my...tastebuds!! When you and yours have nearly picked the leftover thanksgiving turkey bones clean, add in some beneficial kale and smush together this quick and easy quesadilla using your most favorite raw cheddar or pepper jack for some spice!

Scalloped Turkey

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Photo: Scalloped Turkey/Reclaiming Provincial

There's a new twist on leftover Thanksgiving turkey when you shred it! All that shredded goodness with stuffing, gravy, and milk, baked up to perfection reminds you of all the Thanksgiving yummies without being bland, overly dried out, or boring! Tell us how you like this one!!

Turkey Stuffed Carnival Squash

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Photo: Turkey Stuffed Carnival Squash/Photo Courtesy of The Healthy Foodie

Love a presentable and lovely leftover option for your Thanksgiving turkey? Take this beautiful winter squash and leftover turkey and make magic! To make this gluten-free, simply swap out the wheat berries for brown rice or quinoa, and the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free substitute and yum! This is certainly a healthier version of a twice-baked potato (and prettier)! 

Turkey Avocado Enchiladas

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Photo: Turkey Avocado Enchiladas/Photo courtesy of Erin from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

It's truly not over until you make an enchilada out of those Thanksgiving leftovers! Here's a recipe for those who love a saucy and sassy meal. This recipe livens up those turkey leftovers and comes together rather quickly. For the avocado cream sauce, substitute greek yogurt for the sour cream, and the flour for a gluten-free or sprouted flour alternative. 

Cold Asian Noodles with Peanut Sauce

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Photo: Cold Asian Noodles with Peanut Sauce/JeanettesHealthyLiving.com

Isn't it just lovely? Even though the recipe says to use poached chicken... you can certainly use the leftover turkey sitting in your fridge. It's a forgiving recipe so swap out the nut butter as you see fit. THEN... when the turkey is all gone, use chicken ;-).

BBQ Turkey Pizza

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Photo: BBQ Turkey Pizza/White On Rice Couple

Ahhhh, what's a Thanksgiving turkey leftover recipe list if it doesn't include pizza? A crowd-pleaser for sure, this tasty gem is free of nasty refined sugars and is instead sweetened with honey. You can certainly use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough recipe or sourdough for the crust. That's pretty much it.. there are no more Thanksgiving leftovers after this! 

There you have it, 10 recipes that will make the whole family gobble up those thanksgiving leftovers in no time. What are some of your favorite ways to use up that pastured turkey? We'd love more ideas, comment below ^_^! 

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