As delicious as Thanksgiving dinner may be, there's a good chance you'll find yourself with plenty of leftovers even after everyone has gone for seconds (or thirds). There's nothing wrong with eating leftover turkey as-is, but if you find yourself craving new flavors, we've got plenty of leftover turkey ideas that transform your remaining meat into something new. Rather than sitting down with another lunch of sliced turkey, leftover stuffing and mashed potatoes, you can enjoy flavor-packed tostadas, cozy soups, fresh salads and more — all made with your humble leftover turkey.
A quick tip: You can sub in turkey for practically any recipe that calls for shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also add turkey to your favorite Thanksgiving salads or fall soups for an extra boost of protein and hearty flavor. Don't be afraid to get creative! And if you find yourself with more turkey than you can possibly use immediately, the National Turkey Federation confirms that you can freeze turkey to use later for an easy weeknight dinner.
Different seasonings and flavor combinations make it easy to get creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers. With these leftover turkey recipes, no one will complain about eating turkey for dinner multiple nights in a row.
Need help with reheating Thanksgiving dinner? Check out these methods to reheat all your leftovers:
How to Reheat Stuffing | How to Reheat Turkey | How to Reheat Apple Pie | How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes
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1
Smoky Turkey Tostadas
Inspired by chicken tinga, these smoky tostadas are full of flavor. Just sub in shredded turkey for the rotisserie chicken, and you've got a crowd-pleasing meal that feels fresh even though it's made with Thanksgiving leftovers.
Get the Smoky Turkey Tostadas recipe.
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2
Snap Pea and Turkey Salad
If you're craving something fresh and crunchy, try this easy salad that comes together quickly. Thinly sliced snap peas, herbs, lemon and leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken make for a satisfying but light meal.
Get the Snap Pea and Turkey Salad recipe.
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3
Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup
If you scroll down on this recipe, you'll see our suggestions for "powering up" this comforting soup with extra protein. Stir in your leftover shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or ground pork to make this cozy soup even more satisfying.
Get the Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup recipe.
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4
Enchilada Pie
This easy dish comes together using a few cups of shredded turkey or chicken, refried beans, enchilada sauce and homemade tortillas. It's an easy way to put a new spin on your leftover turkey.
Get the Enchilada Pie recipe.
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5
BBQ Turkey Sweet Potato Nachos
This dish is full of fall flavors. You've got crispy sweet potato chips, leftover turkey and melty cheese. Add some jalapeños and pickled onions for the final touch.
Get the BBQ Turkey Sweet Potato Nachos recipe.
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6
Thanksgiving Sandwich Melt
Looking to throw together a quick dinner or lunch the day after Thanksgiving? This sandwich is the answer! With whole-grain mustard, red onions, sourdough bread and Gruyère cheese, your leftover turkey will be in good company!
Get the Thanksgiving Sandwich Melt recipe.
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7
Creamy Turkey Pasta Casserole
Upgrade your average leftovers by introducing this crowd-pleasing turkey pasta, full of Gruyère, mushrooms and spinach to the mix.
Get the Creamy Turkey Pasta Casserole recipe.
RELATED: 50 Best Casserole Recipes for the Ultimate Comfort Food
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8
Turkey Taquitos
These bites incorporate tender shredded turkey, cream cheese and enchilada sauce encased in a crispy corn tortilla.
Get the Turkey Taquitos recipe.
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9
Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap
Classic flavors come together in this wrap. Pack for Black Friday shopping or for a game day weekend!
Get the Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap recipe.
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10
Chinese Turkey Salad Wraps
Toss shredded turkey in a spicy sesame oil sauce to load into wraps with roasted almonds and crispy chow mein noodles. Yum!
Get the Chinese Turkey Salad Wraps recipe.
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11
Buffalo Turkey Cobb Salad
See ya, boring turkey! Dress shredded leftovers in wing sauce for a flavor-packed protein to top your salad.
Get the Buffalo Turkey Cobb Salad recipe.
RELATED: 70 Healthy, Tasty Lunch Ideas That'll Power You Through Any Afternoon
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12
Turkey, Cranberry and Brie Wraps
Wrap up your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers to make the perfect on-the-go meal for your Black Friday shopping spree.
Get the Turkey, Cranberry and Brie Wraps recipe.
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13
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Freeze any leftovers (minus the fresh herbs and puff pastry) for up to three months, then simply thaw overnight and add desired toppings for a bowl of cozy anytime you please.
Get the Turkey Pot Pie Soup recipe.
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14
Cobb Salad
We could all probably use a little extra green in the days after Thanksgiving, top this classic salad with your leftover turkey ... and lots of crispy bacon.
Get the Cobb Salad recipe.
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15
Waldorf Turkey Salad
In only 20 minutes, you'll have a refreshing, crisp salad using up your leftover turkey.
Get the Waldorf Turkey Salad recipe.
RELATED: 50 Easy 30-Minute Meals for a Quick and Healthy Family Dinner
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16
Turkey Enchiladas Verdes
Homemade salsa verde and melty cheese will spice up your leftover turkey.
Get the Enchiladas Verdes recipe.
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17
Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Fresh herbs give your Thanksgiving turkey new life in this crowd-pleasing sammie.
Get the Turkey Salad Sandwiches recipe.
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18
Greek Turkey Grain Bowl
Working the day after Thanksgiving? Pack this farro salad, topped with feta, veggies and last night's turkey.
Get the Greek Turkey Grain Bowl recipe.
RELATED: 40 Best Make-Ahead Meals That Make Meal Prepping a Breeze
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19
Leftover Turkey Sandwich
We'll let you in on a little secret: A drizzle of hot honey brings a slightly sweet-spicy element to sandwiches.
Get the Leftover Turkey Sandwich recipe.
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20
Tex-Mex Turkey Salad
A zippy dressing of fresh lime juice, olive oil and honey brightens up any salad. Swap out the chicken for turkey!
Get the Tex-Mex Turkey Salad recipe.