Healthy Thanksgiving leftover ideas

The holidays bring joy, family, fun and plenty of food. But once the big meal is over, the fridge is packed with containers of leftover turkey, stuffing, roasted vegetables and more.

While it's tempting to dive into indulgent leftovers all week, this is a perfect moment to weave healthy eating into your holiday routine. Our nutrition experts at Main Line Health have curated this list of recipes that answers the questions: what to do with leftover turkey and what to make with Thanksgiving leftovers.

Here's a list of easy, healthy recipes to enjoy the season's flavors and keep your meals nutritious by getting creative with leftovers. And feel free to substitute ingredients for what you have on hand!

Safety first

• Eat or freeze your leftovers within three to four days (do not eat your leftovers if they are still in your fridge the Tuesday after Thanksgiving!)
• Always reheat each leftover dish to 165°F for safe eating

Now, enjoy our day after Thanksgiving food ideas!

Leftover turkey recipes

Turkey soup recipe

Warm up with this simple, wholesome turkey soup. Wild rice brings a nutty depth, along with a boost of protein and fiber, to this rich, comforting dish.

Try this recipe for turkey and rice soup

Turkey pot pie recipe

Take your leftover turkey and try this lightened up version of a classic pot pie topped with healthy, but tasty sweet potato.

Try this recipe for turkey and sweet potato pot pie

Turkey salad recipe

This heart-healthy recipe is a unique way to build a nutritious, no-cook meal with your holiday leftovers while adding in some zing from ginger and rice vinegar.

Try this recipe for turkey rice salad

Turkey tostadas recipe

These tostadas layer tender shredded turkey with fresh salsa and a cool cucumber guacamole over crisp corn tortillas. Light, flavorful and protein-packed, they're a delicious way to turn leftovers into something vibrant and new.

Try this recipe for pulled turkey tostadas

Turkey enchiladas recipe

This one-pan skillet meal is a delicious and creative way to combine your leftover turkey and vegetables into cheesy enchiladas with the definitive flavor of fall in the form of a pumpkin sauce.

Try this recipe for turkey enchiladas

Thanksgiving dinner stew recipe

This cozy turkey stew is one of the best ways to put the majority of your Thanksgiving leftovers to work. More than just the turkey, this hearty stew pulls in flavors and nutrients from your Thanksgiving gravy and vegetables.

Try this recipe for leftover turkey stew

Leftover vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes

Potato tapas recipe

These potato croquettes are a terrific way to transform leftover mashed potatoes into a crispy, bite-sized appetizer.

Try this recipe for potato croquettes

Squash and mushroom shepherd's pie recipe

Combine your leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables with autumnal butternut squash and mushrooms to create this satisfying, meatless meal.

Try this recipe for vegan shepherd's pie

Cranberry sauce overnight oats recipe

Put that extra cranberry sauce to good use in this creative and delicious overnight oats recipe. It's an easy, make-ahead breakfast your holiday guests can take with them, made with any milk you prefer and topped with nuts or seeds.

Try this recipe for cranberry overnight oats

Holiday leftovers are an opportunity, not a setback. With a few smart swaps and creative ideas, you can enjoy the flavors of the season while feeding your body well. Celebrate, savor and remember that healthy eating isn't about perfection — it's about choices that help you feel your best.

Next steps

If you are looking for a little more help with your healthy eating plan, Main Line Health offers nutritional counseling and individualized nutritional support. This added support can make it much easier to change your diet and maintain it long-term.

Join a nutrition or wellness event online and at Main Line Health King of Prussia.

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