25 Tasty Ideas for Leftover Turkey

The holiday season often brings together family, friends, and a feast of unforgettable dishes. At the center of many tables sits the star of the meal: a beautifully roasted turkey, surrounded by all the trimmings. But after the plates are cleared, one common question remains—what should we do with all that leftover turkey?

For some, the thought of yet another turkey sandwich might feel a bit uninspired. But don’t let that abundance of turkey go to waste! With a little creativity, those leftovers can become the starting point for a whole new range of flavors and dishes. This collection of recipes breathes fresh life into your holiday meal, reimagining turkey in dishes that range from comforting classics to inventive fusion creations.

Whether you’re craving a hearty soup, a crisp salad, or a spicy wrap, these recipes are designed to make the most of your holiday leftovers while keeping things interesting and easy. Perfect for quick family dinners, cozy weekend lunches, or even as part of a meal-prep plan, each recipe is crafted to add variety to your table without sacrificing convenience.

Get ready to transform your holiday turkey into meals that feel fresh, flavorful, and exciting. From the simplest bites to satisfying mains, these dishes will inspire you to see leftovers as an opportunity to try something deliciously new.

1. Turkey & Veggie Egg Rolls

Breathe new life into your holiday leftovers with these Turkey Veggie Egg Rolls! If you’re wondering how to make the most of your leftover turkey, this recipe offers a delicious and inventive solution. These egg rolls are packed with a savory filling of shredded turkey and fresh vegetables, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden wrapper. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun appetizer, or a light meal.

2. Holiday Turkey Tacos

Turn your holiday leftovers into something truly special with these Leftover Holiday Turkey Tacos. If you’re wondering what to do with that extra turkey sitting in your fridge, look no further—this recipe is the perfect way to breathe new life into those leftovers. In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious, satisfying meal on the table that’s packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

3. Turkey Mashed Potato Cakes

Transform your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes into something uniquely delicious with these crispy potato cakes. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, these turkey mashed potato cakes are an inventive way to breathe new life into your holiday leftovers. The combination of savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful bite that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

4. Turkey & Mashed Potato Casserole

This Leftover Turkey and Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect solution! Combining tender egg noodles with creamy mashed potatoes, savory turkey, and a medley of peas and carrots, this casserole is a fantastic way to repurpose your holiday dinner ingredients. With the addition of flavorful cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish ensures that no leftovers goes to waste while providing a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy the familiar tastes of your holiday feast in a new and exciting way with this easy-to-make casserole!

5. Leftover Turkey & Cranberry Salad 

Looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy your holiday leftovers? This Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Salad is the perfect solution! In just 10 minutes, you can transform your leftover turkey into a delightful and refreshing meal that is both satisfying and packed with flavor. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender turkey, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy celery, all tossed together in a creamy dressing.

6. Loaded Potatoes With Leftover Turkey

Turn your leftover turkey into a delicious and comforting meal with these loaded baked potatoes. Packed with creamy cheese, tangy sour cream, and savory turkey, these baked potatoes are a delightful way to reinvent leftovers. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe makes the most of your leftover turkey in a unique and satisfying way.

7. Turkey Chili

Chili is a versatile dish that allows you to get creative with ingredients, and this version is no exception. The combination of tender, shredded turkey, black beans, pinto beans, and sweet corn provides a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making each spoonful a treat. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and approachable. The one-pot method ensures easy cleanup, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights.

8. Leftover Turkey Chickpea Chopped Salad

This recipe is the perfect way to transform your leftover turkey into a fresh and delicious meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a hearty salad that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for gatherings. What makes this salad especially appealing is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great option for using up any leftover vegetables or pantry staples.

9. Shepherd’s Pie With Leftover Turkey & Mashed Potato

 Looking for a comforting way to repurpose your holiday leftovers? This Leftover Mashed Potato and turkey Shepherd’s Pie is the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can turn those remnants of turkey and mashed potatoes into a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

10. Turkey Stromboli

Leftovers never tasted so good! This Leftover Turkey Stromboli is a quick and easy way to reinvent your holiday turkey into a mouthwatering meal. In just a few simple steps, you can turn those extra turkey slices into a cheesy, savory stromboli that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch. With minimal prep and just 30 minutes in the oven, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal choice when you’re short on time but still craving something delicious.

11. Turkey Club Sandwich

The Turkey Club Sandwich is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal, especially when you have leftover turkey from a holiday dinner. This classic sandwich comes together in just a few minutes, making it an easy and convenient option for lunch or a light dinner.

12. Tortilla Soup

This recipe is the perfect way to repurpose that holiday turkey while creating a delicious dish that’s packed with flavor. Combining tender turkey, hearty black beans, and vibrant vegetables, this soup is not only satisfying but also a breeze to prepare. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome meal that will warm you up on any chilly day. What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings.

13. Turkey Pot Pie

Transform your leftover holiday turkey into a culinary masterpiece with this mouthwatering Turkey Pot Pie recipe. This dish takes tender chunks of turkey, infuses them with the rich flavors of savory vegetables, and envelops it all in a luxurious, creamy sauce, creating a harmony of tastes that’s nothing short of spectacular. Encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry crust, every bite offers a satisfying contrast between the crisp exterior and the warm, hearty filling.

14. Larb Salad

If you’re looking for a light, flavorful dish that makes the most of your leftover turkey, this Larb Salad is a perfect choice. Originating from Laos and widely popular in Thai cuisine, Larb (sometimes spelled “Laab”) is a refreshing, zesty salad made with a savory combination of ground meat, fresh herbs, and bright citrus dressing. It’s traditionally served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables for added texture and balance.

15. Kung Pao With Leftover Turkey

As the holiday season winds down, many of us find ourselves with an array of leftover turkey just waiting to be transformed into something delicious. Instead of simply reheating it, why not elevate those leftovers into a flavorful and exciting dish? This Kung Pao Turkey recipe offers a delicious way to transform your holiday turkey into a spicy, savory stir-fry that’s quick and easy to prepare.

16. Turkey Salad Sandwich

Turn your leftover turkey into a delightful meal with this easy and delicious Turkey Salad Sandwich recipe! Perfect for using up those extra holiday bites, this sandwich combines tender, chopped turkey with crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, and zesty onions for a flavor-packed filling that’s sure to please. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic and onion powder, brings all the ingredients together for a satisfying bite every time.

17. Leftover Turkey Enchilada

Transforming holiday leftovers into something new and exciting is one of the joys of post-celebration cooking, and these Leftover Turkey Enchiladas are the perfect way to give that extra turkey a delicious second life. This recipe is not only a great way to use up leftover turkey from your holiday dinner, but it also brings a burst of flavor to your table with its rich, homemade red enchilada sauce and a melty, cheesy filling.

18. Thai Style Lettuce Wrap

After the holiday festivities, finding creative ways to repurpose leftover turkey can be both fun and rewarding. These Thai-style Lettuce Wraps offer a fresh and flavorful way to transform your leftover turkey into a light and satisfying meal. Perfect for those who crave something different after indulging in rich holiday dishes, these wraps are a quick and healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

19. Buffalo Turkey Dip

This creamy, spicy dip takes inspiration from the classic Buffalo chicken dip but adds a twist by repurposing leftover turkey. It’s a simple yet flavorful appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering, whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or even a holiday party. If you’re looking to transform your leftover turkey into something exciting and crowd-pleasing, this Buffalo Turkey Dip is the perfect solution.

20. Thai Basil Fried Rice

After the festivities wind down and the big meals are over, you might be wondering how to make the most of your leftover turkey. Instead of the usual reheating or sandwiches, why not transform those leftovers into something exciting and flavorful? This Thai Basil Fried Rice with Leftover Turkey is the perfect solution, offering a delicious twist on a classic dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.

21. Turkey Stir Fry With Vegetable 

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful way to repurpose leftover turkey, this stir-fry recipe is a perfect option. It’s a vibrant, healthy dish packed with fresh (or frozen) vegetables, savory flavors, and just the right amount of spice. The combination of tender turkey with crisp-tender vegetables and a sweet and spicy stir-fry sauce makes this meal both satisfying and versatile.

22. Herbed Turkey & Rice Salad  

When it comes to quick, healthy, and flavorful meals, this Herbed Turkey and Rice Salad is the perfect choice. It's a refreshing way to repurpose leftover turkey, transforming it into a bright and herby dish that’s bursting with fresh ingredients and vibrant colors. Combining protein-packed turkey with nutty brown rice, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet pomegranate arils, this salad strikes a balance between hardiness and lightness. The fresh herbs—parsley and mint—bring an aromatic, garden-fresh flavor that elevates this dish into something truly special.

23. Pesto pizza 

Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and this Pesto Pizza with Turkey offers a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic pie. If you're looking for a quick and creative way to use leftover turkey, this recipe has you covered. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy pizza night at home, looking for a quick lunch, or need something easy yet impressive for guests, this Pesto Pizza will surely become a go-to favorite.

24. Turkey Burrito/ Wrap

If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey, this Turkey Burrito/Wrap recipe is a fantastic option. Burritos are a versatile and satisfying dish, and this version combines shredded turkey with seasoned rice, creamy refried beans, avocado, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It’s the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something flavorful and filling, with a balance of textures and tastes in every bite.

25. Monte Cristo Sandwich 

Upgrade your holiday leftovers with this delicious Monte Cristo Sandwich, featuring cooked holiday ham and turkey. This classic sandwich gets a festive twist with the addition of raspberry jam, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, this Monte Cristo is sure to become a favorite way to enjoy your holiday ham or turkey.