Not sure what to do with your Thanksgiving leftover meat? Here are some delicious leftover turkey recipes (many are gluten free and dairy free!) so you don’t let anything go to waste!
The day after Thanksgiving, many of us wake up with a packed fridge with all the Thanksgiving leftovers. Many people love Thanksgiving food and can eat the leftovers for days. However, if you are like me, you may want to switch it up and repurpose leftover Thanksgiving turkey in the most delicious ways.
From cozy soups and hearty casseroles to creative breakfasts and healthy meal ideas, you’ll find plenty of my favorite ways to reinvent your roasted turkey leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice. Bonus: they are all gluten-free or have gluten free alternatives!
Whether you’re craving a light turkey salad, a comforting pot pie cooked in the oven, or a nourishing soup, these Thanksgiving leftover ideas make the most of every last bite and give the meat new life for a delicious meal.
Tips & Tricks
Shred the meat while it’s still warm for easy use in soups, tacos, or salads.
Freeze portions in broth in a freezer safe container to keep the meat tender and retain flavor for future meals.
Add moisture back in by reheating turkey with a splash of stock or gravy—no more dry leftovers!
And don’t forget the bones—make a nourishing turkey bone broth or turkey stock for soups or sipping throughout the week.
Delicious Leftover Turkey Recipes – Replace Chicken with Turkey!
Most of these recipes use cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, but you can easily replace with the same amount of cooked turkey.Check the description to see how to adjust each recipe!
Hearty Turkey Salad
If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal , look no further than the recipe for Hearty Turkey Salad. It comes together in about 25 minutes and delivers big on flavor and wholesome ingredients
This quick and delicious leftover turkey soup is an easy, budget-friendly recipe using all Thanksgiving leftovers. Packed with veggies, turkey, and rice, this soup is true comfort food in under 30 minutes. Use the whole carcass for additional flavor, or not, either way, you will love this warm and savory soup. Instant Pot and Stovetop instructions included.
Kale Turkey Caesar Salad + The Best Caesar Dressing
You'll love this low carb and Whole30 kale turkey Caesar salad with massaged kale, toasted almonds, perfectly cooked tu all covered in the best Whole30 Caesar dressing! Skip steps 8-12, and add chopped turkey in at step 13.
This White Chicken Chili is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Just skip steps 2 and 3, and add the shredded cooked turkey in at step 6. Packed with bold spices and nourishing bone broth, this one-pot wonder is the perfect weeknight dinner.
Say goodbye to store-bought taquitos! These quick, easy, and freezer-friendly homemade turkey taquitos are irresistibly delicious. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they come together in just 30 minutes. I’ve even added hidden veggies for an extra nutrient boost, but that’s completely optional!
30-Minute Dak Juk | Korean Rice Porridge with Turkey
Using leftover rice, this easy dak juk (or Korean rice porridge) recipe is a delicious and easy comfort food that takes a fraction of the time than the original version. Skip step 2, and add cooked turkey into the pot at step 4 and simmer until thickened before serving.
Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing
This Fall Harvest Salad is full of seasonal flavors from hearty veggies, greens, and fruit, then tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious and makes an excellent weeknight dinner or dish for your holiday spread.
This delicious and filling Whole30 Cobb Salad contains all the flavors you love in a classic cobb with a healthier twist! I promise, you won’t miss the cheese at all.
This bang bang turkey salad is the spicy, crunchy, flavor-packed lunch or dinner you didn’t know you needed. With a creamy chili oil dressing and loads of crisp veggies, it’s better than takeout—and somehow, the leftovers taste even better the next day.
This Healthy Buffalo Turkey Dip is Whole30, Keto, and Dairy-Free! A delicious dip that has a super creamy texture, uses simple ingredients, and makes a healthier appetizer option that everyone will love! Perfect for any game day or gathering.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad with Turkey (Gluten-Free Option)
Refreshing, creamy, and full of herby flavor, this Green Goddess pasta salad is the perfect dish for a summer picnic, BBQ, or light meal. The vibrant dressing, made with avocado and fresh herbs, coats tender pasta, juicy turkey, and a variety of crisp vegetables for a well-balanced, protein-packed salad. Enjoy it as a main course or a hearty side dish that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients.
This creamy coconut turkey curry is a one pot dish that takes just 30 minutes to make! It's dairy free using coconut milk, and tastes wonderful over rice or cauliflower rice.
This crunchy, refreshing, and delicious Chinese turkey salad is packed with veggies and naturally sweetened with dates. It's healthy and flavorful, and so easy to make!
This creamy slow cooker turkey tortilla soup is the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed meal that pretty much cooks itself! Add cooked shredded turkey in at step 2 and cook until everything is warmed through and tender. With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) does all the work, filling your home with the most incredible smell.
This Mediterranean Turkey Salad is my go-to when I want a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal. Skip steps 2-4, and add cooked turkey strips at step 6. Packed with fresh veggies and a zesty homemade dressing, this dish is perfect for any season.
Iโm a food lover and recipe developer living in Southern California. I love to share simple and approachable gluten-free recipes that are healthy but never sacrifice on flavor.