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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 recipes use cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, but you can easily replace with the same amount of cooked turkey.

Hearty Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal , look no further than the recipe for Hearty Chicken Salad. It comes together in about 25 minutes and delivers big on flavor and wholesome ingredients
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leftover turkey soup in. a bowl
5 from 5 votes

Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

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.
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5 from 4 votes

Whole30 Kale Chicken Caesar Salad + The Best Whole30 Caesar Dressing

You'll love this low carb and Whole30 kale chicken Caesar salad with massaged kale, toasted almonds, perfectly cooked chicken, all covered in the best Whole30 Caesar dressing!
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A bowl of keto white chicken chili with shredded chicken, avocado slices, jalapeños, cilantro, radish, and lime. Next to it is a glass of water with lime slices. Everything is set on a textured pinkish surface.
4.94 from 15 votes

Keto White Chicken Chili (Paleo, Whole30)

This Keto White Chicken Chili is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Packed with tender chicken, bold spices, and nourishing bone broth, this one-pot wonder is the perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s Whole30, paleo, and dairy-free, making it a wholesome meal the entire family will enjoy. Garnish with your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish right at home.
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chicken taquitos on a plate next to a bowl of salsa
4.89 from 9 votes

Quick & Easy Homemade Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Say goodbye to store-bought taquitos! These quick, easy, and freezer-friendly homemade chicken 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!
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Paleo Burrito Bowl
5 from 1 vote

Paleo Burrito Bowl

Just because you are grain-free doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious burrito bowl. This Whole30 and Paleo Burrito Bowl is so easy and full of flavor!
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4.91 from 10 votes

30-Minute Dak Juk | Korean Rice Porridge with Chicken

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. Think of it as Korean chicken congee!
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an overhead shot of a fall harvest salad in a wooden bowl
5 from 7 votes

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. 
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5 from 3 votes

Whole30 Cobb Salad (Paleo, Keto)

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. 
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Overhead view of bang bang chicken salad in a bowl
5 from 3 votes

Bang Bang Chicken Salad (Spicy, Crunchy & Easy!)

This bang bang chicken 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.
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a closeup shot of a spoon resting inside a casserole dish filled with dip.
5 from 24 votes

Dairy-Free Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (Keto)

This Healthy Buffalo Chicken 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.
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A bowl of green goddess pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, avocado, arugula, and a creamy green dressing. A glass of water with lemon slices and a small bowl of dressing with a wooden spoon are nearby. Lemon slices and fresh greens are scattered around.
5 from 2 votes

Green Goddess Pasta Salad with Chicken

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 chicken, 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.
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5 from 3 votes

Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Salad (Paleo, Keto)

This keto and Whole30 buffalo chicken salad is the most delicious and addicting twist on a classic dish, and it is so easy and quick to make!
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5 from 1 vote

Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad with Coconut Chips

This Paleo & Whole30 Mandarin Chicken Salad uses delicious toasted coconut chips instead of crispy Chinese noodles, and you’ll love how flavorful it is! 
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coconut curry chicken
5 from 1 vote

Easy Chicken Coconut Curry

This creamy coconut chicken 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.
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5 from 17 votes

Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates (Paleo, Gluten Free)

This crunchy, refreshing, and delicious Whole30 Chinese chicken salad is packed with veggies and naturally sweetened with dates. It's healthy and flavorful, and so easy to make!
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creamy slow cooke chicken tortilla soup in a bowl topped with avocado, sour cream, and tortilla strips

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot Option)

This creamy slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed meal that pretty much cooks itself! With just 10 minutes of prep, your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) does all the work, filling your home with the most incredible smell. The rich, spiced broth, tender chicken, and creamy broth make this a comforting, restaurant quality dish – all with minimal effort. And let’s not forget the crispy homemade tortilla chips that take it over the top!
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Mediterranean Chicken Salad Recipe (Whole30)

This Mediterranean Chicken Salad is my go-to when I want a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal that also happens to be Whole30 and paleo-friendly. Packed with fresh veggies, juicy grilled chicken, and a zesty homemade dressing, this dish is perfect for any season. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a last-minute lunch, this salad is sure to become a family favorite.
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Jean Choi

I’m 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.

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