Turkey Leftover Magic
Post Thanksgiving, you may be left wondering - what in the heck do I do with all this turkey?! Don't worry, there are many ways to serve leftover turkey. Turkey can make a variety of low-fat meals, just be sure to use the white meat!
Turkey Leftover Basics:
- Cut up or slice turkey into cubes and freeze in small freezer bags for future quick and healthy meals. Turkey can be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- Turkey can be added to canned soups, stir-frys, quesadillas, salads, casseroles and of course, sandwiches.
Super Sandwich Ideas:
- Cranberry Turkey Sandwich (an old favorite!)- top turkey with leftover cranberry sauce and serve on whole grain bread spread with light cream cheese and top with lettuce.
- BBQ Turkey Sandwich- place turkey pieces on a whole grain bun. Top with bbq sauce, red onions, green bell pepper slices and heat in the microwave.
- Turkey Club- toast whole grain bread and top with turkey, lean ham, lettuce, tomato and low-fat mayo.
- Turkey Rueben- arrange turkey, light swiss cheese, sauerkraut and light thousand island dressing between two slices of rye bread. Grill in non-stick pan with cooking spray until cheese melts.
- Turkey Pita- combine chopped turkey with low-fat mayo and a small amount of pickle relish. Stuff turkey into a whole wheat pita and add tomato and shredded Romaine lettuce.
Easy Turkey Meals:
- Turkey Tacos- toss shredded turkey with salsa or taco sauce. Warm in microwave or skillet. Fill low-fat tortillas with turkey and sprinkle with light shredded cheese. Top with chopped onions, tomatoes and shredded Romaine lettuce.
- Turkey Salad- top chopped green leaf lettuce with cold turkey pieces, tomatoes, carrtos, cucumbers, celery, red bell peppers and any other vegetable you enjoy. Drizzle with light salad dressing.
Turkey Recipes:
Turkey Rice Casserole
3 cups cooked egg noodles or whole grain penne noodles
2 cups cooked turkey pieces
1 can (10 3/4 ounce) low-fat cream of mushroom soup, such as Campbell's Healthy Request
1/2 cup non-fat milk
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables of choice
salt and pepper to taste
Combine cooked noodles, turkey, soup, milk and frozen veggies in a large casserole dish. Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes. Makes 6 servings.
Turkey Noodle Soup
6 cups water
4 low-sodium chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes
2 cups cooked turkey chunks
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup broccoli, chopped
3 cups uncooked noodles
Garlic powder and pepper to taste
Heat water and bouillon cubes in a large saucepan. Add turkey and veggies. Simmer for 30 minutes. Bring back to a boil and add noodles; boil for 2 minutes. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with garlic powder and pepper. Makes 6 servings.
Hope you enjoy these ideas- happy and healthy gobbling!
For Additional Recipes:
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed asmedical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physicianor primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personalhealth and necessary treatments.
