Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes – How to “Unjunk” Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

You made it, another Thanksgiving feast, complete with turkey, comforting sides, and desserts that deserve their own applause.
But now it’s the next day, your fridge is packed, and your body may be whispering, “Please… something lighter.”

This is the perfect moment for a gentle reset, not restriction, not dieting, just lighter, nourishing meals using what you already have.
And with a few simple “unjunked” swaps, your leftovers can easily become healthy meals your body will thank you for.

Why “All-or-Nothing” Thinking Doesn’t Work

Why We Feel Sluggish After Holiday Meals

Traditional holiday dishes are delicious… but also loaded with:

  • heavy cream

  • refined carbs

  • high-sodium boxed mixes

  • sugary sauces

  • processed ingredients

The result? Bloating, fatigue, cravings, and that infamous post-Thanksgiving slump.

If you used any of the Unjunked holiday recipes (like healthy stuffing, cranberry sauce, or mashed cauliflower), you’re already ahead, these versions skip the preservatives and excess sugar.

But even if you didn’t, you can still pivot now.

Step 1: Take a Smart Leftover Inventory

What “Half-Junking” Taught Me

Pull out everything and sort it:

Protein:

  • turkey, ham, or chicken

Veggies:

  • roasted carrots

  • green beans

  • Brussels sprouts

  • sweet potatoes

Carbs:

  • mashed potatoes

  • stuffing

  • rolls

  • rice

Extras:

  • cranberry sauce

  • gravy

  • salad greens

Now these aren’t “leftovers”, they’re ingredients.

Step 2: Rebuild Your Plate the Healthy Way

How I Started with Mac & Cheese

Use this clean-eating formula for the next few days:

  • ½ plate vegetables (fresh or leftover roasted)

  • ¼ plate protein (turkey, ham, or chicken)

  • ¼ plate smart carbs (sweet potato, quinoa, brown rice)

  • Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds

This stabilizes blood sugar, reduces cravings, and boosts post-holiday energy.

Progress Over Perfection

Step 3: Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes

1. Healthy Turkey & Veggie Soup

Combine turkey, leftover vegetables, herbs, garlic, and low-sodium broth. Add quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, balanced bowl.
Unjunk tip: Skip cream or canned soups.

2. Cranberry Turkey Power Bowl

Layer greens, turkey, leftover roasted veggies, and a spoonful of unjunked cranberry sauce.
Top with nuts + balsamic glaze.
Full of antioxidants and fiber.

3. Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Add shredded turkey, carrots, cucumber, and a thin smear of cranberry sauce or hummus.
A low-carb, protein-packed lunch.

4. Stuffing-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Mix leftover stuffing with turkey, spinach, and broth.
Spoon into halved bell peppers and bake.
Lighter than the boxed version and full of flavor.

5. Thanksgiving Hash (Healthy Version)

Sauté turkey, potatoes, and leftover veggies with herbs and olive oil.
Top with a fried egg.
Balanced, hearty, and satisfying.

Progress Over Perfection

Step 4: A Gentle Post-Holiday Reset

Support digestion and reset your energy by adding:

  • extra water

  • fresh fruits + veggies

  • lighter meals like soups + salads

  • whole grains over refined carbs

Your body will bounce back fast.

Progress Over Perfection

Bonus: Unjunk Your Next Holiday Dinner

If you want to make next year’s holiday healthier from the start, try these clean-ingredient versions:

These swaps keep all the comfort without the heavy, bloated feeling.

Progress Over Perfection

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is about connection, not guilt.


But using real-food ingredients and giving leftovers a healthy twist helps you feel energized instead of weighed down.

This year, let’s keep the comfort, and skip the crash.

Here’s to lighter plates, happier digestion, and another step toward building an Unjunked America.

Ready to Unjunk Your Holiday Table?

If you’re looking for simple ways to lighten up your favorite comfort foods, grab a copy of our Unjunk Your Favorite Meals e-book!

It’s packed with easy swaps, lighter versions of classic dishes, and practical tips for bringing balance back to your plate, no guilt, no deprivation, just real food that makes you feel amazing.

👉 Get it here and start your unjunked holiday tradition!

Michelle Walker

a mom, former educator, and the founder of Unjunk America - a movement dedicated to helping families ditch processed foods, decode food labels, and reconnect with real food. With a warm, no-judgment approach, Michelle empowers parents to make simple, sustainable changes in their kitchens, one meal at a time.

Learn more or join the movement at UnjunkAmerica.com.