Skip to content
Home / News & Blog / 10 Healthy Recipes for Holiday Leftovers

10 Healthy Recipes for Holiday Leftovers

Reuse your holiday dishes with a dash of nutrition.

These healthy recipes for holiday leftovers can be tailored to your dietary needs and preferences.

The holiday season is synonymous with festive feasts — and, inevitably, refrigerators brimming with leftovers once your guests have gone home. Instead of reheating them in the microwave, why not elevate your extra holiday foods into new meals with a healthy twist? 

In this article, we’ll feature ten healthy recipes for holiday leftovers, including:

  1. Turkey/ham sandwiches or wraps
  2. Sweet potato breakfast hash
  3. Protein-packed pumpkin shakes
  4. Thanksgiving shepherd’s pie
  5. Butternut squash & cranberry salad
  6. Turkey-stuffed peppers
  7. Leftover veggie frittata
  8. Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry
  9. Cranberry oatmeal
  10. Veggie-filled stuffing muffins

Below, learn how to turn your leftovers into vibrant, health-packed dishes that reduce food waste and help you extend your enjoyment of the holidays!

Turkey/ham sandwiches or wraps

Revamp your leftover holiday proteins into wholesome sandwiches or wraps by layering them with nutrient-rich ingredients. Opt for whole grain bread or tortillas for added fiber and choose a colorful array of fresh vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Consider adding a smear of avocado for a dose of heart-healthy fat and a little cranberry spread for a pop of sweetness and zing! These sandwiches not only provide a satisfying crunch but also contribute a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Sweet potato breakfast hash

Transform your leftover sweet potatoes into a hearty and nutritious hash that makes a filling breakfast or brunch option. Dice the sweet potatoes and sauté them with onions, bell peppers, and your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor. If you have extra turkey, you can add some of that to this mix as well.

Protein-packed pumpkin shakes

If your holiday fridge contents include leftover pumpkin, try making it into a refreshing smoothie. Blend the canned pumpkin puree with your preferred type of vanilla protein powder and add a splash of almond milk for creaminess. Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for that classic holiday flavor.

Thanksgiving shepherd’s pie

You can reimagine a whole variety of your holiday entrees and sides by melding them into a nutritious shepherd’s pie. Load up the filling with leftover turkey, savory gravy, and roasted veggies. Use your leftover mashed potatoes for the topping — and try blending them with cauliflower for a healthier alternative! This comforting dish provides a balanced blend of proteins and vegetables and lets you repurpose a lot of leftovers at once.

Butternut squash & cranberry salad

Create a vibrant and satisfying salad by tossing together leftover butternut squash, cranberries, and a mix of greens. Add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a burst of flavor. This salad is perfect when you’re looking for a light, nutritious lunch after the richness of your holiday feasts.

Turkey-stuffed peppers

The beauty of stuffed peppers is that you can stuff them with just about any ingredients you want! Thanks to the vibrant hues of bell peppers, this dish is visually beautiful and delicious. Mix in quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome filling, turkey for a lean protein, and your favorite herbs and spices for an extra flavor boost. (Hot tip: you can also do this with portobello caps if you’d prefer stuffed mushrooms!)

Leftover veggie frittata

Give your holiday vegetable sides a second life by incorporating them into a flavorful leftover veggie frittata. Whisk up some eggs, mix in your leftover veggies, and bake to perfection for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch option. If your household doesn’t eat eggs, try a tofu frittata instead.

Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry

Utilize leftover vegetables and meats by creating a quick and nutritious quinoa and vegetable stir-fry. Toss your veggies and proteins into a hot pan with prepared quinoa and a dash of soy sauce or another sauce of your choice. This dish provides an excellent balance of whole grains and colorful vegetables, which gives a nice contrast to more decadent holiday fare.

Cranberry oatmeal

Another fun breakfast option is heart-healthy oatmeal filled with juicy cranberries left over from your holiday sauce. Cranberries are one of our favorite healthy seasonal foods, thanks to their protection against chronic disease and high antioxidant content. Oats, of course, are high in fiber and a great option to keep you satiated for hours. If you’re a fan of oatmeal, don’t miss these five delicious oatmeal variants too.

Veggie-filled stuffing muffins

Revitalize your leftover stuffing by turning it into savory muffins packed with veggies. Mix leftover stuffing with veggies like riced cauliflower and diced sweet potatoes and bake the mixture in muffin tins. If it seems like it won’t hold together, use eggs or a mix of flaxseed and water to act as a binder. These bite-sized delights make for a creative, grab-and-go twist on traditional stuffing.

These healthy recipes for holiday leftovers showcase the versatility of post-holiday ingredients. With these nutritious and delicious options to choose from, you’ll be able to keep the feast going for weeks to come!

Planning to host a holiday celebration at your house? Check out these FAQs about hosting a hearing-loss-friendly holiday gathering.