Turkey is more than just a holiday staple—it’s a versatile, lean protein that fits seamlessly into a heart-healthy diet.
From flavorful soups and stews to hearty mains and lighter fare, these dishes incorporate ingredients that support heart health,.
Whether you’re planning weeknight dinners or prepping meals ahead, these recipes offer satisfying ways to enjoy turkey while prioritizing your heart’s well-being.
Taco Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Taco Turkey Lettuce Wraps bring the essence of taco night with a healthy twist. Using lean ground turkey and butter lettuce in place of taco shells that’s still packed with Mexican-inspired flavors.
This versatile recipe can also be made with ground chicken or served in crunchy iceberg lettuce for added texture.
Leftovers store well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Enjoy these wraps as a refreshing main dish or a healthy party appetizer that everyone will love!
Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey Tetrazzini transforms holiday leftovers into a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners.
This classic dish combines shredded turkey, tender pasta, and a creamy, savory sauce, all baked to golden perfection under a breadcrumb and Parmesan crust.
For variations, swap in mushrooms, peas, or your favorite vegetables, and substitute chicken for turkey if preferred.
Serve this comforting casserole with crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner that makes leftovers shine.
Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
This Smoked Spatchcock Turkey is the ultimate way to elevate your Thanksgiving feast.
To start, prepare a brine with salt, brown sugar, vegetable stock, and warm spices like peppercorns, ginger, and allspice.
Submerge the turkey in the cooled brine for 12-24 hours, then rinse and spatchcock it by removing the backbone and flattening the bird.
Rub it generously with a mix of garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper.
Smoke the turkey at 275°F until the thickest part of the breast reaches 158°F, ensuring perfectly cooked meat every time. Let it rest under foil for 20-30 minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
Pair this smoky masterpiece with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttery dinner rolls.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Warm, creamy, and hearty, Turkey Noodle Soup is a perfect way to repurpose leftover turkey into a wholesome, all-in-one meal.
With tender egg noodles, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of fresh herbs, this dish is an ideal pick-me-up on chilly days.
For best results, serve this soup fresh to preserve the texture of the noodles. Planning leftovers? Hold off on adding noodles to the portion you’re saving—add them during reheating for perfectly tender results.
Shakshuka with Ground Turkey
Shakshuka with Ground Turkey offers a protein-packed variation of the beloved Middle Eastern dish, making it a perfect option for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Traditionally a mix of poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce, this version incorporates seasoned ground turkey, adding a satisfying richness to the recipe.
This shakshuka variation provides a flavorful, satisfying way to enjoy ground turkey in a unique and wholesome way.
Turkey Bolognese
Turkey Bolognese is a fantastic way to give your leftover turkey a delicious new life.
This dish brings the comforting flavors of traditional bolognese to your table while keeping things light and quick. Perfect for post-holiday meals or any time you crave a hearty pasta dish.
It is an all-around comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a creative use of leftovers or a speedy dinner option, this dish delivers both flavor and satisfaction.
Lemon White Bean Soup with Turkey and Greens
Lemon White Bean Soup with Turkey and Greens combines hearty white beans, tender shredded turkey, and vibrant greens in a zesty lemon broth.
This versatile soup offers a comforting warmth while remaining light and fresh—perfect for post-holiday meals or any day you crave something cozy.
The lemony broth brightens every bite, and the tender beans and greens add a wholesome heartiness.
Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated the next day, this soup is a satisfying and adaptable addition to your recipe collection.
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Instant Pot Turkey Chili is a cozy and nutritious dish perfect for winter meals, game days, or meal prepping.
Combining lean ground turkey, beans, and warming spices, this chili comes together in under 40 minutes with the help of a pressure cooker.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing ahead, this protein-packed recipe offers a hearty and satisfying option for any occasion.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet
Packed with lean protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and a hint of zesty lime, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet is ready in just 30 minutes.
Whether served for lunch or dinner, this skillet delivers bold flavors and wholesome ingredients in every bite.
Leftover Turkey Frittata
Combining fluffy whisked eggs, savory turkey, seasonal vegetables, and melty cheese, this dish is a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Serve with a dollop of cranberry sauce, a fresh salad, or leftover holiday sides for a truly satisfying meal.
Perfectly customizable and packed with flavor, this turkey frittata is your go-to recipe for making the most out of holiday leftovers.
Healthy Turkey Burgers
These healthy turkey burgers offer a lighter twist on the classic burger, packed with flavor and moisture thanks to turkey thigh mince and simple, fresh ingredients.
The recipe relies on turkey thigh mince, which is slightly fattier than turkey breast, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
They’re also great for meal prep—store uncooked patties in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze them for later use.
Customizable and straightforward, these turkey burgers are a wholesome option for those looking to enjoy burgers without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs
These Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs are a delightful combination of lean ground turkey and warm, rich spices like cumin, allspice, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
To make these meatballs, start by combining ground turkey with finely minced garlic, shallots, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, and an egg to bind the mixture.
Spices like cumin and cinnamon adds a unique depth of flavor reminiscent of traditional Lebanese cuisine.
Whether served in bowls, over greens, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Ground Turkey Taco Skillet
This Ground Turkey Taco Skillet is a simple one-pot meal bursting with taco-inspired flavors.
Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and warm spices into a quick, healthy dish ready in just 15 minutes.
Versatile and satisfying, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Turkey Lentil Soup
Turkey Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that transforms Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting bowl of goodness.
Earthy lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender turkey combine with potatoes for a satisfying meal.
To make it, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil for a fragrant base. Stir in fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes, green or brown lentils, shredded turkey, chicken broth, and a bay leaf.
Let it simmer gently until the lentils are tender, then add diced Yukon Gold potatoes for the final simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Ground Turkey and Garbanzo Bean Stuffed Peppers
These Ground Turkey and Garbanzo Bean Stuffed Peppers are a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for any occasion.
Sweet red bell peppers are filled with a savory blend of lean ground turkey, tender garbanzo beans, zucchini, kale, and fragrant herbs, then topped with creamy feta cheese.
Whether served fresh or reheated, they’re a satisfying way to enjoy bold, healthy flavors.
Turkey and White Bean Soup
This Turkey and White Bean Soup is a comforting way to repurpose leftover turkey into a light yet satisfying meal.
This brothy soup features tender turkey, creamy cannellini beans, and nutrient-rich kale, balanced with a hint of lemon for a bright, fresh finish.
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs combine the festive sweetness of cranberry sauce with savory herbs to create a delicious dish perfect for the holidays or any time of year.
These meatballs are made with ground turkey, almond flour, and a blend of dried herbs, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite every time.
These meatballs are a crowd-pleasing, protein-packed option full of flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Leftover Turkey Stir Fry
Leftover Turkey Stir Fry is an easy and versatile dish, perfect for transforming post-Thanksgiving turkey into a vibrant and satisfying meal.
This Thai-inspired recipe combines tender turkey with crisp vegetables like snow peas, carrots, and red bell peppers, all tossed in a savory, tangy stir fry sauce.
The addition of aromatics like garlic, ginger, and green onions adds depth of flavor, with the basil and a squeeze of lime brighten the dish.
Leftover Turkey and Mashed Potato Casserole
Turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a creamy, cheesy casserole with this simple recipe.
Leftover turkey and mashed potatoes come together with savory gravy and a golden cheese topping for the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a hearty side dish, this casserole is an effortless way to give holiday leftovers new life.
Ground Turkey Cabbage Soup
Ground Turkey Cabbage Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and tender cabbage in a savory broth.
Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup comes together in under 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Turkey Lentil Soup
This Turkey Lentil Soup combines ground turkey, tender lentils, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.
It’s made with a mix of onions, carrots, squash, and green peppers, seasoning with cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, and garlic powder for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Roasted red peppers, diced tomatoes, and a bay leaf are stirred in before adding tomato sauce and chicken stock.
Quick Summer Turkey Salad
When summer temperatures soar, this Summer Turkey Salad offers a light yet satisfying option.
It uses shredded turkey with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, refreshing cucumbers, sweet orange slices, and red onion, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.
I really like the orange yogurt dressing in this. It’s made with Greek yogurt, honey, balsamic vinegar, fresh orange juice, and zest. The citrusy tang complements the savory turkey and crisp veggies beautifully.
Pair with a crusty bread or enjoy as is for a wholesome, satisfying dish.