The table is spread with your best dishes, your favourite linens have been pressed into service, the glassware is sparkling, candles have been lit, family is gathered, and the conversation is lively.
Such is my ideal holiday gathering. Usually, if not always, a big turkey or a couple of large chickens are roasting in the oven. Because of the abundance of food, or perhaps some overestimating in obtaining said bird(s), there is usually lots of leftover turkey.
How to Roast a Turkey
For how to cook a great tasting turkey, follow these instructions.
The question of what to do with leftovers seems to dominate conversations of the week following the big dinner. I can help you with that, and there are no boring turkey sandwiches here! Sure, some leftover meat can be reheated in gravy and served with leftover mashed potatoes fried in butter. That's great comfort food for me. However, these salads are more interesting and are ideal for serving to guests.
First things first. Refrigerate that leftover meat right away. Having lots of handy containers for leftovers really simplifies the cleanup process. I like to use glass ones. Before dessert is served, get that leftover food into covered containers and into the fridge.
PIN FOR LATER
How Long is Leftover Turkey Good for in the Fridge?
As long as you have gotten your leftover turkey meat sealed away into the fridge as soon as the meal is finished, it should be fine there for 3 or 4 days.
Enjoy your dessert, maybe go for a walk, and relax for the rest of the day.
Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey?
If your meat is sealed in an airtight container, you certainly can freeze it for 2 to 3 months. It can be safe longer than that, but it will decline in quality the longer it is kept.
For the days that follow your big meal, depending on how much turkey is leftover, here are some ideas for more delicious meals.
Healthy Leftover Turkey Recipes
These recipes used cooked chicken or cooked turkey interchangeably.
Get more turkey information from Canadian Turkey.
Bonus Recipes
Enjoy your holiday and the leftovers!
Daniela says
Ah nothing like using up all the leftovers! I like that you provided all these variations! Sounds delicious!
Cathy says
They are recipes that I love to make often! Thanks for stopping by, Daniela.
jenna urben says
These all look awesome! Love the one with the avocado 🙂 Looks so nourishing, great way to use up leftovers.
Cathy says
Thank you, Jenna! Perfectly ripened avocado is always good, isn't it!
Renee D Kohley says
Ooo I just picked up mangos on sale today at the grocery store! I know which one I"m making!
Cathy says
Enjoy!
Hope says
These all look so tasty Cathy! Love the festive cranberry salad!
Cathy says
Thanks, Hope! It's a very easy one to put together.
Megan Stevens says
Aw, lovely variety and inspiration here!! Thanks! We love turkey, but these themes are so helpful.
Cathy says
Thanks, Megan! I do find these recipes handy to go to often.