Fresh Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving Day offers plenty of delicious dishes from turkey with all the fixings to creamy mashed potatoes. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas to reinvent your leftovers, try one of these recipes. They’re simple, delicious and take little time to prepare.

Turkey and Black Bean Quesadillas

• 1 – 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 3/4 cup prepared salsa, divided
• 4 – 8 inch whole wheat tortillas
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 ripe avocado, optional

Combine, beans, turkey, cheese and ½ cup of salsa in a medium bowl. Fill each tortilla with approximately ½ cup of filling on one side. Fold tortilla in half and press gently lightly to flatten.
Heat 1 tsp of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add two folded quesadillas and cook turning once, until golden on both side, 2-4 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and quesadillas. Serve with remaining salsa and avocado, if desired.

Turkey and Mashed Potato Soup

• 2 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced thin
• 4 cups of chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups of mashed potatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup of cooked peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan heat olive oil. Add onion and sliced carrots and sauté until onions are translucent and carrots are tender, about 6 minutes. Add broth, mashed potatoes and thyme, stirring until combined and smooth. Add turkey and peas and continue cooking over medium heat until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

Turkey Salsa Soup

• 16 ounces of mild chunky salsa of your choice
• 2 cups of cooked turkey, chopped
• 2 – 15 ounces cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups of frozen corn
• 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Combine all the ingredients in a medium sauce pan and place on stove. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, if using.