Best 2 After Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

As we all know, Thanksgiving is a time for plentiful food and often leads to an abundance of leftovers. Don't let all that leftover turkey, stuffing, and vegetables go to waste! With a little creativity, you can use your Thanksgiving leftovers to create delicious and satisfying salads that will help you get back on track after the big feast. From fresh and crunchy salads to warm and comforting ones, there are endless possibilities for turning your Thanksgiving leftovers into a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING SALAD

Day After Thanksgiving Salad image

I originally developed this recipe as a way to use Thanksgiving leftovers. But it's such a hit, I make it throughout the year.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon sugar
1 package (8 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens
3 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
1 small red onion, sliced
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, sliced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup chow mein noodles
3/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce
3 tablespoons seedless raspberry preserves
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add walnuts; cook until toasted, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar. Cook and stir until sugar is melted, 2-4 minutes. Spread on foil to cool. , In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, turkey, onion, pepper, tomatoes, noodles and sugared walnuts. In a blender, combine the remaining ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 calories, Fat 21g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 136mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DINNER (VIETNAMESE TURKEY AND CELLOPHANE NOODLE SALAD)

DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING DINNER (VIETNAMESE TURKEY AND CELLOPHANE NOODLE SALAD) image

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

For the dressing:
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 fresh long red chilis or jalapenos, deeded and finely diced (Note: can reserve chilis and serve separately in a bowl)
2 T finely minced ginger
1/4 C nam pla (fish sauce)
Juice of 1 lime
2 T fine white sugar
1/4 C cold water
For assembly:
2 1/2 C cold cooked turkey, shredded or cut in fine strips
6 oz. bean thread noodles
1 1/2 C pea pods or sugar snap peas
2 C fresh bean sprouts
3 scallions, finely cut crosswise
2 t peanut oil
1 t sesame oil
1/2 C finely chopped cilantro

Steps:

Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Mix well and refrigertae until needed, up to 1 week. In a bowl, combine turkey with 1/2 C of dressing; mix well. Boil 2 pots of water. Place noodles in heatproof bowl and cover with one pot of water. Allow to sit until rehydrated, about 10 min. Combine peas and sprouts in a colander; pour second pot of water over them, then rinse with cold water until chilled and drain again. Drain noodles; rinse in cold water until chilled, then drain again. In a large bowl, layer noodles,turkey, scallions, peas and sprouts. Add oils and rest of dressing. Toss gently. Arrange on a large platter and top with cilantro.

Tips:

Utilize leftover roasted chicken, turkey, and fresh cranberries.
Try adding crumbled bacon or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
Use a variety of greens and vegetables to create a colorful and nutritious salad.
Feel free to add other leftover items like stuffing, sweet potato, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Experiment with different dressings, such as a simple vinaigrette, creamy ranch, or tangy honey mustard.

Conclusion:

After Thanksgiving, don't let the delicious leftovers go to waste. Transform them into a flavorful and satisfying salad that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck. With a few simple ingredients and some creative thinking, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for using up all those Thanksgiving leftovers.