Creative Leftovers from an Easter Turkey Feast

Easter long weekend is a treasured time because the sun is peaking out, the flowers are in full bloom, and our bellies are full and heart’s warm after spending some quality time with those who matter most around a delicious turkey meal. That’s what our current campaign, #AConsciousTable, is all about!

But in the days after the big Easter feast, you might be wondering what to do with your turkey leftovers! Perhaps you’re looking to stretch that bird out this week, or you’ve frozen half to keep for delicious, nutritious meals later this spring.

Either way you’re in need of cost effective recipes to turn all that tasty protein into creative leftovers. So don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Whether it’s lunch ideas, global flavours, or meal prep for a busy week ahead, here are some great ways to turn a whole turkey into creative leftovers!

LEFTOVER TURKEY LUNCH IDEAS

It’s a no-brainer when you’ve got Easter leftovers to turn that turkey into a tasty sandwich for lunch, especially since the protein is lean. It’s recommended that folks aim for about 20 to 30 grams of protein at each meal, and thankfully turkey contains 30 grams per 100-gram serving—easily hitting that required amount.

Lots of good protein also adds to satiety: the feeling of fullness that helps control your appetite and balance your cravings. Win-win, in our opinion!

And your lunchtime routine doesn’t have to be boring. With just a couple of creative recipes you can really stretch those leftovers into delicious meals that keep you fueled throughout the week. It’s cost effective and satisfying, and a great way to bring some flavour to your lunches.

GLOBAL FLAVOURS WITH TURKEY LEFTOVERS

We often hear the misconception that turkey doesn’t have much flavour, or that it doesn’t go with a lot of different cuisines. So we’re going to bust that myth!

Turkey contains a neutral flavour profile, meaning it won’t clash with different herbs and spices the way other proteins can. You can add some heat with jalapenos or other hot peppers, or make it savoury with turmeric and paprika—whatever international culinary trend you want, turkey works.

Just because you had a classic Easter dinner doesn’t mean you can’t turn those leftovers into ethnic cuisine! Our personal favourite? A tangy soup! It’s a comfort meal and a great way to stretch that whole bird across more meals, especially if you use the bones for the broth! It’s one of the best ways to use up the whole turkey.

MEAL PREP WITH TURKEY LEFTOVERS

Lastly, what better way to use up a whole bird than to meal prep for the rest of the week? We get it—you’re busy. Maybe you’re a young family and have quite the go-go-go with after school activities, or just a young entrepreneur spinning a few different plates in the air each day. Or, perhaps you’re not the biggest fan of cooking and want to spend an entire Sunday getting that chore out of the way! Whatever it is, we’ve got you covered.

One of the best things about packing all your leftover turkey into meal prep is how much it spreads that big cost across multiple meals. Buying a whole bird can cost a pretty penny, but this way you’re putting all of it to good use throughout the week with highly nutritious meals.

Turkey is loaded with iron, vitamin B12, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and more! It’s a powerhouse protein with all the essential micronutrients you could want. And if you pair it with an even healthier meal prep recipe, then you’ve got the right fuel to keep you moving throughout the rest of April.

No matter what recipe you make, creative leftovers are an ideal way to put that initial purchase to good use throughout plenty of delicious meals. A whole bird can be pricy, but this way you’re feeding yourself—and your family—multiple creative leftover meals throughout the rest of the month.

And at this time of year you can find almost everything you need from local farmers, keeping your kitchen stocked with BC produce! What better way to set #AConsciousTable?