Related story: No bull, just facts about the turkey

Related story: Time to break out those holiday recipes

On Thanksgiving, a large roasted turkey may seem like the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. But along with this tradition comes another: looking into the fridge the day after and desperately trying to find a way to use said turkey. Never fear, though, here are 5 interesting ways to remix those leftovers.

The day-after sandwich is a classic use of sliced holiday turkey; below are two recipes that change up the formula.

Turkey-Basil Chicken Salad Sandwich

In this recipe, a simple chicken salad substitutes chicken for turkey and adds basil and lemon to give the sandwich a lighter flavor. 

• 1 ½ cups chopped cooked turkey
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 tsp cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Bread of your choice
• 1 juiced lemon

Instructions: Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Lemon Basil Chicken Salad

Turkey Club Sandwich Kebab

Like a normal turkey club… on a stick!

• Sliced turkey
• Cooked bacon
• Colby Jack, cut into squares
• Sliced bread, cut into squares
• Sliced avocado
• Cherry tomatoes
• Lettuce
  

Instructions: Lunch Kebabs

Below are three more dishes to create a heavier meal.

Turkey Soup

This recipe utilizes scraps from the turkey to make a hardy broth.

• Cooked turkey
• 3 quarts (12 cups) of water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning or dried sage leaves
• 1 dried bay leaf
• ½ cup uncooked pearl barley
• 3 medium carrots, sliced (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 medium stalks of celery, sliced (1 cup)
• 3 cups cut-up cooked turkey
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired
  

Instructions: Homemade Turkey Soup

Turkey Pho

This recipe fully reimagines the use of turkey to create a refreshingly unique meal.

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 whole star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Make the turkey pho
• 1-quart homemade turkey stock 
• 1 bunch of green onions (green top parts only) chopped
• 1/3-inch chunk of ginger, sliced and smashed with the side of the knife
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1/2 pound leftover turkey breast, shredded
• 1 bunch (approx. 2 oz.) cellophane/bean thread noodles
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped- for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (white parts only), minced- for garnish (optional)
• 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 dash of Sriracha chili sauce to taste
• Lettuce
  

Instructions: Turkey Pho

Turkey Pot Pie

This is a classic, comforting meal that can be proportioned to any amount of leftovers.

• 2 cups peas and carrots mix
• 2 cups chopped green beans
• 1 cup sliced celery
• ⅔ cup butter
• ⅔ cup diced onion
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 1 ⅓ cups milk
• 4 cups cubed leftover cooked turkey
• 2 (14.1 ounces) packages of pastry for a 9-inch double-crust pie

Instructions: Dad’s Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Whether any of these recipes are replicated, or it’s Thanksgiving leftover dinner for a week, have a wonderful break!