Tucking into the vast choice of leftovers in the fridge is almost as much part of our Christmas indulgence as Christmas Day lunch itself.
Want to know how you can make healthy Christmas leftovers? You’ve come to the right place. If we’re not careful, that ‘special day’ indulgence becomes a week or two of calorie-laden feasting. It may feel great at the time but New Year’s Day soon looms, leaving so much work to be done on getting back into shape!
At Vavista we are all about enjoying our favourite foods: we would never discourage a turkey curry, a stuffing sandwich or a quick bubble and squeak. Moreover, we certainly wouldn’t recommend throwing food away. So here are some quick tips to improve the health of your Christmas leftover meals.
Healthy Christmas Leftovers
Turkey and Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
- Turkey leftovers
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onions
- Garlic
- Kale or spinach
- Herbs and spices
Method
Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add minced garlic and turkey. Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then simmer. Add leafy greens and season with herbs like thyme and rosemary. Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Quinoa and Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- Bell peppers
- Cooked quinoa
- Shredded turkey
- Black beans
- Corn
- Salsa
- Cumin
- Chilli powder
- Shredded cheese (optional)
Method
Mix together quinoa, turkey, black beans, corn, salsa, and spices. Cut bell peppers in half, remove seeds, and stuff with the mixture. Bake until peppers are tender. Top with cheese if desired.
Cranberry Turkey Wrap
Ingredients
- Whole-grain wraps or tortillas
- Leftover turkey
- Cranberry sauce
- Spinach
- Small amount of goat cheese (optional)
Method
Lay out a wrap, spread a thin layer of goat cheese, add turkey, spinach, and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Roll it up and slice into pinwheels.
Christmas Turkey Salad
Ingredients
- Chopped leftover turkey
- Mixed salad greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Avocado,
- Light vinaigrette dressing (mix extra virgin olive oil, lemon, dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar)
Method
Toss together all the ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with a vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Sweet Potato and Turkey Hash
Ingredients
- Diced sweet potatoes
- Leftover turkey
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Garlic
- Your choice of herbs and spices
- Fried Egg (optional)
Method
Sauté diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until tender. Add in chopped turkey, garlic, and seasonings. Cook until everything is heated through and well combined. If required, add a couple of fried eggs on top!
Festive Quinoa Salad
Ingredients
- Cooked quinoa
- Leftover roasted vegetables
- Pomegranate seeds
- Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)
- Light lemon vinaigrette
Method
Mix quinoa with vegetables, pomegranate seeds, and nuts. Drizzle with a dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
And Puddings?
Is there any way to improve the health value of those lovely, rich dessert leftovers? Well yes! Why not make up a big fresh fruit salad and then have a portion of leftover pudding with it? Now, you’re cutting down on your portion of the sugary leftovers and topping up on your fresh fruit and vitamins!
Remember to adjust these recipes based on your specific leftovers and personal preferences. Enjoy your healthy and delicious Christmas leftovers!
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