6 quick ways to use your leftover Christmas turkey and ham

Christmas, especially Christmas Day, is all about the eating and with all that food comes a fridge full of leftovers. If the thought of another ham sandwich turns your stomach, fear not. We’ve rounded up the best quick ways to use your leftover Christmas turkey and ham for happy tummies all around.

Not only does using your leftovers save money, it’s also a great way to get creative in the kitchen and create something delicious and nutritious, ideal if you’re part of the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. 

The key to enjoying your leftovers is finding recipes that re-use them in a slightly different way to how you ate them the first time around. When you do this, it feels like a whole new meal, not just a re-hashed Christmas Day!

6 quick ways to use your leftover Christmas turkey and ham

1. Ham and Pea Pasta

Super quick and easy, this delish Ham And Pea Pasta is ideal for using up any leftover meat you have in the house including ham, chicken, turkey and even pork.

Ingredients (makes 4 serves)

• 2 cups cooked pasta (200 grams)
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed (6 grams)
• 3 tbsp olive oil (45 mls)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (30 mls)
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (30 grams)
• 1 cup frozen peas (16o grams)
• 1 cup diced ham (200 grams)
• 1 courgette, finely chopped (110 grams)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan (72 grams)
• Salt and pepper to season

Method

1. Cook the pasta as per the instructions.
2. In a pan, sauté the garlic with the tablespoon of oil.
3. Add in the peas and let them re-thermalise and cook off a little moisture.
4. Add the courgette, ham, lemon juice, zest and parsley.
5. When warmed through, stir the ingredients through the cooked pasta.
6. Dish out the pasta and lightly dress it with some olive oil and some lightly grated Parmesan.

370 calories per serve

2. Turkey Burrito Bowl

These Turkey Burrito Bowls are the perfect way to use up leftover turkey meat. They also make a great, portable lunch for when you’re back at work.

Check out the recipe HERE

3. Easy Turkey Enchiladas 

Another quick and easy favourite with a healthy twist! Mexican inspired dishes are a great way to use up leftovers. For a fresh take on an enchilada, give the following a go.

Ingredients (makes 1 wrap)

• Wholemeal tortillas
• Strips of leftover turkey. You can either leave them cold or heat them up in a frypan with some garlic and onion for a warm wrap.
• Canned corn and canned beans
• Leftover salads and/or roast veggies
• Natural yogurt, mashed avocado, leftover cranberry sauce and whatever other condiments you enjoy

Method:

• Simply lay out your tortilla and stuff with your chosen ingredients. Try and include plenty of fresh or roast veggies for a well balanced and delicious meal. Calories will be dependant on your chosen ingredients.

4. Easy Courgette and Ham Muffins

The perfect easy lunch or light dinner. These Easy Courgette Muffins are a fantastic way to use up any leftover ham you have in the fridge. They’re also the perfect ‘pantry’ meal as they use ingredients that most of us already have in our pantry meaning no trip to the supermarket necessary.

Check out the recipe HERE

5. Healthy Corn Fritters

Quick, nutritious and kid friendly, these tasty Healthy Corn Fritters are the ideal way to use up leftover ham or turkey. With spinach, corn, cheese and your chosen meat, you can have these fritters on the table in a flash.

Ingredients (makes 4 serves)

• 1 ½ cups wholemeal self raising flour (180 grams)
• 1 ½ cups milk (375 mls)
• 1 egg (50 grams)
• 1 tsp baking powder (5 grams)
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach, defrosted (50 grams)
• Olive oil spray
• 1 cup frozen corn (160 grams)
• 150g ham, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (72 grams)

Method

1. Combine flour, milk egg and baking powder and let the mixture sit for a few minutes.
2. Heat a pan and spray with oil.
3. Drop 2 tbsp mixture into the pan.
4. Sprinkle a pinch each of corn, spinach, ham and Parmesan on top.
5. Cook until bubbles form in the mixture, then flip and cook the other side for a few minutes.

6. Quiche Taco Boats

Quiche with a twist! These Easy Quiche Taco Boats are perfectly portion controlled and a great way to use up your leftovers. Ham, turkey and even pork or chicken would make the perfect addition to these kid-friendly mini quiches.

Check out the recipe HERE

Want to stay on track over the festive season?

Be sure to check out our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge is a family-friendly, breastfeeding-safe program designed FOR MUMS to help them improve their health and lose the baby weight. 

Every week you are given a different meal plan to follow and each month we add NEW recipes to our Challenge Recipe Hub. That way, you’ll never get bored and stay on weight loss track while digging into healthy, yummy recipes. The challenge is also able to be used during pregnancy.

Learn more about our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge HERE.

If you would like a sneak peek at some of the meals, snacks and exercises from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge you can download our FREE recipe packs HERE.