The best part of Thanksgiving leftovers is finding creative ways to use them — especially when you’re on Day 2 or 3 and ready for something that doesn’t feel like leftovers. If you’ve already made a batch of my Texas Turkey Salad, here are two fast, fresh, no-cook ways to turn it into a new meal: Turkey Salad Crostini and Turkey Salad Wraps.
Both come together in just a few minutes and use simple pantry ingredients. They’re perfect for quick lunches, snacking, entertaining, or whenever you want something easy but still satisfying.
If you haven’t made the turkey salad yet, here’s the base recipe you’ll need: Texas Turkey Salad.
⭐ 1. Turkey Salad Crostini
A bite-sized appetizer or snack that tastes way more elevated than leftovers.
These crostini are perfect when you want something quick but a little special. Toasted baguette slices get topped with turkey salad, a juicy slice of tomato, and a sprinkle of seasoning. They’re great for holiday grazing boards or a mid-afternoon snack.
You can also eat a few as a light lunch. The picture belows shows what I had for lunch when we made them earlier this week.
Ingredients
- Sliced baguette or small crusty bread
- Turkey salad (here’s my recipe!)
- Fresh tomato slices
- Black pepper
- Optional: Adobo seasoning (highly recommended!)
How to Make Turkey Salad Crostini
1. Toast the bread
Lightly toast baguette slices until crisp around the edges but still tender in the center.
2. Add turkey salad
Spread a generous spoonful of turkey salad on each slice.
3. Top with tomato
Add one slice of fresh tomato to each crostini.
4. Season and serve
Finish with cracked pepper — or a dusting of Adobo seasoning for extra depth and brightness.
Crostini Tips
- Add a small basil leaf under the tomato for a fresh twist.
- Want more crunch? Use twice-baked crostini.
- These are best eaten soon after assembling so the bread stays crisp.
⭐ 2. Turkey Salad Wraps
A quick, fresh lunch in under 10 minutes.
These wraps are one of my favorite ways to turn turkey salad into an easy handheld meal. The creamy turkey salad pairs perfectly with juicy tomatoes and crisp romaine, and wrapping everything in a soft tortilla makes it portable and lunchbox-friendly.
You can use other salads for these wraps, like Chicken Salad and Egg Salad. We make these a lot and they are really good to make before a road trip. You can wrap them in a papertowel and then in some plastic wrap, so you have an easy light lunch to eat while driving or at a rest stop.
We typically use a large burrito sized tortilla and it makes enough for a light lunch for two people. If you have smaller taco sized tortillas, just plan on one (or maybe two) wraps per person.
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas (burrito-size works best)
- ¾–1 cup turkey salad per wrap
- Sliced tomatoes
- Romaine lettuce leaves
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Optional: a sprinkle of Adobo seasoning for extra flavor
How to Make Turkey Salad Wraps
1. Spread the turkey salad
Lay a large tortilla flat on your cutting board and spread an even layer of turkey salad down the center. Leave the sides clean to make rolling easier.
2. Add tomatoes
Place sliced tomatoes on top of the salad. Sprinkle with black pepper or Adobo if you want a little extra pop.
3. Add romaine
Layer romaine leaves over the top — this adds crunch and helps the wrap hold its shape.
4. Roll it up
Fold in the sides slightly, then roll tightly from bottom to top.
5. Slice and serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the wrap in half.
Serve on its own or pair with fresh fruit (we served ours with a bowl of cantaloupe).
Wrap Tips & Variations
- Warm the tortilla for 5–10 seconds so it rolls without tearing.
- Try spinach or whole-wheat tortillas for variety.
- Add-ins: sliced avocado, cucumbers, Swiss cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Want to prep ahead? Chill the wrap for 20 minutes for cleaner slices.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Leftovers can get boring, but turkey salad makes it easy to reinvent them. Whether you roll it into a fresh wrap or pile it on toasted bread for crostini, both options are fast, flavorful, and perfect for stretching your Thanksgiving turkey into something new.
If you make either idea, I’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite!
Turkey Salad Crostini (Quick Leftover Turkey Appetizer)
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the bread:Lightly toast baguette slices until crisp around the edges.
- Add turkey salad:Spoon a generous amount of turkey salad onto each slice.
- Top with tomato:Add a slice of fresh tomato to each crostini.
- Season and serve:Finish with cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of Adobo seasoning.
Notes
- You will need turkey salad. If you need a recipe, try mine here.
- Toast the baguette twice for extra crunch.
- Add a basil leaf under each tomato slice for a fresh herbal twist.
- These are best assembled just before serving so the bread stays crisp.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Turkey Salad Wraps (Easy Leftover Turkey Lunch)
Ingredients
Method
- Spread the turkey salad:Lay a tortilla flat and spread an even layer of turkey salad across the center, leaving the edges clean.
- Add tomatoes:Layer sliced tomatoes over the turkey salad. Season with pepper or Adobo if you’d like.
- Add romaine:Place whole romaine leaves on top to add crunch and structure.
- Roll it up:Fold in the sides, then roll the tortilla tightly from bottom to top.
- Slice and serve:Use a sharp knife to cut the wrap in half. Enjoy as-is or serve with fresh fruit.
Notes
- You will need some turkey salad. You can try my recipe here.
- This also works with chicken salad or egg salad.
- Warm the tortilla 5–10 seconds for easier rolling.
- Try spinach or whole-wheat tortillas for variety.
- Add-ins: avocado, cucumbers, spicy mayo, or Swiss cheese.
- Chill 20 minutes before slicing if you want clean cut pinwheels for parties.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!If you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your holiday leftovers, try my Texas Turkey Salad — the base recipe that inspired both of these ideas. You can also take your leftover turkey in a totally different direction with our Thanksgiving Tamales, one of our favorite traditions this time of year. And if you need a great side dish to round out the table, my Homemade Green Bean Casserole remains one of the most popular recipes on the blog.