By the time the big meal wraps up, the last thing you’ll want tomorrow is more turkey and stuffing. These recipes will save you from a fridge full of leftovers and give your taste buds something completely different. With bold flavors and quick prep times, these meals keep things fresh and easy without a hint of gravy in sight.
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
These spicy shrimp tostadas are crunchy, loaded with flavor, and drizzled with a jalapeño avocado sauce. They’re light, quick, and completely different from holiday leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Shrimp Lo Mein
Shrimp lo mein brings takeout vibes to your kitchen in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp, veggies, and noodles in a savory sauce—simple, satisfying, and no turkey in sight.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
A creamy, cheesy spaghetti Alfredo that swaps out the usual heaviness for a lightened-up version. Toss in some broccoli, and you’ve got a perfect dish that’s nothing like your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Alfredo with Broccoli
Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
A quick 20-minute stir fry with pork, ramen noodles, and a mix of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s fast, filling, and just the thing when you need a change from holiday food.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Pork Ramen Stir Fry
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
A cheesy ground beef casserole with tomatoes, peppers, and black beans that’s ready in 40 minutes. Great for feeding the family without feeling like you’re stuck in Thanksgiving mode.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
General Tso Shrimp
General Tso shrimp is a quick one-skillet recipe with a sweet and sticky sauce. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s perfect for when you want bold flavors without waiting on takeout.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp
Cod Piccata
This seafood take on piccata features tender cod in a tangy sauce with capers and lemon. Light, easy, and just what you need after days of heavy feasting.
Get the Recipe: Cod Piccata
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Steak and shrimp fajitas are a fast, one-pan dinner ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for when you’re done with turkey and stuffing and need something bold and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Rigatoni tossed in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce with parmesan and spinach. This quick, meatless dinner is ready in under 30 minutes and feels like a total break from holiday leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Tofu Fried Rice
Tofu fried rice is a quick, easy dinner that helps you use up any veggies you have on hand. It’s flavorful, fast, and perfect when you’re ready for something lighter and fresher.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Chicken-stuffed poblano peppers are packed with cheese, black beans, and bold Mexican spices. A great way to shake up your weeknight dinner routine without any Thanksgiving déjà vu.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Chicken Saag
This chicken saag combines tender chicken and spinach in a flavorful curry. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to bring bold, fresh flavors to the table after Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag
Greek Brown Rice Bowls
These bowls mix brown rice with gyro-style lamb, pickled onions, cucumbers, and feta. They’re light, fresh, and a perfect reset from the heavy dishes of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Greek Brown Rice Bowls
Maple Miso Chicken
Maple miso chicken is coated in a sweet and savory glaze with garlic, ginger, and shallots. It bakes up golden and sticky, making it a simple yet flavorful dinner that’s far from holiday leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken
Ground Beef Stir Fry
This stir fry uses ground beef, fresh veggies, and a garlic ginger sauce. Ready in one pan and quicker than takeout, it’s a great way to reset after the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
