Creative ways to use up leftovers

Transform your yesterday’s leftovers into a culinary adventure with the help of Fresh Express®!

By pairing your leftovers—whether it’s the last of the grilled chicken, a handful of cherry tomatoes, or that half-empty can of chickpeas—with our crisp salad greens or ready-to-use salad kits, you can create not just a meal, but a masterful mix of flavors and textures.

Use our salads as the foundation for countless recipe possibilities, allowing you to customize and reimagine your leftovers into mouthwatering bowls of healthful delights. Here are some tips to get started:

Proteins: Leftover grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, tofu, or even beans can be added to a salad to make it more substantial and satisfying. Simply slice or shred the protein and toss it with your salad greens or your favorite Fresh Express® Salad Kit.

Vegetables: Any leftover roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower can be chopped and added to a salad for extra flavor and texture. You can also toss in leftover steamed or sautéed veggies.

Grains: Leftover cooked grains such as quinoa, rice, couscous, or pasta can bulk up your salad and add a hearty element. Make sure to let them cool before adding them to the salad to prevent wilting of greens.

Cheese: If you have leftover cheese, such as feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar, crumble or sprinkle it over your salad for a creamy and flavorful addition.

Dressing: Use leftover sauces or dressings as a base for your salad dressing. You can mix them with a bit of olive oil, vinegar, or citrus juice to create a delicious dressing. Check our recipes for some tasty dressing ideas here.

Fresh Herbs: If you have leftover fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint, chop them up and sprinkle them over your salad for added freshness and flavor.

Nuts and Seeds: Leftover nuts or seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can be toasted and sprinkled on top of your salad for crunch and extra nutrients.

Fruits: Leftover fruits like berries, apple slices, or citrus segments can add a touch of sweetness to your salad. They pair well with savory ingredients and add a burst of flavor.

Leftover Salad: If you have leftover salad from a previous meal, you can repurpose it by adding fresh ingredients or incorporating it into a new salad with different flavors and textures.

Experiment: Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of leftovers to create a unique and delicious salad that suits your taste preferences.

Need some help? Explore our mouthwatering recipes below and dive into our Recipes page for even more culinary delights. And don’t forget to be creative by substituting missing ingredients with what you have on hand!

LEFTOVER MAKEOVER INSPIRATION

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND POTATO SPINACH SALAD

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SMOKEHOUSE SUCCOTASH SALAD

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TURKEY MEATLOAF
SALAD

GET THE RECIPE

PESTO PASTA SALAD

GET THE RECIPE

GRILLED PANZANELLA SALAD

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TURKEY BACON CAESAR WRAP

GET THE RECIPE

ITALIAN ANTIPASTO CAESAR SALAD

GET THE RECIPE

BACON THOUSAND ISLAND BURGER PIZZA

GET THE RECIPE

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a health enthusiast, or simply a salad lover looking for a fresh adventure, your next great meal is just a salad bag away!