Creative Ways to Use Leftovers in Meal Planning

Leftovers can often feel like a chore, but they can also be a treasure trove of culinary possibilities! By getting a little creative with your meal planning, you can turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s flavorful delight. Here are three diverse examples of creative ways to use leftovers in meal planning.

1. Savory Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start it than with a hearty breakfast burrito? If you have leftover proteins such as chicken or beef, or even veggies like bell peppers and onions from last night’s dinner, they can easily be transformed into a delicious breakfast treat.

Start by scrambling a few eggs in a pan and adding in your leftover meat and veggies. Warm up a tortilla, fill it with the egg mixture, and sprinkle some cheese on top. Roll it up tightly, and you’ve got yourself a filling breakfast burrito! You can also add salsa or avocado for a fresh twist.

Notes:

• For vegetarian burritos, use leftover beans or roasted vegetables.
• These burritos freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time for quick breakfast options throughout the week.

2. Creative Soup from Last Night’s Roast

If you had a roast chicken for dinner, don’t throw away those leftover bones! Instead, you can make a hearty soup that will warm your soul. Start by placing the bones in a large pot, cover them with water, and add some chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let this simmer for a few hours to create a flavorful broth.

Once the broth is ready, strain it to remove the bones and veggies. Add in any leftover chicken meat, some fresh or frozen vegetables, and herbs like thyme or parsley. Let it cook until everything is tender, and you have a delicious soup ready to enjoy! You can serve it with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes:

• Feel free to add any leftover grains, like rice or quinoa, to make the soup heartier.
• This method can work with any type of roast, so get creative!

3. Pasta Salad with a Twist

Did you have pasta for dinner but find there’s still some left over? Instead of reheating it the same way, why not turn it into a refreshing pasta salad? Begin by letting your leftover pasta cool down. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with your favorite chopped veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

To give it an extra kick, add some olives, feta cheese, and a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together, and you have a vibrant and delicious pasta salad! This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner.

Notes:

• You can also add protein like leftover grilled chicken or beans to make it more filling.
• Experiment with different dressings to keep things exciting!

Using these examples of creative ways to use leftovers in meal planning not only helps you save time and reduce food waste, but it also adds variety and excitement to your meals. Happy cooking!