Have leftovers from the holidays that you don’t know what to do with? Why not transform them into something delicious, and healthy? Taking what you have and mixing it with different ingredients is a great way to not waste food. Plus when you check out what we’ve got “cooking” (and that you soon will too J ) you’ll give your entire family an extra energy boost!

This holiday inspired “chicken salad” can be made with chicken or meat, whatever you have leftover!

NOTE: We like to add larger amounts of the veggies listed below (celery, onion, and green pepper) which thins out the calories for each serving and adds in fiber and nutrients. However, if you have picky eaters in the house, you may prefer to leave the recipe as is for your first try.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of cooked, cubed meat (ideally chicken breast or another lean meat or protein, or whatever else!)
• ½ cup of low fat mayo
• 1 tsp of paprika
• 1 ½ cups of cranberries, dried
• 1 cup of celery, chopped
• 1 green onion, chopped
• ½ cup of green bell pepper, minced
• ½ cup of pecans, chopped
• black ground pepper, to taste

Mix together the mayo and paprika in a medium size bowl. Add in the cranberries, celery, pepper, onion and nuts. Finally add in the chopped meat and mix well! Top with black pepper and enjoy those leftovers (1/4 cup per serving) in a new light!

What healthy, energizing recipes do you make with your holiday leftovers?

Adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/holiday-chicken-salad/detail.aspx