The very symbol of Thanksgiving, turkey deserves a place at the table year-round. Turkey breast packs more protein than chicken breast or trimmed top-loin beefsteak. It also contains selenium, which research suggests may help prevent certain cancers, heart disease, and male infertility. And its vitamin B3 and B6 content helps the body convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy. Try it in the traditional roast, or slice up the leftovers to use in satisfying sandwiches. Or try it ground in chili or meatballs, or ready-made into smoked turkey for plenty of flavor without much fat.

This holiday classic tastes gets its fresh flavor from fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme placed under the skin before cooking. Adding apple cider to the pan makes the bird moist and flavorful.

You'll love eating your leftovers in this hearty soup. The addition of white beans brings even more protein, while kale adds fiber and minerals.

This one-pot dish is warm and hearty comfort food, with plenty of vitamin C and omega-3s from the kidney beans, and less fat than chili made with the standard beef chuck.

This version of traditional spaghetti and meatballs has less fat, because the meatballs are made of turkey rather than beef, and fewer carbs, because spaghetti squash takes the place of the noodles.

Roast your own turkey breast, or choose a low-sodium, natural variety at your deli counter, to make this take on a classic, made healthy with the addition of arugula and broccoli sprouts. Serve it beside a bowl of soup for a satisfying dinner.

This definitive comfort food gets a bit of virtue by using lean ground turkey instead of ground beef. Carrots and peas add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the yogurt stirred into the mashed potato and parsnip topping brings calcium.

Taco salad has a reputation for being high in fat and calories, but this rethink improves the score on both fronts. Ground turkey takes the place of beef, while nonfat yogurt mixed with lime juice, jalapeno, and cilantro makes a creamy dressing. Toast your own corn tortilla wedges to use instead of oily chips.

Who said cranberries were the only fruit that goes with turkey? In this summery take of the Thanksgiving leftover standard, cherries bring a bit of sweet freshness to smoked turkey. Try it for a light dinner when the weather is too warm for cooking.

While hash is usually served for breakfast, this mix of veggies and ground meat (in this case, turkey instead of beef) topped with an egg makes a light and easy dinner.

This turkey-meatball version of Italian wedding soup is so hearty, it calls for eating with a fork as well as a spoon.

Make your own cheese spread mixed with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs to assemble this hearty, healthy recipe that hits the spot on warm evenings.

The Greek classic is traditionally made of lamb and creamy bechamel sauce. This redo uses low-fat turkey and yogurt instead.

A citrus-infused broth complements the mild turkey meatballs in this update of a favorite. Look for Jerusalem artichoke spaghetti in the pasta section of your grocery store or at a health-food store.