Leftover Veggie Tray Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals

Have you ever hosted a party or a holiday gathering, only to find yourself staring at a half-eaten veggie tray the next day? Don’t toss those leftover vegetables!

With a little creativity, you can transform those carrots, celery, broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes into delicious, nourishing meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a flavorful side, repurposing a veggie tray is the ultimate way to minimize waste and maximize flavor.

In this post, I’ll share my favorite leftover veggie tray recipes, all designed to help you make the most out of those leftover crunchy bites. These easy, flexible ideas will turn what might otherwise end up in the compost bin into crave-worthy dishes your family will love.

Plus, I’ll include tips on storing, prepping, and even freezing your revamped veggies. Ready to give your leftovers a new lease on life?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zero Waste: Transforming leftover veggies reduces food waste and saves money.
• Fast & Flexible: These recipes use ingredients you already have, and can be adapted for whatever’s in your fridge.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these dishes are as good for you as they are delicious.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can find something to love—just chop, cook, and season to taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy easy, healthy meals all week long.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a basic leftover veggie tray stir-fry and soup combo. Feel free to swap in any other veggies you have on hand!

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok (for stir-fry)
• Large pot or Dutch oven (for soup)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle (for serving soup)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bowl (for mixing or serving)

Instructions

1. Prep your veggies:

   Take your leftover veggie tray and chop any large pieces into bite-sized chunks. If your veggies are already cut, just check for wilted bits and discard as needed.

2. Make a quick veggie stir-fry:

   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

   Stir in the garlic, followed by your chopped veggies. Cook, stirring often, for 5-8 minutes or until veggies are just tender but still colorful.

   Drizzle with soy sauce or tamari, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Add in your cooked grains if using.

   Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

3. Turn leftovers into a cozy veggie soup:

   If you have even more leftover veggies, make a soup! In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.

   Add any remaining onion and garlic, cook until fragrant. Toss in the rest of your leftover veggies and cook for 3-4 minutes.

   Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes until all veggies are tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

   For a heartier soup, stir in some cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta right before serving.

4. Optional: Puree for a creamy soup.

   For a smooth, creamy soup, use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot to heat through.

   Adjust seasoning as desired.

5. Serve and enjoy!

   Ladle the soup into bowls, top with more fresh herbs or a swirl of olive oil, and enjoy with crusty bread or your favorite crackers.

Tips & Variations

• Roast your leftover veggies before adding to soup or stir-fry for extra flavor. Just toss with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Make veggie quesadillas or wraps:

  Layer sautéed veggies with vegan cheese in a tortilla, grill until crispy, and serve with salsa. For inspiration, check out my Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious.

• Stuff them!

  Use leftovers to stuff baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even bell peppers for a filling meal.

• Add beans or lentils to your soup for extra protein and heartiness.
• Try international flavors: Add curry powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for a twist. Or, blend into a Mediterranean-style dip by adding tahini, lemon, and garlic.

• “Don’t be afraid to get creative! Leftover veggies are the perfect canvas for new flavors and cuisines.”

• Freeze for later: Cool soup completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• More recipes for leftovers: See how else you can use up extra veggies in my Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or my Vegan Pearl Couscous Recipe for a Quick Healthy Meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition will vary based on the specific veggies and portion sizes, but here’s an approximate breakdown for a 1-cup serving of veggie stir-fry (without added grains):

*For soups, add about 20 calories and 1g protein per serving with cooked grains or beans.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty bread or homemade vegan rolls for a comforting meal. Try my Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves for a side that’s both hearty and wholesome.
• Top with seeds or nuts (like pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds) for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Add a dollop of vegan sour cream or plain yogurt to creamy soups for a tangy finish.
• Spoon stir-fried veggies over cooked grains or pasta for a fast, filling lunch.
• Serve as a side with your favorite plant-based protein, or alongside a fresh green salad.
• Make it festive: Serve your repurposed veggie creations at your next gathering, or try something new from my Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for a global twist!

Conclusion

Leftover veggie tray recipes are a true win-win: you reduce food waste, save money, and discover delicious new meals with minimal effort. Whether you stir-fry, simmer, roast, or stuff your leftover veggies, the possibilities are endless.

With just a few staple ingredients and a little imagination, you can whip up hearty soups, flavorful stir-fries, and satisfying wraps that everyone at your table will enjoy.

Remember, the best recipes are the ones you make your own. Mix and match flavors, try new seasonings, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Next time you’re faced with a pile of party leftovers, you’ll have plenty of inspiration to turn them into something truly special. If you loved these ideas, be sure to check out my other creative recipes—like Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and Vegan Pearl Couscous Recipe for a Quick Healthy Meal—for even more ways to celebrate vegetables in your kitchen.

Happy cooking!

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