Turkey Salad: The Best Use of Turkey Leftovers
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Turkey Salad is a delightful way to repurpose leftover turkey from your holiday meals. With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. The combination of diced turkey, crunchy celery, and green onions creates a refreshing base, while the creamy dressing adds richness and flavor.
The addition of dried cranberries brings a touch of sweetness that complements the savory turkey beautifully. If you’re looking to add some crunch, chopped pecans or your favorite nuts can be mixed in for extra texture. This salad is versatile; you can enjoy it on its own or as a filling for sandwiches, making it a great option for meal prep.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to swap in any leftover herbs or veggies you have on hand, making it a true fridge clean-out dish. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or just for yourself, this Turkey Salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying ingredients.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Dice up the cooked turkey into small bite-sized pieces.
Tip: Chop turkey pieces smaller for easier spreading in sandwiches.
Slice two ribs of celery lengthwise and then across for a small dice.
Slice up three green onions, using both the green and white portions.
Roughly chop two tablespoons of parsley and one tablespoon of dill.
Tip: Feel free to use other tender herbs like tarragon or cilantro.
Juice one lemon for the dressing.
Tip: Measure lemon juice to avoid an overly lemony or runny dressing.
Add diced turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, celery, parsley, dill, and lemon juice to a large mixing bowl.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined and creamy.
Serve a portion in a bowl and enjoy with a fork.
Transfer salad to a prettier bowl for serving.
Top with extra chopped nuts, herbs, and cracked black pepper for presentation.
Tip: This salad lasts up to five days in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
Tip: Get creative with different combinations of ingredients for new salad recipes.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Greek Yogurt
Ingredient: Nuts
→ Substitution: Sunflower Seeds
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Using leftover turkey in salads is a great way to reduce food waste after the holidays.
- •Diced celery adds a satisfying crunch and freshness to the salad.
- •Dried cranberries provide a sweet contrast to the savory turkey and creamy dressing.
- •This salad can be made in under 15 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
