Turkey Salad Recipe

A delightful way to use up your leftover turkey from the holidays, this classic turkey salad recipe is a winner. Blending the hearty flavor of turkey with the freshness of celery, the tartness of cranberries, and the crunch of pecans, it delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is both nourishing and delicious.

Photos of Turkey Salad Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonplace and likely already in your kitchen, especially if you've just had a holiday dinner. However, if you don't have any leftover turkey, you can easily find turkey breast in the supermarket. Fresh cranberries may be a bit harder to find outside the holiday season, but dried cranberries are a fine substitute and are widely available.

Classic Turkey Salad Ingredients

Turkey: The star ingredient of this salad. If you don't have leftover turkey, you can roast some turkey breast.

Celery: Adds a nice crunch and a fresh flavor to the salad.

Cranberries: These provide a tart contrast to the other ingredients. If fresh cranberries aren't available, dried ones can be used instead.

Green onions: Their mild flavor works well with the other ingredients.

Pecans: These add a bit of crunch and a touch of sweetness.

Mayonnaise: Binds all the ingredients together. Choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.

Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tanginess to the salad.

Salt and pepper: Used to season the salad to your liking.

One reader, Cynthy Dover says:

This classic turkey salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender turkey, crunchy celery, and sweet cranberries is simply delightful. The addition of pecans gives it a nice crunch, and the creamy mayo and Dijon mustard dressing tie it all together perfectly. It's a must-try for any turkey lover!

Cynthy Dover

Key Techniques for Making Classic Turkey Salad

How to mix the ingredients: Combine the leftover turkey, celery, cranberries, green onions, pecans, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

How to refrigerate before serving: After mixing the ingredients, refrigerate the turkey salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.

How to serve as a sandwich or over salad: The turkey salad can be served as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping over a bed of fresh salad greens. Both options provide delicious ways to enjoy this classic turkey salad.

How To Make Turkey Salad

Normally, there will always be leftovers from the Thanksgiving dinner. Try making this turkey salad recipe the day after for lunch or a quick dinner.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

for chilling Time: 30 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupsleftover turkeydiced
1stalkcelerychopped
½ cupcranberriesdried
2green onionsor red onion, diced
¼ cuppecanschopped, optional
½cupmayonnaise
1tspdijon mustard
salt and pepperseasoned, to taste

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Serve as a sandwich or over salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 2442.04kcal
Fat: 253.34g
Saturated Fat: 33.75g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 86.32g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 129.25g
Carbohydrates: 29.17g
Fiber: 15.37g
Sugar: 8.75g
Protein: 25.07g
Cholesterol: 140.49mg
Sodium: 1436.79mg
Calcium: 103.01mg
Potassium: 725.88mg
Iron: 3.69mg
Vitamin A: 24.61µg
Vitamin C: 17.44mg

Essential Technique for Perfectly Mixing Turkey Salad

When chopping the celery and green onions, make sure to cut them into small, even pieces. This will not only ensure that every bite of your turkey salad has a bit of crunch, but it will also help the flavors to meld together more effectively. Additionally, when adding the mayonnaise and dijon mustard, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to taste. This way, you can control the creaminess and tanginess of your salad to your liking.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Turkey Salad

Prep ahead: Cook the turkey and chop the vegetables the day before to save time on the day of making the salad.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the turkey, celery, cranberries, and green onions for a faster prep time.

Multi-task: While the salad is chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to prepare other dishes or set the table for a more efficient meal preparation.

Buy pre-chopped ingredients: Consider purchasing pre-chopped celery and pecans to cut down on prep time and make the recipe even quicker.

Make a double batch: Make a larger quantity of the turkey salad and store the extra in the refrigerator for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Turkey Salad Recipe

leftover turkey - Substitute with chicken: Chicken can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to turkey in this salad.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that can add a unique twist to the salad.
cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a sweet and tart flavor similar to cranberries and add a delightful chewy texture to the salad.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, similar to green onions, but with a more delicate taste.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can replace pecans, offering a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the salad.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, serving as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor with the added texture of whole mustard seeds, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

How to Beautifully Present Your Turkey Salad

Elevate the turkey salad with a unique plating: Present the turkey salad in a visually appealing manner, using edible flowers and microgreens to add color and texture to the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a textural contrast by serving the turkey salad on a bed of crispy lettuce or endive leaves, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Serve the turkey salad in a sophisticated manner, using chic ceramic plates or artisanal wooden platters to enhance the presentation and elevate the dining experience.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of finesse by garnishing the turkey salad with toasted almond slivers and a drizzle of balsamic reduction, creating a visually stunning and flavorful dish.
Create a visually appealing color palette: Incorporate vibrant ingredients such as ruby-red cranberries and emerald-green celery to create a visually striking and appetizing color scheme on the plate.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the turkey salad is meticulously arranged with meticulous attention to detail and symmetrical precision.
Consider the plate as a canvas: Treat the plate as a canvas, using negative space to highlight the turkey salad and incorporating artistic elements such as swirls of sauce or delicate herb sprigs to enhance the overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making a Delicious Turkey Salad

Cutting board: Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: Essential for cutting and slicing the turkey, celery, and green onions.
Mixing bowl: To combine the turkey, celery, cranberries, green onions, pecans, mayonnaise, and mustard.
Spatula: Helps in mixing and scraping the ingredients from the bowl.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the salad before serving.

Storing and Freezing Your Classic Turkey Salad

Storing: place the turkey salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
Freezing: while it's not recommended to freeze turkey salad due to the mayonnaise content, which can separate and become watery when thawed, you can freeze the leftover turkey separately for up to 2-3 months. When ready to make the salad, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight and then mix it with the fresh ingredients for the best texture and flavor.
If you want to make the turkey salad ahead of time for a future meal, you can prepare the ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator. Mix the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in one container, and store the chopped celery, green onions, cranberries, and pecans in another. When ready to serve, mix the ingredients together with the leftover turkey for a fresh and flavorful salad.
To keep the pecans crisp and crunchy, store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature and add them to the salad just before serving.

Interesting Facts About Turkey Salad

Turkey salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It is a great way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals and can be served as a sandwich filling or over a bed of greens for a light and refreshing meal. The addition of cranberries and pecans adds a delightful sweetness and crunch to the salad, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish. Additionally, turkey is a good source of protein and essential nutrients, making this salad a healthy and delicious option for any occasion.

Is Making Turkey Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this turkey salad recipe is quite high, as it utilizes leftover turkey and common pantry ingredients. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering its simplicity and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal.

Is Classic Turkey Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The classic turkey salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Turkey is a lean meat, providing essential amino acids without excessive saturated fat. Celery and green onions add crunch and flavor while being low in calories and rich in vitamins. Cranberries offer antioxidants and a burst of tartness, while pecans provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. However, the recipe's healthiness is somewhat compromised by the high amount of mayonnaise, which is high in calories and saturated fat.

To make this recipe even healthier:

Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or replace it with a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt or avocado mayo
Increase the proportion of vegetables, such as adding diced apples or carrots for extra fiber and nutrients
Opt for whole grain bread or lettuce wraps instead of white bread for sandwiches
Toast the pecans to enhance their flavor, allowing you to use less while still enjoying their crunch and taste
Consider adding herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor without additional calories

Editor's Opinion on This Classic Turkey Salad Recipe

This classic turkey salad recipe is a delightful way to use up leftover turkey. The combination of tender turkey, crunchy celery, sweet cranberries, and nutty pecans creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of green onions adds a subtle sharpness, while the creamy mayonnaise and tangy Dijon mustard bring everything together. This versatile salad can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling or served over a bed of fresh greens. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

Enhance Your Turkey Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.

Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad with a mix of juicy strawberries, sweet pineapple, and tangy kiwi, drizzled with a honey-lime dressing.

Delicious Alternatives to Classic Turkey Salad

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal. With a mix of sweet and tangy fruits, it's the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in this rich and creamy chicken alfredo pasta dish. With tender pieces of chicken and a velvety alfredo sauce, it's a decadent meal that will satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

Zesty Lemon Bars: These zesty lemon bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. With a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lemon filling, they're the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Turkey Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any gathering. Filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, they are sure to be a hit with your guests.

Caprese Skewers: These colorful and flavorful caprese skewers are a refreshing appetizer option. With juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, they are a delightful way to start any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crunchy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Turkey Salad Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic turkey salad, combining the succulent flavors of leftover turkey with the refreshing crunch of celery and the sweet burst of cranberries. The addition of green onions and pecans provides a delightful depth of flavor and texture. The creamy blend of mayonnaise and dijon mustard brings everything together, creating a harmonious balance of savory and tangy notes. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Turkey Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How long can I store the turkey salad in the refrigerator?

You can store the turkey salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a different dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light vinaigrette for a healthier option. It will give the salad a tangy and creamy flavor.

What can I use instead of pecans if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunchy texture without the nuts.

Can I add other ingredients to the turkey salad?

Absolutely! You can customize the turkey salad by adding diced apples, grapes, or even a dash of curry powder for a unique twist.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is not suitable for vegetarians as it contains leftover turkey. However, you can easily modify it by using a plant-based protein alternative such as chickpeas or tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly.