Turkey Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Turkey Salad is a great way to make the most of your turkey leftovers, but it’s also delicious with freshly cooked turkey. The savory, lean turkey pairs wonderfully with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the creaminess of the dressing. It’s a versatile salad, easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, and it’s light yet filling. Perfect for a quick meal, a healthy lunch, or a festive dish, this Turkey Salad is a wholesome option that’s both satisfying and tasty.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the turkey: If you haven’t already, shred or chop the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, turkey, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, dried cranberries (if using), and nuts (if using).
5. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Add cheese (optional): If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a creamy touch.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add fruits: Add fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, or pear for added sweetness and freshness.
• Make it creamy: Use a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese dressing, or mix Greek yogurt with the dressing ingredients for a creamy texture.
• Add avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats, add sliced avocado to the salad.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, celery, or roasted sweet potatoes to make the salad more hearty.
• Grains: For a more filling salad, add cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice.
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy variation.

Storage/Reheating

Turkey Salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate to avoid wilting the greens. Simply dress the salad just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe as a substitute for turkey.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to a day. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Turkey Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that any store-bought dressing or additional ingredients are gluten-free if necessary.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes! Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan would make delicious additions to the salad for added richness.

How do I make the dressing vegan?

For a vegan-friendly dressing, substitute the honey with maple syrup and ensure your mustard is vegan. You can also replace the feta with a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.

Can I use other nuts in this salad?

Yes, feel free to use any type of nuts you prefer, such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts. Toasting the nuts lightly will bring out their flavor.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftover Turkey Salad will last in the fridge for about 1-2 days. If you store it with the dressing on, the greens may become soggy, so it’s best to store the dressing separately.

How do I make this salad spicy?

Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the salad for a spicy kick. You could also use a spicy dressing or drizzle some sriracha on top.

Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey for this salad?

Yes, leftover Thanksgiving turkey is perfect for this salad. It adds great flavor and is an easy way to repurpose your leftovers into a new, healthy dish.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or even grilled chicken if you want to add more protein.

Conclusion

Turkey Salad is a simple, fresh, and versatile dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or making a quick, healthy meal. Packed with lean turkey, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a great option for lunch or dinner. Whether you make it with Thanksgiving leftovers or freshly cooked turkey, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the savory flavors of turkey in a fresh, vibrant dish.

Turkey Salad

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Turkey Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that transforms leftover turkey into a light, refreshing meal. Combining tender turkey with crisp vegetables, fresh greens, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a perfect way to repurpose your holiday leftovers or enjoy a healthy, satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
2. 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
3. 1/2 cucumber, sliced
4. 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
5. 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
6. 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
7. 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped (optional)
8. 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
9. For the dressing:
10. 3 tablespoons olive oil
11. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
12. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13. 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
14. Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the turkey: If you haven’t already, shred or chop the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces.

1. Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, turkey, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, dried cranberries (if using), and nuts (if using).
4. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Add cheese (optional): If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a creamy touch.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate the salad for up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

1. For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
2. For a creamy dressing, use ranch or blue cheese dressing, or mix Greek yogurt with the dressing ingredients.
3. For added texture and flavor, top with sliced avocado or roasted sweet potatoes.
4. This salad is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that any store-bought dressing or other ingredients are gluten-free.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 45mg