Turkey Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a delicious way to breathe new life into leftover poultry, this Turkey Salad is your golden ticket. Packed with tender turkey, zesty Dijon mustard, crunchy celery, and just the right hint of brightness from lemon juice, this dish is both satisfying and incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of quick-to-fix salad that you’ll want to have on repeat, working beautifully on sandwiches, tucked into lettuce cups, or served atop crackers for a light bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches for the week or crafting a crowd-pleasing brunch, this Turkey Salad fits effortlessly into your kitchen routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk building blocks! This Turkey Salad comes together with a blend of simple, everyday ingredients that contribute a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Each one brings something special—whether it’s creaminess, crunch, or a pop of color—to craft a salad you’ll absolutely crave.
- Cooked turkey: Use chopped or shredded turkey; leftover roast turkey is perfect for extra depth of flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and holds all the delicious ingredients together.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat and tang that brightens up the whole salad.
- Lemon juice: Freshens the mix and keeps everything tasting light and lively.
- Celery: Delivers that satisfying crunch and a mild, earthy flavor.
- Red onion: Offers a subtle sharpness and a touch of vibrant color.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a green, herbaceous finish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to draw out all the individual flavors—taste as you go!
- Optional add-ins: Try sweet dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, or pecans for texture and bursts of flavor.
How to Make Turkey Salad
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Begin by grabbing a medium bowl—this will soon become your flavor headquarters. Whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, a light sprinkle of salt, and a grind of black pepper until everything looks beautifully smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the salad, so make sure it’s well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Add and Mix the Salad Ingredients
Now pile in your chopped or shredded turkey, giving preference to leftover roast turkey if you have it on hand for extra savory depth. Toss in the finely chopped celery, red onion, and parsley, along with any optional add-ins like cranberries or toasted nuts. Use a big spoon to gently fold everything together so the turkey is coated evenly with the tangy dressing and every bite gets a little bit of everything.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Once your salad is assembled, pause for a taste test. Does it need a touch more pepper or a hint more salt? Maybe a dash more lemon juice for extra brightness? Make those tweaks now, ensuring each forkful will be dynamite.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover your Turkey Salad and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest gives the flavors a chance to mingle and become even more irresistible—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When the chilling time is up, your Turkey Salad is ready for its moment in the spotlight. Scoop it onto sandwiches, fill lettuce wraps, or serve with crackers for a perfect no-fuss meal or snack.
How to Serve Turkey Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a scatter of extra dried cranberries on top makes this Turkey Salad visually inviting and adds fresh flavor. If you like extra crunch, try a light dusting of chopped toasted nuts right before serving. A simple grind of black pepper over the salad just before you eat never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
Pair your Turkey Salad with sides that are fresh and simple to keep things light. Crisp green salads, veggie sticks, or chilled fruit salads play beautifully alongside, letting the flavors of your main star shine. For heartier fare, a soup and salad combo always feels cozy—think creamy tomato or classic chicken noodle.
Creative Ways to Present
Cobble together vibrant lettuce wraps for a low-carb, color-packed lunch, or pile a generous scoop onto crusty artisan bread for an irresistibly easy sandwich. Another fun twist is to spoon the Turkey Salad into hollowed-out avocado halves or stuff it into mini pitas—each option brings its own delightful personality to the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Turkey Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors if it’s been sitting overnight.
Freezing
While possible, freezing Turkey Salad isn’t always ideal—the mayo-based dressing tends to separate after thawing, resulting in a less appetizing texture. If you must freeze it, do so in a sealed container and expect to give it a vigorous mix (or a quick refresh with more dressing) after thawing.
Reheating
This is a chilled dish, so no heating necessary! If you prefer, you can bring your Turkey Salad to room temperature for about 10 minutes out of the fridge, which can soften the flavors and make the salad even more enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken makes a wonderful substitute in this Turkey Salad recipe, delivering a similar texture and mild flavor profile. Either rotisserie chicken or plain cooked chicken breasts work well—just swap in an equal amount.
How do I lighten up the dressing?
If you want a lighter version, switch out half of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It adds tang and creaminess with less fat, and keeps the salad feeling fresh and satisfying.
Is Turkey Salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you make sure all your add-ins, especially store-bought mayonnaise and any optional mix-ins, are gluten-free, you’ll have a naturally gluten-free Turkey Salad.
What other add-ins can I use?
Feel free to go wild with your mix-ins! Chopped apples, halved grapes, roasted sunflower seeds, or even a dash of curry powder can take your Turkey Salad in a brand new (and delicious) direction.
Can I make Turkey Salad ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, this Turkey Salad tastes even better when made a few hours in advance, since the flavors have more time to meld in the fridge. Just keep it tightly covered until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this Turkey Salad, you’ll wonder how you ever got through leftover season without it. Quick, dependable, and incredibly versatile, it’s the kind of recipe that always has a place at your table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen!
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Turkey Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Salad recipe is a delightful way to use up leftover turkey, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s a versatile salad that can be enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich filling, or paired with crackers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add turkey, celery, red onion, parsley, and optional add-ins to the dressing. Mix until well coated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled on a sandwich, lettuce leaves, or with crackers.
Notes
- Leftover roast turkey works great for this recipe.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
