Leftover Turkey Salad
This Leftover Turkey Salad recipe is one of our favorite ways to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey! Put to good use your Thanksgiving leftovers in the perfect way, with a delicious blend of dijon mustard, mayonnaise, apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and more.
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Our easy Leftover Turkey Salad makes a perfect lunch and is made with all simple ingredients. Not only are you using actual turkey leftovers in this, but you are capturing the essence of other holiday leftovers as well. With cranberries, pecans, and apples, this takes a bunch of aspects of Thanksgiving dinner and the Fall season and puts it into one delicious meal.
There’s plenty of different ways to enjoy Leftover Turkey Salad. One of the easiest ways and perhaps the most delicious way is to put it on some high quality bread and make a Leftover Turkey Salad sandwich. For some low-carb options, serve this creamy salad on a lettuce wrap, on a bed of fresh greens, or enjoy it all on its own.
If you love this flavorful turkey salad recipe and want to eat it outside of turkey season, you can make it a chicken salad, too. Using rotisserie chicken makes this an easy recipe any time of year!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Easy and delicious: A quick way to turn leftover turkey into a fresh, flavorful meal.
Sweet and savory balance: Tart apple, cranberries, and crunchy pecans add texture and contrast.
Meal-prep friendly: Stores well and tastes even better after the flavors have time to meld.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or scooped over greens.
Perfect for the holidays (or anytime): A great way to use leftover turkey without feeling like you’re eating leftovers.
Ingredients to Make Leftover Turkey Salad:
- leftover turkey. Use cooked turkey breast or thigh meat, shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken works as a substitute.
- celery. Adds crunch and freshness, slice thinly for even texture.
- red onion. A sharp bite to balance the creamy dressing. For milder flavor, soak in cold water for a few minutes before adding.
- pecans. Toast lightly for extra flavor and crunch, or swap with walnuts or almonds.
- dried cranberries. Bring sweetness and chew, unsweetened or reduced sugar varieties work well.
- apple. Adds crisp texture and tart-sweet flavor. Use a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- mayonnaise. Forms the creamy base, use regular or homemade mayonnaise.
- dijon mustard. Adds tang and depth to the dressing.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Salad:
- Dice the apple, celery, red onion, and leftover turkey. Chop the pecans if not already chopped.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add the turkey, celery, onion, apple, cranberries, and pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy on toast, in a wrap, over greens, or with crackers.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Dice ingredients evenly: Uniform pieces make the salad easier to eat and ensure every bite has a balanced mix of texture and flavor.
- Chill before serving: While you can eat it right away, chilling the salad for 30 minutes to an hour helps the dressing absorb and the flavors blend.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, just 2–3 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Adjust the dressing: For a lighter version, swap some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt. Want it creamier? Add another spoonful of mayo or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Keep apples crisp: If prepping ahead, toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make it your own: Swap cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries, add chopped parsley for extra freshness, or stir in a pinch of curry powder for a twist.
- Serving suggestions: Spoon into lettuce wraps, pile onto whole grain toast, or tuck into a croissant for a more indulgent option.
Serving Suggestions:
- Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread
- Sweet Potato Chips
- Broccoli Bacon Salad
- Mexican Coleslaw
- Loaded Cheese Fries
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Give it a stir before serving, as the dressing may settle slightly.
Freezer: Not recommended, the mayo-based dressing and fresh produce won’t hold their texture after freezing.
Make ahead tip: You can prep the dressing and chop all ingredients (except the apple) a day in advance. Mix together just before serving for best texture and freshness.
FAQs:
Crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work best. They hold their shape and add refreshing contrast.
Swap some or all of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt, and reduce the dried cranberries if you’re watching sugar intake.
Yes, this recipe works just as well with shredded or diced cooked chicken, including rotisserie chicken.
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Leftover Turkey Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or diced
- ½ cup celery, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 small apple, diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Dice the apple, celery, red onion, and leftover turkey. Chop the pecans if not already chopped.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add the turkey, celery, onion, apple, cranberries, and pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy on toast, in a wrap, over greens, or with crackers.
Notes
- Dice ingredients evenly: Uniform pieces make the salad easier to eat and ensure every bite has a balanced mix of texture and flavor.
- Chill before serving: While you can eat it right away, chilling the salad for 30 minutes to an hour helps the dressing absorb and the flavors blend.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, just 2–3 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Adjust the dressing: For a lighter version, swap some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt. Want it creamier? Add another spoonful of mayo or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Keep apples crisp: If prepping ahead, toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make it your own: Swap cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries, add chopped parsley for extra freshness, or stir in a pinch of curry powder for a twist.
- Serving suggestions: Spoon into lettuce wraps, pile onto whole grain toast, or tuck into a croissant for a more indulgent option.
Nutrition Facts:
These nutrition facts are estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Always consult product labels or a nutrition professional for precise information.Calories: 330
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 410mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 20g
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