Turkey Salad: Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a tasty mix of juicy turkey, crisp celery, sweet cranberries, and creamy herbed dressing—simple and delicious!
Use leftover turkey in favorites like Turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey Cranberry Salad, and Turkey Sliders!
The Best Turkey Salad
If there’s one thing my website is known for, it’s chicken salad—not just your average kind, but several delicious variations that readers love.
I’m a huge fan and often find myself reaching for a chicken salad recipe for a quick lunch or dinner. But when I have loads of leftover Thanksgiving turkey, I make a couple of batches of this turkey salad and always wish I had more turkey on hand!
This turkey salad is right up there with my favorite chicken recipes—quick, easy, and so delicious.
Turkey Salad Ingredients
Salad
- Leftover turkey: Mix white and dark meat, whatever leftovers you have will work!
- Celery: Finely diced for a fresh, subtle crunch.
- Green onion: Use green parts for a milder flavor, white parts for a stronger one.
- Cranberries: Leave them out if you’re not a fan or swap for chopped grapes.
- Pecans: For more flavor, toast ’em first!
- Fresh dill: Adds a nice complementary flavor.
- Mayo & sour cream: Give you that creamy delicious dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Make sure it’s dijon not yellow mustard.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for the freshest flavor.
- Onion and garlic powder: For even more flavor.
Quick Tip
Add salt and pepper based on how seasoned the turkey is – taste the Turkey Salad first; then add if needed.
How To Make Turkey Salad
- Dice and combine: Finely chop the salad ingredients and mix them in a large bowl.
- Prepare dressing: Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Dress the salad: Toss the salad with the dressing until well coated and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Sandwich filler: Stuff it in a croissant or between slices of toasted whole-grain bread.
- Wrap it up: Roll it in a tortilla or lettuce wrap for a light meal.
- Salad topper: Spoon it over a bed of mixed greens.
- Cracker spread: Serve as a dip with crackers or sliced cucumbers.
- Stuffed veggies: Scoop into halved avocados or bell peppers.
Storage
How Long Can You Keep Turkey Salad?
It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge in an airtight container. Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can Turkey Salad Be Frozen?
Freezing isn’t recommended; it turns watery when thawed. Freeze leftover turkey instead and make a fresh salad later.
More Ways To Use Leftovers
- Chicken Pot Pie replace chicken with turkey
- Turkey Sandwich ready in minutes
- Simple and delicious Turkey Cranberry Wrap
- Turkey Tetrazzini pure comfort food
- Turkey Sliders perfect for hosting
Turkey Salad
Equipment
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups finely diced leftover turkey
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 1 tablespoon finely diced green onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup finely diced pecans
- 2-1/4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayo Hellman’s/Best Foods
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving: See Note 1
Instructions
- Ensure that each ingredient under “salad” is as finely diced as possible for a consistent texture. Combine those ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together “dressing” ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste; depending on how seasoned the turkey is, you might not need any.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Stir gently until everything is nicely coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- See note 1 for serving suggestions. My fave: loaded on toasted whole grain bread with lettuce and extra mayo!
Recipe Notes
- Sandwich filler: Stuff it in a croissant or between slices of toasted whole-grain bread with lettuce
- Wrap it up: Roll it in a tortilla or lettuce wrap
- Salad topper: Spoon it over a bed of mixed greens
- Cracker spread: Serve as a dip with crackers or sliced cucumbers
- Stuffed veggies: Scoop it into halved avocados or bell peppers
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
