Did you know using a quarter cup of Greek yogurt can cut mayonnaise by 50% and add protein? This turkey salad is more than a tasty way to use leftover turkey. It’s also a quick, nutritious meal with only 229 calories per serving. It has a good mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
This guide shows you how to make a delicious and healthy turkey salad with common kitchen ingredients. It’s ready in 20 minutes, but tastes even better after a night in the fridge. It’s great for a healthy lunch or a tasty way to use leftover turkey.
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Why This Turkey Salad Recipe Stands Out
This turkey salad recipe is special because of its mix of textures and tastes. It has fresh cilantro and red onion for a lively flavor. The crunch of celery and creamy feta cheese are a perfect match.
The homemade dressing is made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. It adds a unique taste to the salad.
This salad is unique because it turns leftover turkey into a tasty dish. It’s a hit with families, especially after Thanksgiving. It’s quick to make, needing just 25 minutes, and is full of protein and fiber.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a *healthy turkey salad* begins with the right ingredients. Each piece adds to the mix of flavors and textures. Here’s what you need for the salad and dressing.
For the Salad:
- Cooked turkey meat: 2 cups (10 ounces, diced)
- Celery: ½ cup (diced)
- Red onion: ¼ cup (chopped)
- Cilantro: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Feta cheese: ¼ cup (crumbled)
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: ¼ cup
- Dijon mustard: 2 teaspoons
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
- Fresh garlic: ½ teaspoon (minced)
- Kosher salt: ½ teaspoon (Diamond Crystal) or ¼ teaspoon of any other salt
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
This mix of ingredients makes your *savory turkey salad* tasty and nutritious. Enjoying a *healthy turkey salad* is easy with these fresh and tasty parts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make an easy turkey salad recipe, start by getting your ingredients ready. For this Thanksgiving turkey salad recipe, you’ll need 3 cups of cooked turkey, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, and half a small red onion, diced. Also, add 2 stalks of diced celery, 1/2 cup of light mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
First, cut the cooked turkey into small pieces. In a big bowl, mix the turkey, cranberries, red onion, and celery. These add texture and flavor to your salad. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, and stir until smooth.
Then, pour the dressing over the turkey mix and stir gently until everything is coated. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is key for the flavors to blend well, making a delicious easy turkey salad recipe.
Making this salad takes about 10 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal. It can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. But, always throw away any salad left out for more than 2 hours to keep it safe to eat.
This Thanksgiving turkey salad recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. It has 296 calories per serving, with 23 grams of protein and 11 grams of carbs. Feel free to try different ingredients like fresh herbs, pecans, apples, or grapes to make it even better.
Variations to Try
Don’t let your turkey salad get boring. Try these tasty turkey salad variations to add excitement and meet different tastes and diets.
Add Some Crunch
Make your turkey salad more interesting by adding crunchy bits. Try adding:
- Pecans or walnuts
- Diced celery
- Dried cranberries
- Sliced radishes
- Toasted sunflower seeds
Go Low-Carb
For a low-carb twist, tweak the classic turkey salad:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Remove any added sugars.
- Add more greens like spinach or arugula.
- Use diced avocado instead of starchy veggies.
- Serve in lettuce cups instead of bread or wraps.
Alternative Dressings
Want to try different dressings for your turkey salad? Here are some tasty options:
- Olive oil and lemon juice dressing
- Balsamic vinaigrette
- Yogurt-based ranch dressing
- Avocado-lime dressing
- Curry mayo
These ideas will help you enjoy a wide range of flavors. They turn a simple turkey salad into a gourmet treat.
Storage Tips
To keep your turkey salad fresh and tasty, store it right. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It stays good for 4 to 5 days if stored well. Don’t let it sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The salad’s creaminess comes from ingredients like mayonnaise and diced turkey. Fresh herbs and lemon juice keep the flavor bright. This way, the salad stays delicious for a few days.
If you use leftover turkey, check its freshness first. Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before mixing it with other ingredients. This keeps the salad’s texture and flavor great for every bite.
Nutritional Content Per Serving:
- Calories: 524 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg
- Sodium: 454 mg
- Potassium: 782 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Vitamin A: 318 IU
- Vitamin C: 15 mg
- Calcium: 61 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
You can also freeze the salad. Use a freezer-safe container to freeze it. Frozen, it lasts up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge and drain off any extra moisture before eating.
By storing your turkey salad correctly, it stays tasty and healthy for days. It’s a great option for quick, flavorful meals.
Serving Suggestions
Looking to try the best turkey salad recipe? Here are some tasty serving ideas. These suggestions will make your meal better and fit different diets. Enjoy your turkey salad in new ways that are fun to make and eat.
On Bread
Make a tasty sandwich with your turkey salad. Use whole-grain bread or your favorite. Spread the salad on one slice and top with another. Incorporate lettuce, tomato, or avocado for added flavor. It’s great for lunch or dinner.
As a Wrap
Wrap your turkey salad in whole-wheat tortillas or flatbreads for a healthy option. Put some salad in the middle, add veggies like carrots and cucumbers, and roll it up. It’s perfect for eating on the go or at a picnic.
In Lettuce Cups
For a light meal, try serving the salad in lettuce cups. Use romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Spoon the salad into each leaf. It’s a crunchy, low-carb option that’s refreshing and flavorful.
Best Turkey Salad Recipe for Thanksgiving Leftovers
Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a tasty and healthy turkey salad. This recipe makes sure you use up all your leftover turkey. It’s ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for after the holiday.
This salad needs 3 cups of cooked turkey and serves 6 people. Each serving has 221 calories, with 16g of protein and 13g of fat. It also has 9g of carbs and is rich in potassium and calcium.
Making this salad is easy. Just mix chopped turkey, celery, green onions, walnuts, mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, and paprika. For a healthier option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can put it on toast, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups.It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
This turkey salad is great for family gatherings or using up leftovers. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and delicious. It’s a must-have for your post-Thanksgiving meals.
FAQ
How long does it take to prepare the turkey salad?
You can make the turkey salad in just 20 minutes. But, letting it sit overnight makes the flavors even better.
What makes this turkey salad recipe unique?
This salad is special because of its mix of textures and tastes. It has fresh cilantro, red onion, celery, and creamy feta cheese. The homemade dressing, with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, adds a tangy twist.
What ingredients do I need for the salad?
You’ll need cooked turkey, celery, red onion, cilantro, and feta cheese for the salad.
What ingredients are required for the dressing?
For the dressing, you need mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Is it possible to modify the recipe to match my preferences?
Yes! You can add pecans or cranberries for crunch. Make it low-carb by skipping some ingredients. Try different dressings like olive oil or yogurt.
How should I store the turkey salad?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. If using leftover turkey, check its freshness. It stays good for 3-4 days.
What are some serving suggestions for the turkey salad?
Serve it on bread, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups for a light option. These ideas suit various tastes and events, making the salad versatile.
Is this turkey salad recipe suitable for using Thanksgiving leftovers?
Yes, it’s great for using Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s easy to make, loved by many, and perfect for post-holiday meals.