The Ultimate Turkey Salad
Bored of leftover turkey? This turkey salad recipe is a game-changer! Crunchy, zesty, and creamy - perfect for lunch. Get my secret to moist turkey salad sandwiches! #turkeysalad

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever stared blankly at that leftover thanksgiving turkey , wondering what to actually do with it? this turkey salad recipe is your answer! it’s seriously more delicious than you think.
Honestly, it's a game changer.
Brief Overview
Turkey salad sandwiches are a classic american staple. they're super easy to make. this is a quick, 20-minute recipe that yields about 4 servings.
That’s enough for a light lunch or some seriously good holiday turkey sandwiches .
Main Benefits
This recipe transforms that shredded turkey into something exciting. it's a great source of protein and uses up leftovers. it's also a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies.
This dish is the perfect occasion for serving at a picnic, brunch, or potluck. what makes this recipe special? the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, coupled with a zingy dressing that wakes up your taste buds.
This isn’t your average, boring turkey salad sandwich . My version is packed with flavor. The secret? Fresh herbs and a tangy dressing. It's far from those mayonnaise-laden monstrosities, you know?
Ready to banish those soggy sarnies forever? Let’s dive into the ingredients for a moist turkey recipes you will love!
The Ultimate Turkey Salad Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300g) cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- ½ cup (75g) celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup (30g) red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries
- ¼ cup (5g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper, freshly ground
- Pinch of salt (or to taste)
🥄 Instructions:
- Shred or dice the cooked turkey. Finely dice the celery and red onion. Chop the fresh parsley.
- In the large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, diced celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the turkey salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is optional but recommended!
- Serve the turkey salad immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right, so you want to make the best turkey salad recipe ever? forget those bland, boring sarnies your auntie used to make! we're talking flavour city.
Here's what you'll need. it's pretty simple, honestly.
Main Players: The Heart of the Matter
- 2 cups (300g) cooked turkey . It's better when it is shredded. Remember to use leftover thanksgiving turkey sandwiches .
- ½ cup (75g) celery, finely diced. Look for firm, bright green stalks.
- ¼ cup (30g) red onion, finely diced. A good red onion will be firm and heavy for its size.
- ¼ cup (30g) dried cranberries. Trust me, these add a little something special.
- ¼ cup (5g) fresh parsley, chopped. Italian flat-leaf parsley works best. It's got so much flavour!
Seasoning Notes: A Pinch of This, A Dash of That
Honestly, the seasoning is where the magic happens. We want flavour, not just blandness!
- Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. These are the base notes. A bit of zing, a bit of creaminess, and a whole lot of yum.
- Flavour enhancers and aromatics are super important. You know? I reckon about ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise (full-fat or light). I think full fat is the best. Then 2 tablespoons (30ml) plain Greek yogurt (for extra tang). About 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Then season with ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper, freshly ground plus a pinch of salt. Easy peasy.
- Quick substitution options? If you're not a fan of Dijon, try a bit of English mustard. Strong stuff, so go easy!
Equipment Needed: The Bare Essentials
Let's be honest, you don't need fancy gear. Just the basics for this turkey salad sandwich .
- Large mixing bowl. Don't go too small!
- Cutting board. Safety first, eh?
- Chef's knife. Sharp is good. Blunt knives are dangerous.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Eyeballing it is fine, but measurements ensure consistency
- Whisk or fork. For the dressing. Doesn't need to be fancy!
We have great memories of making leftover turkey salad sandwiches in the kitchen and the smell of the ingredients brings us to thanksgiving eve! So enjoy the moist turkey recipes that you are about to make!
Right then, let's get stuck in! Forget those dry, sad Leftover Turkey Salad Sandwiches your Auntie Marge used to make. We're leveling up the turkey salad recipe game!
Cooking Method: The Ultimate Turkey Salad – No More Soggy Sarnies!
Honestly, I've had it with boring turkey lunch options after Thanksgiving. We're going full-on deli vibes here!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential mise en place : Dice your celery and red onion small . Seriously, no one wants a massive chunk of onion. Shredded turkey is key, so get shredding! I sometimes use two forks, works a treat.
- Time-saving organization tips: Get everything chopped before you start mixing. Trust me, it's less chaotic.
- Safety reminders: Using a sharp knife is important. Always curl your fingers under when you are chopping and keep the hand dry.
Step-by-Step Process: Salad Time!
- Shred or dice 2 cups (300g) of cooked turkey.
- Finely dice ½ cup (75g) of celery and ¼ cup (30g) of red onion. Chop ¼ cup (5g) of fresh parsley.
- Chuck it all into a large bowl with ¼ cup (30g) of dried cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (30ml) Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the dressing over the shredded turkey mix.
- Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes .
- Serve, ideally on a croissant for that proper deli feel.
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
- Don't overdress: Add the dressing a bit at a time. You don't want a swimming pool of mayo. Nobody likes Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwiches that are just too wet, you know?
- Taste as you go: Add more lemon juice if it needs a zing. A good Turkey Salad Sandwich is all about balance.
- Make-ahead options: This can be made a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge, covered. It is also perfect for a Holiday Turkey Sandwich . The longer it sits, the better the flavours combine!
Honestly, making this turkey salad recipe has saved me from so many boring lunches! now, you too can ditch the moist turkey recipes panic and create something tasty.
This turkey salad sandwich thanksgiving is sure to bring smiles. enjoy your delicious turkey salad recipe !

Alright, let's chat about leveling up your turkey salad recipe game! I’m not just throwing ingredients together. I want flavour explosions, you know? So, here are a few extra bits to help you nail it!
Recipe Notes
This isn’t just any old turkey salad recipe . it's about using that leftover thanksgiving turkey (or any shredded turkey , really!) in a way that makes you go, "oh my gosh, why didn't i think of this before?".
We’re talkin' moist turkey recipes that actually get eaten! i reckon you might even prefer these leftover turkey salad sandwiches to the original roast.
Serving Suggestions - Ditch the Dull
Forget boring bread! i'm talking croissants, baby. flaky, buttery goodness. or, go all fancy with lettuce cups if you're feeling virtuous.
For presentation, a sprig of parsley never hurt anyone. honestly, even just a nice plate makes a difference. try pairing it with some crispy crackers or even cucumber slices! don’t forget a cool glass of something fizzy or a crisp apple cider – perfect with a holiday turkey sandwich , isn’t it?
Storage Tips - Keep It Fresh
Pop that turkey salad recipe in an airtight container. in the fridge, it'll be grand for 3-4 days. freezing isn’t ideal because of the mayo.
It tends to get a bit weird. for reheating, just give it a good stir and maybe add a tiny splash of lemon juice to freshen it up.
Variations - Get Creative
Want to spice things up? a dash of curry powder transforms this into a curry turkey salad sandwich ! or go spicy and add some red pepper flakes.
If you're dairy-free, swap the mayo for a plant-based alternative. it works a treat! i sometimes even add chopped apple instead of celery for a sweeter crunch.
Nutrition Basics - Goodness Inside
Each serving's about 320 calories. you get a whopping 25g of protein, and 20g of fat with a small 12g carbs to make it a good and balanced turkey lunch .
Those cranberries give a touch of sweetness, and the greek yogurt adds a sneaky protein boost. i saw a study that said eating cranberries help prevent you from getting ill.
So there you have it! a simple but amazing turkey salad recipe is at your fingertips. go on, give it a whirl.
I am certain that this is an excellent usage of leftover thanksgiving turkey sandwiches , turning them into a tasty and versatile dish.
You'll be amazed at how delicious and refreshing this leftover turkey sandwich thanksgiving can be. i want your moist turkey recipes and i think this recipe will become a classic in your kitchen.
Let me know how it goes. you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep this turkey salad recipe in the fridge? I don't want to end up like Mr. Bean with that dodgy tartare!
Proper storage is key, isn't it? Your homemade turkey salad recipe, when stored correctly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, will typically last for 3-4 days. After that, the quality and safety can decline, so best to toss it rather than risk a tummy ache. Trust your senses, if it looks or smells off, chuck it!
Can I freeze this turkey salad recipe?
Freezing this turkey salad isn't really recommended, to be honest. Mayonnaise-based salads tend to separate and become watery when thawed, resulting in a less-than-appetizing texture. While it's technically safe, the quality just won't be the same, so it's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
I'm not a massive fan of mayonnaise, are there any lighter alternatives for the dressing in this turkey salad recipe?
Absolutely! You can lighten things up by using a combination of Greek yogurt and a smaller amount of mayonnaise. You could also try a vinaigrette-based dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a completely different flavor profile. This will cut down on the fat and calories while still providing a delicious and tangy dressing.
Can I add any other mix-ins to my leftover turkey salad recipe?
Of course, get creative! Some tasty additions include chopped grapes, walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or even a bit of crumbled blue cheese for a more sophisticated flavor. Just remember to balance the flavors and textures – too many additions can make it a bit muddled, so choose a few complementary ingredients.
My turkey salad is a bit bland. How can I liven it up?
A bland turkey salad is a culinary crime! A squeeze of extra lemon juice or a dash of Dijon mustard can add a zing. Also, a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce can add a subtle kick.
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