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Quick and Delicious Turkey Salad Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

  • Versatile: Ideal for using up leftover turkey, and easily adaptable with various mix-ins.

  • Flavorful and Nutritious: Offers a balance of textures and flavors, providing both taste and health benefits.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Cooked turkey, cubed

  • Celery stick, cubed

  • Green onions, sliced

  • Dried cranberries

  • Pecans, chopped

  • Mayonnaise

  • Mustard

  • Salt and pepper

  • Scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and measure all the components.

  2. Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cubed turkey, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, mayonnaise, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  3. Mix Well: Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

  4. Serve: Transfer the salad to serving dishes and garnish with chopped scallions. Enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields approximately 2 servings.

  • Preparation Time: About 5 minutes.

Variations

  • Protein Swap: Substitute turkey with cooked chicken for a different twist.

  • Nut Alternatives: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds.

  • Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh dill or parsley for added flavor.

  • Fruity Addition: Use halved grapes instead of dried cranberries for a juicy burst.

  • Leafy Greens: Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or arugula for extra freshness.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, depending on the freshness of the turkey used.

  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as it may alter the texture and consistency of the salad.

  • Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If preferred warm, gently heat the turkey before mixing with other ingredients.

FAQs

How long can I store this turkey salad?

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, depending on the freshness of the turkey used.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, cooked chicken works well as a substitute for turkey in this recipe.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise can be used for a lighter option.

Are there alternatives to pecans?

Absolutely, you can use walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts entirely if preferred.

Can I add fresh fruits to this salad?

Yes, halved grapes or diced apples make excellent additions.

Is this salad suitable for a sandwich filling?

Definitely, it makes a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps.

How can I make this salad healthier?

Opt for a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just give it a good stir before serving.

What type of mustard is best to use?

Dijon mustard adds a nice tang, but yellow or stone-ground mustard also work well.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, ensure that the mayonnaise used is dairy-free, and avoid adding any dairy-based ingredients.

Conclusion

This quick and easy turkey salad is a fantastic way to transform leftover turkey into a flavorful and satisfying dish. With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it on its own, as a sandwich filling, or atop a bed of greens for a wholesome meal.

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Quick and Delicious Turkey Salad Recipe

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This easy turkey salad recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey. With a mix of tender turkey, crunchy veggies, dried cranberries, and pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing, this flavorful and nutritious salad is ready in just 5 minutes. Perfect for busy days, this recipe is customizable and can be made with chicken or any nuts you prefer.

  • Author: Janet
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Salad, Lunch, Quick Meal
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 cup cooked turkey, cubed

1 celery stick, cubed

2 green onions, sliced

¼ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup pecans, chopped

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped scallions (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients.

  • Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cubed turkey, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, mayonnaise, and mustard.

  • Mix Well: Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

  • Serve: Transfer the salad to serving dishes and garnish with chopped scallions. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.

  • Reheating: Best served cold, but can be gently heated if desired.

  • Substitutions: Swap turkey for cooked chicken, and use Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option.

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