Turkey Salad

Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to use up leftover turkey? Our Turkey Salad recipe is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining tender turkey with a mix of fresh and tangy ingredients. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a sandwich filler or as a standalone salad. Ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a must-try for turkey lovers.

I roast a turkey a few times a year, not just for Thanksgiving and I love using the leftovers for fast and easy meals. This creamy turkey salad is similar to our old fashioned ham salad that I posted a few days ago and it makes the best sandwiches. 

Here is Why This Turkey Salad Recipe Works

• Efficient Use of Leftovers: This recipe transforms your leftover turkey into a completely new and delicious meal.
• Balance of Flavors and Textures: The combination of creamy yogurt and mayonnaise, crisp apples and celery, and the tanginess of capers and vinegar creates a balanced flavor.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences with simple ingredient adjustments.
• Health-Conscious Choice: A lighter alternative to traditional heavy salads, using yogurt as a base.

Turkey Salad Ingredients

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

• Meat: Turkey
• Produce: Celery, Green apple, Scallions, Parsley, Tarragon
• Pantry: Red wine vinegar, Ground black pepper, Salt
• Condiments: Yogurt, Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard
• Specialty Items: Capers

Ingredient Substitutions

• Turkey: Chicken can be used instead of turkey.
• Yogurt: Sour cream or a dairy-free alternative.
• Green Apple: Pears or grapes for a sweet twist.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a different acidic component.

How to Make the Salad

Here is a brief overview to get an idea of what to expect with the chopped salad recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Toss to blend everything together uniformly.
3. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
4. Add extra yogurt or mayonnaise to achieve desired creaminess.

Variations

Dive into these recipes for a refreshing change to your turkey salad routine. Here are just a few ideas but this recipe is so easy to change up. Even just adding a chopped pickle, swapping out the herbs, or adding some crispy bacon can change things up. 

Smoked Turkey Delight

Substitute the cooked turkey with the same amount of finely diced smoked turkey. Add ¼ cup of diced roasted red peppers to complement the smoky flavor. Replace tarragon with smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) to enhance the smoky profile.

Crunchy Nut and Grape Turkey Salad

Along with the original ingredients, add ½ cup of halved seedless grapes and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey into the yogurt-mayonnaise blend for a hint of sweetness.

Mediterranean-Inspired Turkey Salad

Add ¼ cup of chopped Kalamata olives and ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Substitute capers with diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch. Use fresh basil instead of tarragon and squeeze lemon juice for brightness.

Tips for Success

• Adjust the amount of yogurt and mayonnaise to suit your texture preference.
• Let the salad chill for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Use fresh herbs and crisp apples for the best flavor. 
• Ensure that the celery, green apple, and scallions are finely chopped for a more uniform texture in your Turkey Salad. If you want to larger cubes of turkey meat that works too. 

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this versatile turkey salad in various ways. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or mixed in with our radicchio salad for a light meal.

I especially love it as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. It also works well as a cracker spread.

Storage

Store the turkey salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Turkey Salad recipe is not only a wonderful way to repurpose leftover turkey, but it’s also a delightful dish on its own. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a great addition to any meal.

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