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Turkey Salad

Turkey Salad

A fresh, satisfying, and easy-to-make Turkey Salad combining tender cooked turkey with vibrant fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and crunchy add-ins. Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or gatherings, this versatile salad delivers protein, texture, and flavor in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped

Fresh Greens

  • 2 cups crisp lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens

Crisp Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup diced celery (optional)

Creamy Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Crunchy Add-Ins

  • 1/4 cup nuts, seeds, or croutons (optional)

Herbs & Spices

  • Fresh parsley, dill, or black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Turkey: Start with cooked turkey, whether fresh or leftover. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces to ensure each forkful is well balanced.
  2. Chop Fresh Vegetables: Dice crunchy vegetables like celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes; these add freshness, crunch, and color.
  3. Mix the Dressing: Blend your choice of dressing ingredients—common options include mayo, mustard, lemon juice, herbs, and seasoning—to create flavor that binds everything.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Gently toss turkey, vegetables, and dressing together in a large bowl, making sure everything is evenly coated but not soggy.
  5. Add Final Touches: Stir in crunchy elements like nuts or seeds and fresh herbs to add texture and brighten the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold turkey to help the salad hold together and maintain crispness.
  • Start with less dressing and add more gradually to prevent sogginess.
  • Chop ingredients uniformly for balanced bites and better presentation.
  • Customize herbs, spices, and add-ins to your liking.
  • Chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days; keep dressing separate if possible.
  • Avoid freezing the salad to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Serve the salad cold or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey salad, quick turkey salad, healthy turkey recipes, leftover turkey recipe, easy salad