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The Ultimate Turkey Salad

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Turkey salad is a timeless favorite, but this recipe takes it to the next level! Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, it’s the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into something extraordinary. Whether it’s the day after Thanksgiving or just a regular weekday with leftover chicken, this recipe is a lifesaver. Imagine juicy turkey pieces, tart cranberries, crunchy apples, and pecans all brought together with a creamy dressing that’s both light and flavorful. It’s versatile, quick to make, and a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

  • Total Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups diced, cooked turkey (or chicken, see note)
1 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup diced apple (preferably a crisp, sweet-tart apple such as Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup healthier mayonnaise (such as an olive-oil-based, reduced-fat mayo or other healthier mayo of choice)
1/4 cup nonfat milk
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
Optional for serving: lettuce and whole-grain wraps or bread for sandwiches; or lettuce leaves for gluten-free wraps or as a base for a salad plate

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the turkey or chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the apple into small cubes and do the same with celery and pecans.

Combine the Main Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the turkey (or chicken), cranberries, diced apple, celery, and chopped pecans. Stir gently to combine.

Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, milk, cider vinegar, salt, thyme, honey, and Dijon mustard. Blend until the dressing is smooth and well-mixed.

Mix It All Together
Pour the prepared dressing over the turkey mixture. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly, ensuring the salad is creamy and flavorful.

Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately as desired. Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or enjoy it as a salad plate over lettuce greens.

Notes

This turkey salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of cranberries and crispness of apples add balance to the savory turkey. Pecans and celery contribute a crunch that complements the creaminess of the dressing. The dressing itself is tangy and subtly sweet, with a hint of thyme and Dijon for depth.

  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes