Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. The flavor profile complements chicken just as well as turkey, making this a versatile year-round recipe.

How long will turkey salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this turkey salad will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe nut-free by omitting the pecans. For a similar crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even some diced apple or water chestnuts as alternatives.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you're not a mayo fan, there are several alternatives. Greek yogurt works well for a tangier, lighter version. Mashed avocado can provide creaminess with a different flavor profile. For a vegan option, try a plant-based mayo substitute.

Turkey Salad Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped cooked turkey; 2 ribs celery, finely chopped; ½ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup chopped pecans; ¼ cup minced red onion; ¾ cup mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon dried dill; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

This irresistible Turkey Salad recipe transforms your leftover turkey into a creamy, crunchy masterpiece that’s bursting with flavors and textures. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect no-cook solution for busy days when you need something delicious without the fuss. The combination of tender turkey, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing creates a versatile dish that works beautifully in sandwiches, wraps, or atop a crisp bed of greens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 10 minutes – perfect for those days when cooking feels like too much effort!
Waste Reducer: Brilliantly transforms leftover turkey into something completely new and exciting.
Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich filling, scoop it onto crackers, or top a salad for a protein-packed meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld in the refrigerator.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey: The star of the show – use leftover roasted turkey for the best flavor. The tender chunks provide substance and protein.
Celery: Adds essential crunch and freshness to balance the creamy elements. Don’t skip this!
Dried Cranberries: These little ruby gems provide pops of sweetness and a festive touch that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Pecans: Contribute a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Toast them first for even more flavor depth.
Red Onion: Adds a sharp, zesty bite that cuts through the richness. The color also makes the salad more visually appealing.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that brings everything together. Full-fat works best for richness.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tangy kick and depth of flavor that elevates the dressing beyond basic mayo.
Vinegar: Either red wine or apple cider vinegar adds brightness and helps cut through the richness.
Dried Dill: This herb adds a distinctive flavor that makes the turkey salad taste fresh and special.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the mix.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Lighter Version

Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing with added protein.

Mediterranean Twist

Add chopped cucumber, feta cheese, and swap the dill for oregano. Use lemon juice instead of vinegar.

Curry Turkey Salad

Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder, a handful of golden raisins, and some diced apple for a warming, exotic flavor profile.

Tex-Mex Style

Replace cranberries with corn kernels, add diced bell peppers, use lime juice instead of vinegar, and mix in some cumin and chopped cilantro.

How to Make Turkey Salad

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the chopped turkey, celery, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and minced red onion. Toss them together to distribute everything evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This separate mixing ensures even distribution of seasonings.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the creamy dressing over the turkey mixture. Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Serve immediately, or for better flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Texture Matters: Cut your turkey into consistent, bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture in every bite.
Season Gradually: Start with less mayo than you think you need – you can always add more, but can’t take it away.
Rest Time: While it’s delicious immediately, this salad tastes even better after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Toasted Nuts: For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the salad.
Control the Onion: If your red onion has too much bite, soak the minced pieces in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.

How to Serve

As a Sandwich

Spread between two slices of hearty bread with lettuce and tomato for a classic lunch. Try sourdough or whole grain bread for extra flavor.

In a Wrap

Roll up in a tortilla with fresh greens for a portable lunch option.

On Crackers

Serve on sturdy crackers as an appetizer or light lunch.

As a Stuffed Avocado

Spoon into halved avocados for a low-carb, high-protein meal.

On a Salad Bed

Serve a scoop over mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day!

Make Ahead Tips

This salad is perfect for meal prep – make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it different ways throughout the week.

Freezing

Turkey salad doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise content, which tends to separate when thawed. This is definitely a recipe to enjoy fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. The flavor profile complements chicken just as well as turkey, making this a versatile year-round recipe.
How long will turkey salad keep in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this turkey salad will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe nut-free by omitting the pecans. For a similar crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even some diced apple or water chestnuts as alternatives.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you’re not a mayo fan, there are several alternatives. Greek yogurt works well for a tangier, lighter version. Mashed avocado can provide creaminess with a different flavor profile. For a vegan option, try a plant-based mayo substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Salad recipe is the solution to never facing leftover turkey fatigue again! With its perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements, it transforms basic ingredients into something truly special. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just a few minutes of prep work rewards you with multiple delicious meals. Whether packed in lunch boxes, served at a casual gathering, or enjoyed as a quick protein-packed snack, this versatile dish proves that sometimes the best recipes are the most straightforward ones. Give it a try next time you have leftover turkey (or chicken) and discover your new go-to salad!