This delightful turkey salad is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the crunch of celery and red onion with the creaminess of mayonnaise. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this turkey salad is sure to satisfy.
Most of the ingredients for this turkey salad are commonly found in your kitchen. However, if you don’t usually keep dijon mustard on hand, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth of flavor that elevates the dish, so it’s worth including.
Ingredients For Turkey Salad Recipe
Turkey: Cooked and diced, this is the main protein of the salad.
Celery: Chopped for a crunchy texture.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and binds the ingredients together.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
For a more flavorful turkey salad, consider roasting the turkey with herbs and spices before dicing it. This adds an extra layer of taste to the dish. Additionally, finely chop the celery and red onion to ensure a consistent texture throughout the salad. When mixing the mayonnaise and dijon mustard, whisk them together separately before adding to the main bowl to create a smoother, more even coating for the ingredients.
Suggested Side Dishes
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Imagine a velvety soup that dances on your palate with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash. This soup is a perfect companion to the Turkey Salad, offering a warm, comforting contrast to the crisp, cool textures of the salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a dollop of crème fraîche for an extra touch of elegance.
Cranberry Walnut Quinoa: Elevate your meal with a vibrant quinoa dish that bursts with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. This side-dish not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also complements the savory notes of the Turkey Salad. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh parsley tie it all together beautifully.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Add a touch of sophistication with grilled asparagus, kissed by the flames and finished with a zest of lemon. The slight char and citrusy brightness make this side-dish a refreshing partner to the Turkey Salad. A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of olive oil elevate the flavors to new heights.
Apple and Fennel Slaw: For a crunchy, refreshing contrast, consider an apple and fennel slaw. The crisp apples and aromatic fennel create a delightful symphony of flavors that dance alongside the Turkey Salad. A light vinaigrette dressing ties it all together, making each bite a burst of freshness.
Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Aioli: Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of sweet potato fries, perfectly crispy and paired with a spicy aioli. This side-dish adds a playful twist to your meal, balancing the creamy richness of the Turkey Salad with a hint of heat and sweetness. A sprinkle of smoked paprika on the fries adds an extra layer of flavor.
Alternative Ingredients
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cooked turkey – Substitute with cooked chicken: Chicken has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for turkey in salads.
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celery – Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber provides a similar crunch and refreshing taste, though it has a slightly different flavor.
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red onion – Substitute with green onion: Green onions offer a milder flavor and a similar crunch, making them a good alternative to red onions.
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mayonnaise – Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, while also being a healthier option.
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dijon mustard – Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and texture, making it a suitable replacement.
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salt – Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar salty taste.
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black pepper – Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile, though it is slightly milder and less pungent.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
Chicken Salad: Transform your leftover chicken into a delightful Chicken Salad. Combine diced chicken, grapes, celery, and walnuts with a creamy mayonnaise and yogurt dressing for a refreshing meal.
Tuna Salad: Dive into a classic Tuna Salad featuring flaked tuna, dill pickles, red onion, and celery. Mix with mayonnaise and a hint of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
Egg Salad: Whip up a creamy Egg Salad by combining chopped hard-boiled eggs, green onions, celery, and a touch of dijon mustard. Perfect for sandwiches or a light lunch.
Ham Salad: Create a savory Ham Salad with diced ham, sweet pickles, red onion, and celery. Blend with mayonnaise and a dash of mustard for a flavorful spread.
Shrimp Salad: Indulge in a refreshing Shrimp Salad by mixing cooked shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with a light lemon vinaigrette for a delightful seafood treat.
How to Store or Freeze This Salad
- To keep your turkey salad fresh, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and texture.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. The turkey salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you plan to enjoy the salad later, consider adding the mayonnaise and dijon mustard just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming too soggy.
- For freezing, place the turkey salad in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date. The turkey salad can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- When ready to eat, thaw the turkey salad in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Avoid freezing celery and red onion separately, as they can become watery and lose their crunch. It’s best to freeze the entire salad together.
- If the texture changes after thawing, freshen it up by adding a bit more mayonnaise or dijon mustard before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Gently warm the turkey salad in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the texture of the celery and red onion while keeping the mayonnaise from separating.
- Place the turkey salad in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- For a slightly different twist, spread the turkey salad on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This method can give a slight crisp to the edges of the turkey pieces while keeping the salad moist.
- If you prefer a cold option, simply let the turkey salad sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to lose its chill without the need for direct heating.
Best Tools for This Recipe
- Large mixing bowl: Use this to combine all the ingredients together.
- Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the turkey, celery, and mayonnaise.
- Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Chef’s knife: Ideal for dicing the cooked turkey and chopping the celery and red onion.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and dicing ingredients.
- Spatula or spoon: Useful for mixing all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Refrigerator: Needed to store the salad if you choose to refrigerate it for later.
How to Save Time on Making This Salad
Pre-cook the turkey: Use leftover turkey or pre-cook it in bulk to save time.
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop celery and red onion in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Quickly dice the turkey and chop the vegetables using a food processor.
Batch make the dressing: Mix mayonnaise and dijon mustard in larger quantities and store for future use.
Store in airtight containers: Keep prepped ingredients in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Turkey Salad Recipe
A delicious and healthy turkey salad that’s gluten-free.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Turkey, diced
- 1 cup Celery, chopped
- ½ cup Red Onion, chopped
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
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1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced turkey, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
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2. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
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3. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutritional Value
Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ:
How long can I store the turkey salad in the refrigerator?
You can store the turkey salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute cooked chicken for the turkey in this recipe. It will taste just as delicious.
What can I add to make the salad more flavorful?
You can add a variety of ingredients like chopped apples, grapes, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also work great.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt if you prefer. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure they are gluten-free if that’s a concern.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the salad a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving to make sure all the flavors are well combined.
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