The Best Homemade Turkey Salad Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This turkey salad is fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any meal—whether you’re packing lunch or hosting a summer gathering. You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite ingredients!

• Light & satisfying—packed with protein and veggies, it keeps you full without weighing you down.
• Quick to make—ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
• Versatile—swap ingredients based on what you have, making it a great fridge-cleaner recipe.

Recipe

Turkey salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side, or even a sandwich filling. Made with tender turkey, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey from a holiday meal or a simple roast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, celery, and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and stir until well coated.
4. If using, fold in the dried cranberries and nuts.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 0 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: 4 servings

Nutrition

This Turkey Salad recipe is a nutritious and balanced meal option. Below is the nutrition information per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love serving turkey salad with crusty bread or crisp crackers—it’s an easy way to make the meal feel complete. Fresh fruit, like grapes or sliced melon, adds a revitalizing touch that balances the flavors perfectly. It’s a simple mix that keeps things light and satisfying.

Bread and Crackers

When you’re serving turkey salad, bread and crackers are the perfect sidekicks because they add crunch and make every bite more satisfying. I love pairing it with toasted sourdough or whole-grain bread—they hold up well without getting soggy. For something lighter, buttery crackers or crispbreads work wonders. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grab a baguette and slice it thin for little crostini. The key is choosing textures that contrast with the creamy salad, so every mouthful feels balanced. Trust me, the right bread or cracker can turn a simple turkey salad into a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Fresh Fruit Pairings

A bowl of turkey salad can feel even fresher with the right fruit on the side—it’s like a burst of sunshine on your plate. I love pairing it with crisp apple slices or juicy grapes for a sweet crunch. Berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add a tangy pop that balances the creamy salad. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss in some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. Melon cubes work too, especially on a hot day. The key is choosing fruits that aren’t too watery, so they don’t make the salad soggy. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

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younes

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