Ingredients

• 3 cups roasted turkey, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 1 ½ cups dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 ½ cups red delicious apples, peeled (or pears, mandarin oranges, or chopped fresh cherries)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper to taste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or your choice of nuts

Instructions

1. Mix the Ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or cubed turkey, chopped celery, cranberries, and apples. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, granulated garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if desired.

2. Add the Creaminess

   Gently fold in the mayonnaise and sour cream until everything is well-coated and visually appealing. This creamy dressing is what ties all the flavors together!

3. Chill and Serve

   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least one hour. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite delicious.

4. Storing Leftovers

   If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in a covered glass bowl for up to four days in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before serving again!

Serving and Mix-in Suggestions for Making the Best Turkey Salad Recipe

This turkey salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious serving suggestions and add-ins that elevate the dish:

• Serve on a bed of fresh salad greens.
• Pair with sautéed spinach or fresh raw spinach leaves.
• Top steamed or boiled butternut squash for a warm dish.
• Create a sandwich piled high with turkey salad and topped with cranberry sauce.
• Layer it over leftover stuffing for an extra treat.
• Use as a filling for tacos or hot pockets.
• Combine with boiled eggs or chopped olives for added flavor.
• Incorporate sweet pickle relish for a tangy twist.
• Add toasted almonds, pistachios, or macadamia nuts for crunch.
• Include chopped red onion or Vidalia onion for a flavorful kick.
• Substitute with cooked chicken or pork roast if desired.
• Enhance with chopped carrots, pears, fresh peaches, or pineapple.

Other Delicious Uses for Leftover Turkey

If you’re looking for even more ways to use up leftover turkey, consider these delightful options:

1. Substitute boneless cooked turkey in your favorite chicken soup recipe.
2. Add leftover turkey to chicken stew recipes for a new spin.
3. Make a turkey oriental salad with celery, walnuts, grapes, and mayo.
4. Incorporate turkey into stuffed chicken peppers instead of chicken or beef.
5. Try it in fried rice dishes for a savory meal.
6. Mix with store-bought Alfredo sauce or gravy and serve over pasta.
7. Use turkey in Asian-style chicken and broccoli dishes over rice.
8. Create tortilla appetizer pinwheels as a scrumptious snack.
9. Grind turkey in a food processor to use as a filling for stuffed cabbage rolls.
10. Lastly, don’t forget that you can freeze individual portions of cooked turkey for up to 3 months for a later date!

Other Holiday Meat Repurposed Recipes

Here are some additional crowd-pleasing recipes you might enjoy using other holiday meats:

1. Chicken or turkey potpie, stuffed zucchini, or various turkey dishes.
2. Pork recipes such as Cubano sandwiches, fried rice, or pasta dishes.
3. Ground beef chili, stuffed zucchini, cabbage, or pepper soup.
4. Roast recipes like hibachi or stir-fry.
5. Venison chili, stew, or fried rice for something hearty.
6. Shepherd’s pie for those looking for comfort food.
7. Sausage and potatoes baked together with peppers.
8. Other miscellaneous recipes include bean dishes or quick pasta recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions