A Delicious Copycat Recipe for HEB’s Famous Turkey Cranberry Salad

HEB’s turkey cranberry salad is a fan favorite that has developed an almost cult-like following over the years. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, this salad has become a staple in many Texan homes during the holidays. Though you can purchase it pre-made at HEB, wouldn’t it be great to be able to whip up this delicious dish anytime you like right in your own kitchen? Read on for a step-by-step copycat recipe to recreate HEB’s famous turkey cranberry salad.

Overview of HEB’s Turkey Cranberry Salad

HEB’s ready-made turkey cranberry salad typically contains shredded turkey, dried cranberries, celery, onions, mayonnaise, and a blend of herbs and spices. It has a delicious mixture of sweetness from the cranberries and savory flavor from the turkey and spices. The mayonnaise binds it all together into a moist, scoopable salad.

Though HEB’s exact recipe is a closely guarded secret this copycat version gets extremely close to the real thing. The flavors are spot on, and the texture is moist and delicious. It can be served as a sandwich filling, over greens as a salad or scooped onto crackers as an appetizer. Leftover holiday turkey makes it easy to whip up a batch of this tasty salad.

Ingredients Needed to Make the Copycat Salad

• 3 cups shredded or diced cooked turkey
• 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream
• 1⁄4 cup finely chopped white onion (optional)
• 3⁄4 cup Craisins or dried cranberries
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic salt
• 2 cups water for soaking cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the dried cranberries and allow them to sit for 10 minutes to soften.

2. Drain the water from the softened cranberries. Dice them into smaller pieces by cutting them in half

3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, mayonnaise, sour cream, and onions. Mix well.

4. Add the softened, diced cranberries along with the sugar, parsley, dill, and garlic salt.

5. Using the back of a fork, lightly mash the cranberries into the turkey mixture. The more you mash them, the more the flavors will infuse.

6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Mix the salad again just before serving to redistribute the ingredients after chilling.

Tips for Making Perfect Turkey Cranberry Salad

• For the most authentic flavor, use Craisins or another dried cranberry. The concentrated sweet-tart flavor is hard to duplicate with fresh cranberries.

• Allowing the dried cranberries to soften in hot water before dicing helps release their flavor and makes them easier to mash into the salad.

• If you don’t have dried dill or parsley on hand, use 2 tsp of each fresh herb instead.

• For convenience, you can use a rotisserie turkey from the grocery store instead of home-cooked turkey.

• Feel free to adjust the amount of mayo and sour cream to achieve your desired consistency.

• This salad holds well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it easy to prep in advance.

• For a lower-fat version, use Greek yogurt in place of the mayo and sour cream.

• Customize the salad by adding any extras like celery, grapes, nuts, or chutney.

• The salad is delicious served on croissants, over mixed greens, or with crackers.

Why Recreate HEB’s Iconic Salad at Home?

There are several benefits to making this flavorful turkey cranberry salad rather than buying it pre-made:

• Cost savings – Making it at home is considerably cheaper per serving compared to the pre-made deli containers.

• Ingredient control – You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.

• Larger portions – Pre-made, this salad can cost $7-8 for a tiny container. Make a big batch at home for less.

• Convenience – Having a batch in the fridge makes assembling sandwiches or appetizers a breeze.

• Flexibility – Make it with turkey or chicken and serve it over greens, on bread, or with crackers.

• Fun project – Recreating an iconic recipe at home is enjoyable and satisfying!

With its delicious blend of flavors in every bite, this copycat version of HEB’s famous turkey cranberry salad is sure to become your new favorite holiday side dish or sandwich filling. Keep leftovers on hand for easy lunches or snacks all season long. This versatile salad is welcome on any appetizer tray or holiday table!