If you have leftover turkey meat use it to make this Turkey Salad Recipe. Perfect served as a sandwich or over lettuce for a delicious meal idea.
We always have a ton of Leftover Turkey anytime we host the holiday dinner. This Turkey Salad Recipe is a great way to use it as it is so delicious and made with simple ingredients.
I love having leftover turkey because I can use it in soups, Easy Turkey Pot Pie Recipe and this turkey salad recipe. Also, if you have leftover cranberry sauce check out these Leftover Cranberry Sauce Recipes.
Turkey salad sandwiches are a tasty way to repurpose leftover roasted turkey after the holidays. With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful turkey salad filling perfect for sandwiches. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to making creamy, delicious turkey salad sandwiches at home
Ingredients for Turkey Salad
To make turkey salad you’ll need
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Leftover roasted turkey – Use about 3 cups chopped or shredded turkey meat. A mix of white and dark meat works well.
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Celery – Finely dice 1-2 stalks of celery Provides crunch and flavor
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Onion – Mince 1 small onion. Adds aromatic flavor.
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Pickles – Chop 2-3 tablespoons pickle relish or sweet pickle cubes. Gives a tangy flavor.
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Hard boiled eggs – Finely chop 1-2 eggs. Amp up richness and texture.
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Mayonnaise – Binds ingredients. Use 1/3 to 1/2 cup to reach desired creaminess.
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Seasonings – Salt, pepper, poultry seasoning. Tailor to your taste.
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Bread – Sliced bread, croissants, rolls. Choose your favorite type.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Chop the turkey into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl.
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Mince the celery, onion, pickles, and hard boiled eggs. Add to the turkey.
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Add mayonnaise, starting with 1/3 cup. Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
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Mix everything together well, adding more mayo if needed to reach desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Chill for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
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Spread turkey salad generous on bread slices. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, or other desired veggies.
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Close sandwiches and slice in half to serve. Enjoy!
Turkey Salad Tips
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For best texture, pulse turkey in a food processor instead of chopping. Don’t overprocess into mush.
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Sweet pickle relish or cubes add great flavor. Substitute regular dill relish or pickles if needed.
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Add some cranberry sauce or chutney to the salad for a sweet/tart flavor accent.
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Spread cranberry sauce or gravy on the bread along with the turkey for extra moistness.
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Swap in chopped walnuts or pecans instead of hard boiled eggs for a crunchy twist.
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Use a mix of white and dark turkey meat for well-rounded flavor in the salad.
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Add dash of curry powder, paprika, or oregano to complement the turkey spices.
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Chill assembled sandwiches before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Alternative Serving Suggestions
While classic turkey salad sandwiches are a top choice, get creative with how you serve your turkey salad:
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Stuff into a pita pocket, hoagie roll, or wrap instead of regular sliced bread.
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Serve open-faced on crostini or bread slices for an appetizer.
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Add a scoop on top of a fresh salad for an easy protein-packed meal.
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Use as a sandwich filler along with ham, roast beef, or other deli meats.
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Top a baked potato or sweet potato with turkey salad for a hearty main dish.
Turkey salad made from leftover roast turkey makes a simple, delicious sandwich filling. With a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a tasty turkey salad in minutes. Get creative with servings and enjoy this classic leftover turkey recipe.
Substitutions and Addition Ideas
You can easily stir in your favorite add-ins to change the flavor or for additional crunch. These are some of our favorites.
- Diced apples
- Dried Cranberries
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Green Onions
- Bell Pepper
- Grapes
- Pickle Relish
- Parsley
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Basil
Why We Love This Turkey Salad
The last thing I want to do after the holidays is run to the store. I love making this Turkey Salad because I can make it with all of our leftover veggies, fresh herbs and broth which saves me time and money.
Before putting away your leftover white and dark meat turkey, quickly prepare this turkey salad and it will be ready for you the next day for a tasty lunch.
- Cooked Turkey – Dice turkey into bite size pieces
- Celery – Finely Dice the Vegetables. We like to use this Vegetable Chopper
- Mayo – Substitute with Plain Greek Yogurt or sour cream
- Lemon Juice – See Best Substitute for Lemon Juice if you are out
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Sandwiches | Turkey Salad Recipe | Kitchen Dads Cooking
FAQ
What is turkey salad made of?
- Turkey: This simple recipe starts with cooked turkey meat.
- Vegetables: You’ll need celery, green onions, and a red bell pepper.
- Mayo and mustard: Mayonnaise and prepared Dijon-style mustard add creaminess and flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar lends a touch of welcome acidity.
How to make the best turkey sandwich?
- Toast bread. Lightly toast bread in a toaster oven until the slices turn golden.
- Add spreads. …
- Season the turkey. …
- Finish with tomato and lettuce. …
- Top with bread and slice.
Do relish go in turkey salad?
Well, try adding diced apples, dried cranberries, or grapes. Also, stone ground mustard and relish is a great flavor combination.
How to make Turkish salad?
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, molasses and crushed red pepper. Season the dressing with salt.
- In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes with the cucumbers, scallions, green bell pepper, onion, parsley and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve at once.
How do you make a Turkey salad sandwich?
Our not so secret ingredients for making this the perfect turkey salad sandwich is a little bit of Bell’s poultry seasoning, plus a touch of brown sugar in the mix, along with minced celery, onion, celery salt and mayonnaise. We also like using a mix of the dark and white turkey meat – but whatever leftovers you have are fine!
What to put in a Turkey salad sandwich?
The essential ingredients to include in a turkey salad sandwich are diced turkey breast, mayonnaise or another creamy binder, and some crunchy vegetables like celery or onion. You’ll also want to add some seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs to give your salad flavor.
Can you make a Turkey salad sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a turkey salad sandwich ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving. You can prepare the salad ingredients, like the diced turkey and chopped vegetables, up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
What is a Turkey salad sandwich?
When it comes to sandwiches, there’s nothing quite like a turkey salad sandwich to satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender turkey, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing, all held together by three slices of soft bread, is a match made in heaven.
Can you make a healthy Turkey salad sandwich?
Yes, it’s possible to make a healthy version of a turkey salad sandwich by using lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and whole grains. Look for a whole grain bread that’s low in added sugars and saturated fats, and use a light hand when adding mayonnaise or other creamy binders.
How do you make a good turkey sandwich?
Use about 2 cups chopped turkey and 1/3 to 1/2 cup each diced celery and onion per batch. Adjust amounts to your taste. Try different mayonnaise varieties like olive oil mayo or flavored mayo. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup nuts, dried fruit, apple, etc. if desired. Season with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, crushed red pepper, or other spices.