Turkey Salad Wellplated Com

After you’ve spent meaningful time with people you love. After you’ve enjoyed a spread worthy of kings (don’t forget Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole, Crockpot Green Bean Casserole, and Homemade Scalloped Potatoes!). After you’ve washed the dishes. There’s one more task to tackle… What to do with all of the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers?? Don’t send that turkey away in Tupperware just yet! And don’t use it all for Turkey Tetrazzini. You need that juicy turkey for today’s holiday twist on my reader-favorite Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad. It takes the spirit of the core ingredients in classic chicken Waldorf salad and gives them a special harvest flare. In addition to leftover turkey, this recipe takes advantage of extra cranberries, thyme, celery, and pecans sitting around after the big meal. And if there is still some the bird left after this recipe, you can peruse many more tasty Leftover Turkey Recipes and learn storing and reheating tips too. When tossed together with a creamy yogurt dressing (this is a turkey salad recipe without mayo!) they transform into a versatile dish you’ll be happy to eat anytime throughout the upcoming week.

How to Make Turkey Salad from Scratch

There’s no better way to use turkey leftovers for a healthy reset when you don’t want to let go of Thanksgiving flavors just yet. This turkey salad recipe without mayonnaise (just like my Whole30 Chicken Salad) is a healthy way to get you back on track after indulging in a great holiday meal. Back on track while in stretchy pants, obviously (because jeans anytime during the week of Thanksgiving should not be allowed).

The Ingredients

Turkey. Just like chicken, turkey meat is wonderful in salad recipes like this. It provides lean protein and a hint of flavor without overpowering the other mix-ins and tasty yogurt dressing.

Cranberries. While a Waldorf turkey salad with grapes is more traditional, keep Thanksgiving rockin’ by making turkey salad with cranberries. They add a great burst of sweetness to the other savory flavors.Apples. Yes, texture! Turkey salad with apples perfectly balances the tender turkey and creamy Greek yogurt.Plain Greek Yogurt. A healthy swap for mayo, the yogurt comes together with fresh herbs and lemon to create a dreamy sauce.Celery. Like apples, the crunch provided by celery bits is a 100% necessity.Pecans. Never enough crunch. You can also swap them for walnuts or almonds.Thyme. Its quintessential Thanksgiving flavor is right at home here. (If you prefer, you could also swap dill, which is a bit more traditional.)Curry Powder. This recipe calls for a titch of curry powder for its sweet aroma and warm touch. If you love zesty curry spices and want more, this Curry Chicken Salad is not one to miss!

The Directions

How to Serve Turkey Salad

I love having a bowl of turkey or chicken salad ready to go in the fridge for when it’s needed. It covers your healthy and versatility bases so well and can be served in so many ways. Here are great options for you:

Crock Pot Shredded Chicken.Instant Pot Chicken.Baked Chicken Breast.Easy stovetop method for How to Cook Shredded Chicken.

Buns. If you have the odd family member who doesn’t love a leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich, have them try it on a sweet Hawaiian roll or pretzel bun. They’ll add those to their thankful list real fast.Whole Wheat Bread. A classic, wholesome choice for easy, healthy meals. Add your favorite toppings like red onion or tomato.Lettuce Wraps. Try crisp leaf lettuce cups to keep it fancy without the fuss and flavorful without the work.Crackers. A spoonful on a cracker makes a perfect appetizer for friends or a snack for yourself while cooking.Croissant. Stop by your local bakery for these fresh, buttery pillows. A turkey salad croissant is a refreshing change of pace from a standard sandwich we all eat so often.

Storage Tips

To Store. Turkey salad can last for up to 3 days in the fridge in airtight container.To Freeze. While you can freeze turkey salad with mayo or Greek yogurt, the dressing will likely become watery once thawed, so I don’t fully recommend it. If you insist, freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Mixing Bowls. A must-have in every kitchen.Baking Sheet. Perfect for roasting nuts, veggies, and so much more.Small Whisk. The ideal size for mixing dressing ingredients together.