Does the day after Thanksgiving have you staring into a fridge full of leftover turkey, wondering what to do with it? Turn it into light and fresh leftover Thanksgiving turkey salad! After a heavy holiday meal, this bright and flavorful salad feels like a much-needed reset. It comes together in three easy steps, is endlessly customizable, and is great as a sandwich or wrap, piled high onto greens, or scooped up with crackers. Whether you serve it for lunch or a holiday weekend snack, turkey salad is a refreshingly easy way to reinvent your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Recipe for Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Salad
Ingredients:
- 2–3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped grapes
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo/half Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: chopped apples, fresh parsley, a dash of paprika, leftover herbs
Directions:
1. Make the Turkey Base
In a large bowl, combine the turkey, celery, cranberries (or grapes), nuts, and green onions.
2. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings.
3. Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
- Add more flavor: Increase the flavor depth by using both white and dark meat.
- Keep the dressing light: Don’t use too much mayo – let the other ingredients shine.
- Make it Mediterranean: Mix in chopped cucumbers, olives, red onion, parsley, and a lemony yogurt dressing.
The Best Leftovers Come From The Butcher Shop
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey salad is fresh and simple – like all our meats and seafood at The Butcher Shop. You’ll only find 100% natural, locally sourced ingredients in our store. That includes farm-fresh produce, freshly baked loaves of bread, local beers and wines, and even 100% natural dog food. This holiday season, serve your family the very best – even when it’s leftovers. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.