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Turkey Salad

Turkey Salad
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These easy turkey salad recipes are a fresh, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy lean protein combined with crisp vegetables and tasty dressings. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack, these salads take under 20 minutes to prepare and can be customized with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • Cooked turkey breast or leftover turkey, shredded or diced (about 2 cups)

Fresh Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers

Leafy Greens

  • 1 cup spinach or mixed greens

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt or 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Herbs and Spices

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/4 cup walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries
  • 1 diced jalapeño or dash of hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Turkey: Start by shredding or dicing cooked turkey breast into bite-sized pieces. Using fresh leftovers or roasting your own turkey breast ensures the salad will be tender and flavorful.
  2. Chop the Fresh Veggies: Dice cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, and any additional vegetables into uniform pieces to add the perfect crunch and freshness.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine your choice of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or olive oil with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-emulsified for a creamy or tangy dressing.
  4. Toss Together: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the turkey, chopped vegetables, leafy greens, optional add-ins, and dressing until everything is evenly coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs or nuts if desired.

Notes

  • Use day-old or leftover turkey to save preparation time and add flavor.
  • Add crunchy celery or fresh nuts just before serving to maintain texture.
  • Adjust the dressing acidity and creaminess by balancing lemon juice, mustard, and yogurt to your taste.
  • Gently fold ingredients to keep the salad light and avoid mushiness.
  • Season gradually with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance, not overpower, the flavors.
  • Store turkey salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Do not freeze prepared salad; freeze cooked turkey separately if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey salad, healthy salad, quick meal, lean protein salad, easy recipe, meal prep, low carb salad, gluten-free

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/turkey-salad/