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Give your leftover turkey a delicious makeover with this simple Turkey Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pecans. Perfectly balanced with tender chunks of turkey, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s a quick and flavorful way to use up holiday leftovers. Toss it on a sandwich, wrap it up, or serve it over greens—it’s versatile, easy, and ready in minutes!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Creamy, savory, and a little sweet—each bite has a great balance of flavors, with the pop of cranberries adding just the right touch.
- Texture: You’ll get a satisfying crunch from the celery and pecans, paired with tender turkey and a smooth dressing.
- Ease: Super simple! Tossing together leftovers with a few fresh ingredients means it’s ready in no time.
- Pros: Great way to use up leftover turkey, super versatile, and perfect for meal prep. Tastes even better the next day!
- Considerations: Watch your salt if your turkey is heavily seasoned. And if you’re not a fan of sweet cranberries, try another dried fruit or leave them out.
- Recipe Repeatability: This one’s a keeper! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, especially after a big turkey dinner. It works great with chicken, making it perfect year-round!
This Turkey Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pecans is hands-down one of my favorite ways to turn holiday leftovers into something fresh, easy, and delicious. After all the effort of Thanksgiving cooking, it’s a relief to have a recipe that’s big on flavor but light on prep. In just minutes, you can pull together tender turkey, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries in a creamy dressing—perfect for enjoying something scrumptious without much work.
This salad is a true lifesaver for those busy days after Thanksgiving, especially if you’re out tackling Black Friday shopping or need a quick, satisfying bite. Serve it over greens, roll it into a wrap, or make it a hearty turkey salad sandwich—it’s a versatile, no-fuss meal that fits wherever your day takes you. Plus, it only gets better as it sits, so it’s perfect for keeping your energy up and your stress low during the holiday hustle.
Ingredients Needed to Make Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad
- Turkey: Leftover turkey works beautifully here! Whether it’s from a holiday feast or a simple roasted turkey breast, it’s a great way to give new life to those extras. You can also use sliced turkey from the deli—just ask them to cut it thicker so you can chop it into chunks.
- Celery: Adds that perfect crunch without overpowering. Just make sure to dice it finely for a balanced texture throughout each bite.
- Dried Cranberries: The sweet-tart flavor of craisins really brings this salad to life. They’re softer than fresh cranberries, so no extra prep is needed.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a great crunch.
- Onions: (optional) Red onions add a more pronounced, sharper bite; green onions offer a milder taste, or use whatever you like. You can omit it if you aren’t an Onion fan.
- Duke’s Mayonnaise: This Southern staple has a tangy richness that’s just unmatched. It’s creamy without being too heavy.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang without overpowering the other flavors. Stick with Dijon for that smooth texture. Stone ground is a little stronger with more texture.
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash of fresh lemon brightens up the whole salad and keeps it from feeling too heavy.
- Poppy Seeds: They add a gentle, nutty flavor and a pop of color!
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley is best here. Flat leaf or curly works—I like to use what I have in my garden. It adds a bit of herbal brightness, which is the perfect finishing touch.
How To Make Turkey Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pecans
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Add Turkey Salad Ingredients to a Bowl
Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding your chopped turkey, diced celery, sweet-tart craisins, crunchy pecans, and a bit of onion if you’re a fan of that extra zing. The onion is optional, but it adds a nice bite that balances the creamy dressing beautifully.
Step 2 | Mix Dressing
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing. We’re talking Duke’s mayo (if you’ve been with me for a while, you know I’m a Duke’s girl!), a little Dijon mustard for a smooth tang, a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up, some fresh chopped parsley, and poppy seeds for a hint of nuttiness and a pop of color.
Just whisk it all up until it’s nice and smooth.
Step 3 | Add Dressing to Ingredients and Combine
Once your dressing is ready, pour it right over the salad ingredients and give everything a good stir until it’s well-coated.
This is where you’ll want to taste and see if it needs a bit more salt and pepper—how much you add will depend on how your turkey was seasoned.
Step 4 | Serve & Enjoy
Serve it up right away, or pop it in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready. Letting it sit a little bit actually helps the flavors meld, making it taste even better the next day. So, it’s perfect for meal prep, too!
Tips for Perfect Turkey Salad
- Using Leftover Turkey: This is a great way to use up turkey from Thanksgiving or any chicken dinner! Just be mindful of the seasoning on your turkey—adjust the salt to balance things out.
- Deli Turkey Shortcut: You can make this salad year-round! Don’t have leftovers? No problem! Ask the deli counter to cut thick slices of turkey breast. It chops up easily and works great for this salad.
- I like to chop my turkey into bite-sized (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick) pieces, but you can chop it into finer pieces or leave it more coarse. If you like it super fine- pulse it in a food processor.
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans adds an extra depth of flavor and a nice crunch. Simply toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant—just be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Turkey Salad Variations and Substitutions
- Swap Out the Protein: Not in the mood for turkey? Cooked chicken works perfectly here, especially rotisserie chicken, for a quick option. Even canned chicken in a pinch can get the job done.
- Pecans are lovely and buttery, but you can easily swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even toasted pistachios. Each brings a unique texture and flavor!
- Fruit Options: Don’t have dried cranberries? Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots are all delicious options and add a slightly different sweetness. Fresh fruit like grapes, diced apples, or pears also add a juicy burst and work wonderfully in this salad.
- Mix Up the Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a nice freshness, but you can change it up with other herbs like dill, basil, or chives for a new flavor twist.
- Switch the Dressing Base: If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise for a lighter dressing with a bit more tang. Or go fully Greek yogurt for a healthier option that’s still creamy!
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Recipe FAQs
Certainly! If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using half Greek yogurt and half mayo, or go all Greek yogurt for a tangier taste. You could also try a vinaigrette for a lighter, more refreshing take.
Freezing isn’t recommended for this one, as the creamy dressing can separate and the textures may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken breast, or even canned chicken (well-drained) are all great substitutes. This recipe is perfect for using up any cooked poultry you have on hand.
Storage
Refrigeration: Store any leftover turkey salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.
What to Serve with Turkey Salad
- Fresh Greens: Serve the turkey salad on a bed of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a light and refreshing meal. It adds a nice crunch and makes it feel like a complete salad bowl.
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A hearty slice of crusty bread, baguette, or a soft roll pairs perfectly with this salad. You can scoop it right on top or make it into a sandwich.
- Wraps and Pita Bread: Fill a whole wheat wrap or pita pocket with turkey salad and some extra greens for a tasty and portable meal—great for lunches on the go!
- Crackers or Crostini: Serve alongside your favorite crackers, crostini, or even celery sticks for a lighter, snack-style approach. Perfect for an appetizer or party spread.
- Fruit Slices: Pair with sliced apples, grapes, or pears on the side. The fresh fruit complements the flavors in the salad and adds a nice burst of sweetness.
- Stuffed Avocado or Tomato: Scoop the turkey salad into halved avocados for a low-carb option. It’s creamy, delicious, and looks beautiful on the plate!
Recipes to Compliment Turkey Salad Sandwich
- Cherry Jello Salad
- Pasta Salad with Artichoke Hearts
- Caesar Salad with Easy Homemade Dressing
- Mediterranean Orzo Salad
- Strawberry Salad Recipe with Pecans and Mozzarella
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The Best Turkey Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, craisins
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup diced red onion , (or onion of choice) – optional
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup dukes mayo
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, (or to taste) this will depend on how you spice your turkey
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, (or to taste) this will depend on how salty your turkey is
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add chopped turkey, celery, craisins, chopped pecans and onion if using.4 cups cooked turkey, ½ cup finely diced celery, ¾ cup dried cranberries, ¾ cup chopped pecans, ¼ cup diced red onion
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and poppy seeds.1 cup dukes mayo, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, 1 ½ teaspoons poppy seeds
- Taste, then add salt and pepper to taste (this will depend on how salty & seasoned your turkey is).½ teaspoon black pepper
- Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pour over the turkey salad ingredients and stir until combined.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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