Dinner

Creamy Turkey Salad Recipe

Name: Creamy Turkey Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups leftover turkey meat (diced or shredded); 2 cups celery (chopped); 4 green onions (or a small red onion, diced); 1 green apple (chopped); 1 cup green grapes (cut in half); 1 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup pecans (chopped, optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper (to taste); Chopped green onions; Boiled egg (sliced or chopped)

ByJulian Dempsey November 16, 2025November 16, 2025

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Introduction

This Creamy Turkey Salad is a delightful way to use leftover turkey, combining fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing for a balanced and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s easy to prepare and versatile to serve.

A white decorative plate holds a creamy chicken salad with visible shredded white chicken, light green grape halves, celery pieces, and bits of dark dried cranberries mixed throughout. The salad is topped with two halved hard-boiled eggs, each showing a bright yellow yolk sprinkled with red paprika and finely chopped green herbs. The plate sits on a wooden surface with a white lace cloth partially visible, along with loose green grapes and celery sticks around it. A large silver spoon is placed next to the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups leftover turkey meat (diced or shredded)
2 cups celery (chopped)
1 cup dried cranberries
4 green onions (or a small red onion – diced)
1/2 cup pecans (chopped – optional)
1 green apple (chopped)
1 cup green grapes (cut in half)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare all ingredients by chopping the turkey, celery, onions, apple, and halving the grapes. If using pecans, chop them as well.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the turkey, celery, dried cranberries, onions, pecans, apple, and grapes. Stir gently to mix.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Before serving, garnish with extra chopped green onions and, if desired, a sliced boiled egg.
Step 7: Serve the turkey salad as a sandwich filling, over fresh greens, or wrapped in a tortilla for a light meal.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra brightness.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a different fruity twist.

Storage

Store the turkey salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; avoid freezing as the texture of the salad will change.

How to Serve

A close-up of a wooden spoon holding a creamy mixture that includes light green grape slices, small chopped green onions, shredded white chicken, and dark red pieces, possibly dried cranberries, all mixed in a thick white dressing. The texture looks soft and creamy with a mix of smooth and chunky elements, and the background is blurred with similar colors, showing more of the creamy mix on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this turkey salad in advance?

Yes, it actually tastes better when allowed to chill for at least 30 minutes as the flavors blend together. Prepare it up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.