This leftover Turkey Salad is creamy and crunchy without any dairy. It is the perfect way to use up that leftover turkey! You can enjoy it as is, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens. Packed with flavor and protein! Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and whole30-friendly.
A Turkey Salad Recipe that is quick and easy to make in 5 minutes! This leftover turkey salad is loaded with so much flavor, is festive, and packed with protein. Perfect for using those Thanksgiving leftovers! It can be enjoyed in wraps, as a sandwich, or just all on its own!
This salad recipe was inspired by this cranberry chicken salad.
What is so great about this salad is that it uses leftover cooked turkey breast but also uses other scraps from the big day that you may have like cranberries, celery, nuts, and herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Salad Recipe
- Quick and easy
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and whole30!
- Stores great!
- Flavorful and packed with protein
- Best post-Thanksgiving recipe!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Turkey Salad Recipe
- Ingredients You Will Need
- Turkey Salad Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
- How To Make This Leftover Turkey Salad
- Expert Tip
- Serving Suggestions
- How long will turkey salad keep in the fridge?
- Can you freeze leftover turkey salad?
- Ways to use leftovers
- Recommended Tools To Make This Recipe
- More Easy Salad Recipes
- Best Leftover Turkey Salad – Dairy-Free
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is the list of simple healthy ingredients needed to make this amazing creamy healthy turkey salad.
Cooked turkey breast – perfect use of leftover Thanksgiving turkey. You can dice it or shred it, it’s up to you!
Celery – fresh celery to add some crunch!
Dried cranberries – I used low-sugar, which adds a nice color and tangy, sweet element to the salad.
Pecans – for even more crunch and a hint of nutty flavors.
For the dressing – avocado mayo, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt and pepper.
Get the complete list of recipe ingredients and instructions in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Turkey Salad Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
- Use diced cooked chicken in place of the turkey
- Add Greek yogurt for even more protein – swap 1 tablespoon of mayo.
- Use different herbs like thyme or dill.
- Almonds or walnuts can be used in place of the pecans.
- You can use orange juice or lemon juice in place of the vinegar.
- Add in some chopped onion or apple for even more flavor and crunch.
How To Make This Leftover Turkey Salad
Chop the turkey and prep and measure out the rest of the salad ingredients. Add everything to a bowl.
Toss the turkey salad together using a large spoon and serve immediately or refrigerate and serve later.
Expert Tip
If you do not have leftover turkey then you can use leftover chicken. Here are 3 chicken recipes you can use in this recipe as an alternative to the turkey in this salad.
Serving Suggestions
Any way you serve this incredible salad will be delicious. Here are a few suggestions.
- Lettuce cups – pile this salad into some crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, post-Thanksgiving meal.
- Whole grain crackers – Enjoy it in a bowl with some crackers as a snack or light lunch.
- Turkey salad sandwich/bagel – enjoy it as a turkey salad sandwich on a gluten-free bagel.
- Wrap it up – this salad makes an amazing tasty filling for a healthy, wrap for lunch or dinner that you can take on the go!
How long will turkey salad keep in the fridge?
Leftover turkey salad will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Which makes it great to enjoy after Thanksgiving.
Can you freeze leftover turkey salad?
This salad can be frozen but is best enjoyed fresh or stored as noted above. If you do need to freeze it then place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge when you are ready to enjoy it.
Ways to use leftovers
Leftovers are so delicious scooped and served over a bed of fresh greens with cut veggies and crackers, filled in a wrap, or served with some cooked, cooled pasta for an even heartier meal.
Recommended Tools To Make This Recipe
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
- Measuring cups/spoons
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Easy Salmon Salad
- Curry Chicken Salad
- Healthy Egg Salad
- Chickpea “Chicken” Salad
- Tuna Pasta Salad
- Healthy Tuna Egg Salad
Check out all of my healthy salad recipes on PMG!
Did you try this recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out!
When they had had enough to eat, Jesus said to the disciples, “ Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” – John 6:12
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Best Leftover Turkey Salad – Dairy-Free
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Leftover Turkey Salad is creamy and crunchy without any dairy. It is the perfect way to use up that leftover turkey! You can enjoy it as is, in a wrap, or on a bed of greens. Packed with flavor and protein! Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and whole30!
Ingredients
- 4 cups leftover cooked turkey – diced
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado mayo – I used Primal Kitchen
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Dice or shred the turkey then prep and measure the rest of the ingredients.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and toss using a large spoon.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator and serve later.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked turkey or chicken in this recipe.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days or in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To defrost, leave in the fridge overnight.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Category: Quick and Easy Salads
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
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