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My favorite way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Throw it into a big bowl and make this chunky, creamy, sweet-and-savory salad. You get juicy turkey bites, crispy veggies, a punchy tang, some sweet grapes, and a silky dressing that ties it all together. Leftovers never tasted this good!
This idea saved me after a frantic Thanksgiving—I was scrambling to use up turkey before it went bad. My family loved it so much, now they insist I cook even more turkey every year just for this purpose. Funny how that works!
Tasty Ingredients
- 1 cup grapes, chopped: Sweet bursts that make every bite fun.
- ¾ cup toasted pecans: Crunchy and rich, toasty nuts really take it to the next level.
- ½ cup diced celery: Can’t beat that satisfying crunch and slight spice.
- 1 ½ tablespoons chopped dill: Fresh, herby flavor to brighten everything.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Keeps the creamy stuff from being too heavy, with a little kick.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gentle warmth and a hint of depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Makes all the flavors pop. Taste before adding more!
- ⅓ cup hummus (plain): Secret ingredient! Gives creamy texture and subtle nuttiness.
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise: The rich, classic base that ties it together. Go for the good stuff or try one with avocado oil.
- 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped: The star—white and dark meat both work for the best mix of flavor.
Easy Step-by-Step
- Let It Rest:
- You can serve it straight away, but if you pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours, the flavors really come together and everything tastes even better. Herbs mix in, nuts mellow, and it all gets more delicious.
- Add Your Mix-Ins:
- Toss in the grapes, celery, pecans, and dill. Gently fold everything together—no need to stir hard or smash things up. You want those bites to stay crunchy and juicy, not mushy.
- Combine the Turkey:
- Drop the cut-up turkey into your unfolded dressing. Fold it in carefully, so every piece gets coated but the meat doesn't get mushy or broken up.
- Make the Creamy Dressing:
- Spoon together the mayo, hummus, mustard, salt, and pepper in your biggest bowl. Mix it until smooth, so it’s creamy and full of flavor throughout. The hummus makes everything lighter and boosts protein, too.
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I’ll never go back to untoasted nuts. One time, I almost skipped that step to save time—big mistake. Toaster pecans just have so much more flavor. My grandma always said you should toast your nuts, and now I get why. She was always right about food.
Handy Make-Ahead
This salad gets better after sitting in the fridge, so you can totally make it a couple of days ahead. Three days in advance is fine for meal prep or if you’re planning a party. Just remember, the nuts might soften if they hang around too long, so hold them back till just before serving if you like the crunch.
How To Store
Toss it in an airtight container, and this salad holds up great for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to count from when the turkey was cooked, not when you made the salad. For safety, keep it cold and don't let it sit out more than two hours. Don’t freeze it, though—mayo turns weird and watery in the freezer.
Ways To Enjoy
Sure, between two slices of bread is classic, but you don’t need to stick to that. Pita pockets with a pile of greens work great. Scoop onto leaves of butter lettuce for a light lunch, or pair with crackers or crostini for a fancier snack. Throw some crisp pickles and fruit on the plate for a meal that’s super colorful and fun.
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Turn those leftovers into a lunch you’ll feel good about—crunch, creaminess, and sweetness in every scoop. Everybody’s going to want another helping!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many days will turkey salad stay fresh in the fridge?
Keep your turkey salad in a sealed container, and it'll last 3-5 days cold. Just remember, the countdown starts from when the turkey was originally cooked, not when you made your salad.
- → Can you prep anything in advance?
For sure! You can cook up the turkey a day before tossing it into your salad, or go ahead and make the whole salad early—just chill it in the fridge till it’s time to eat.
- → Why add hummus to turkey salad?
Hummus makes it extra smooth, boosts the taste, and holds it all together. Plus, you won't need as much mayo and it kicks the whole thing up a notch flavor-wise.
- → Different ways to enjoy turkey salad?
This turkey salad’s super flexible. Scoop it onto bread, tuck it inside lettuce leaves for a lighter meal, or pile it next to your favorite crackers for easy snacking.
- → Is it OK to swap out any ingredients?
Definitely! Try mayo with avocado oil or use walnuts instead of pecans. Swap grapes for dried cranberries, or add chopped apple if you like some sweet crunch.
- → Why bother chilling turkey salad before serving?
Letting it chill for two hours really lets the flavors come together, so each bite tastes awesome. If you’re short on time, you can dig in right away, but it’s even better later.