Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Turkey Salad is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with shredded turkey and crisp apples. It’s an ideal choice for a quick lunch and the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, ready in about 25 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Turkey Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp. light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- A few dashes of hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked turkey
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/2 firm apple (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and cubed
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped
- Lettuce, bread, or crackers, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Turkey Salad Recipe
- Toast the Walnuts: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 7 to 9 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool completely, then coarsely chop.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, yogurt, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce, if using, until smooth.
- Combine the Salad: Add the cooked turkey, dried cranberries, parsley, celery, apple, red onion, and the toasted walnuts to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve: The turkey salad can be served immediately, either chilled or at room temperature. It’s delicious in lettuce cups, on a sandwich, or with crackers.
Recipe Tips
- What kind of apples are best for turkey salad? Use a firm, crisp, and sweet apple like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. They will hold their shape and provide a nice crunch without becoming mushy.
- How to get the best flavor? Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious result.
- Can I use a different nut? Toasted pecans are an excellent substitute for walnuts in this recipe.
- How long does turkey salad last? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this turkey salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
What To Serve With Turkey Salad
This versatile salad can be served in many different ways for a satisfying meal.
- Sandwiches: Serve on croissants, toasted whole wheat bread, or soft brioche buns.
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into crisp butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a low-carb option.
- Salad Platter: Serve a scoop on a bed of mixed greens with a side of fresh fruit.
- With Crackers: Offer it as a hearty appetizer or snack with assorted crackers.
How To Store Turkey Salad
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressing will separate and become watery upon thawing.
Pioneer Woman Turkey Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Sugar: 12g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make turkey salad without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, higher-protein dressing. You could also use all regular yogurt if you prefer.
u003cstrongu003eIsu003c/strongu003e it better tou003cstrongu003e chop or shred the turkey for salad?u003c/strongu003e
This is a matter of personal preference. Shredded turkey provides a softer, more integrated texture, while chopped turkey offers chunkier, more distinct bites. Both work well.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with leftover rotisserie, baked, or poached chicken.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Taco Salad with Doritos Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Potato Salad with Frozen Potatoes Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Turkey Salad Recipe
Description
A creamy and flavorful turkey salad with sweet cranberries, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts in a tangy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast walnuts in a 325°F oven for 7-9 minutes; let cool and chop.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, vinegar, brown sugar, and seasonings.
- Add the turkey, cranberries, parsley, celery, apple, onion, and toasted walnuts to the dressing.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThis recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a slightly sweeter dressing, you can add a little more brown sugar to taste.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eEnsure the walnuts are completely cool before adding them to the salad to prevent them from becoming soft.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eChopping all the ingredients to a similar size creates a more pleasant texture in every bite.u003c/liu003e
