Tired of the same old lunch routine? Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This deli turkey salad recipe is your answer. It's incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a satisfying snack. Forget those boring sandwiches; this recipe elevates the humble turkey salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a healthy meal without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced (about 1 pound) – leftover turkey works perfectly!
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (use light mayo for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and protein)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Start by dicing the cooked turkey breast into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery and red onion. If using walnuts or cranberries, chop those as well.
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Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced turkey, celery, red onion, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. If adding nuts or cranberries, stir them in now.
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Mix well: Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salad mushy.
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Chill (optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the turkey salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy your delicious turkey salad on whole-wheat bread or crackers.
- Serve it on lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
- Use it as a filling for bell peppers or avocado halves.
- Spoon it over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon.
- Add some crunch: Toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds would be a tasty addition.
- Make it a meal: Serve your turkey salad with a side of your favorite vegetables or a light soup.
- Meal prepping magic: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout your lunches.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a recipe yielding 4 servings and using regular mayonnaise. Nutritional content will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
This quick and easy deli turkey salad recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It's a healthy meal option perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying lunch. Enjoy this delicious dish – a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create truly satisfying and healthy food.