Tired of the same old lunch routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and quick to make? Then look no further! This easy turkey salad recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a tasty snack. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and is surprisingly simple to whip up, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meal ideas and quick dinner options. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded or diced (leftover turkey works perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the celery and red onion. If using walnuts or pecans, chop those as well. Make sure your cooked turkey is shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the shredded turkey, chopped celery, red onion, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. If adding nuts, mix those in now.
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Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salad mushy.
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Chill (Optional): For the 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.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious turkey salad on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it on its own!
Cooking Tips for the Best Turkey Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your turkey salad will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the salad soggy. Gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped apples add a delightful crunch to the salad.
Variations:
- Spicy Turkey Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Cranberry Turkey Salad: Stir in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist.
- Apple Turkey Salad: Diced apples add a refreshing sweetness and satisfying crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using mayonnaise and does not include additions like nuts or crackers. Nutritional values will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Consult a nutrition calculator for precise details based on your recipe adjustments.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10 grams
This easy turkey salad recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can create with simple ingredients. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes for busy weeknights. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying meal!