Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).
Say goodbye to boring leftovers with this easy and delicious leftover turkey salad recipe! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so simple to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, a lettuce wrap, or as a hearty salad bowl, this recipe is the perfect way to breathe new life into your holiday turkey.
Tired of eating leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey several days in a row? This delicious turkey salad recipe transforms your leftover turkey into something amazing and totally different!
Why You’ll Love Leftover Turkey Salad
- Quick and easy to make: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy days after the holidays. No cooking required, just chop, mix, and enjoy!
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap it in lettuce, or eat it as a salad bowl—it’s a dish that suits any mood or occasion.
- Minimal ingredients: You only need four simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
- Amazing flavor: The creamy mayo, hard-boiled eggs, and hint of onion elevate the turkey, creating a dish that feels new and exciting.
- A great way to reduce food waste: Turn leftover turkey into something fresh and delicious, so nothing goes to waste after the holidays.
No matter how awesome your Thanksgiving turkey is, eating leftovers gets boring pretty quickly. I can handle eating leftover turkey the next day, but then totally get burned out on that same old stuff. My favorite way of transforming turkey leftovers into something new is the leftover turkey salad. It’s basically like a classic chicken salad, but made with turkey meat!
Turkey salad is so creamy, with eggs and zesty onions, it tastes nothing like the plain turkey, so it doesn’t even feel like you are eating turkey at all! What a welcome break from the holiday leftovers, it feels like you are eating something totally different and not wasting any leftover turkey!
Transform this:
Into this!
Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Salad
- Cooked turkey meat – The star of the recipe, repurposed into a creamy and satisfying dish.
- Hard-boiled eggs – Adds protein and a rich, creamy texture to the salad.
- Onion – Provides a zesty, savory crunch that balances the creamy ingredients.
- Mayonnaise – The binding ingredient that gives the salad its smooth, creamy consistency.
- Salt and pepper – Enhances the flavors and can be adjusted to your taste.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
There are several ways to serve the turkey salad. You can serve it on buns to make turkey salad sandwiches, on long sub rolls to make the subs, on romaine leaves to make lettuce wraps, or just in a plain old bowl as a main dish salad! This leftover turkey salad is also perfect on croissants – that would be an awesome post-holiday brunch dish!
Making this delicious turkey salad is super easy and will take you less than 15 minutes! This recipe uses 4 simple ingredients: leftover turkey, hard-boiled eggs, onion and mayo.
Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Leftover Turkey Salad
- Cutting board – For chopping the turkey, eggs, and onion.
- Sharp knife – Makes chopping quick and precise.
- Mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients easily.
- Spoon or spatula – For mixing the salad until it’s creamy and well blended.
- Measuring cups – To measure the turkey and mayonnaise accurately.
All you need to do is chop the turkey, eggs and onion, and mix with mayo until desired creamy consistency. You can also add your favorite spices to taste, I love this salad with a bit of sweet paprika!
How To Make Turkey Salad With Leftover Turkey
Step 1: Chop the turkey
Step 2: Chop the eggs
Step 3: Chop the onion
Step 4: Put chopped turkey, eggs and onion in a bowl and add mayo
Step 5: Mix everything together and add your favorite spices.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the turkey salad on a Perfectly Cooked Crescent Rolls or Fluffy Dinner Rolls for a hearty sandwich.
- Wrap it in Crispy Roasted Romaine leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
- Scoop it onto a Fresh Garden Salad with Lettuce, Tomato, and Onion for a light and refreshing main dish salad.
- Spread it on crackers or Perfectly Toasted Bread for a quick snack or appetizer.
- Pair it with a warm bowl of Quick and Simple Chicken Noodle Soup for a cozy, balanced meal.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your turkey and eggs are fresh for the best flavor. Leftover turkey should be stored properly and used within 3–4 days.
- Adjust the mayo: Start with a smaller amount and add more until the salad reaches your preferred creaminess.
- Chop uniformly: Try to cut the turkey, eggs, and onion into similar-sized pieces for even mixing and texture.
- Customize the flavor: Add spices like sweet paprika, garlic powder, or dill for a flavor boost. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the salad too.
- Chill before serving: While you can enjoy the salad right away, letting it chill for 30 minutes in the fridge enhances the flavors and gives it a refreshing taste.
- Double the recipe: If you have extra turkey, make a bigger batch and store the leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
- Serving flexibility: This recipe is adaptable—serve it as a sandwich, on crackers, or in lettuce wraps depending on your mood.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the protein: If you don’t have turkey, substitute it with cooked chicken or even leftover ham for a twist.
- Add some crunch: Include diced celery, chopped pickles, or sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Incorporate fruit: Add a handful of dried cranberries, chopped apples, or grapes for a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
- Make it tangy: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of vinegar for a zesty kick.
- Use Greek yogurt: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option.
- Herb it up: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh and aromatic touch.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat.
- Go keto: Use avocado in place of mayonnaise for a creamy and keto-friendly version of the salad.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the turkey and create a hearty egg salad with extra chopped eggs and your choice of vegetables.
- Switch the onion: Red onion or green onion can be used instead of a white or yellow onion for a milder or sweeter taste.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Transfer the turkey salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness and safety.
- Freezing: While freezing isn’t recommended for this salad due to the mayonnaise and eggs, you can freeze just the chopped turkey and add the other ingredients fresh when ready to serve.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If using turkey that’s been frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and chilled before mixing it into the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This turkey salad is perfect for meal prep. Make it a day in advance, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even tastier the next day.
Can I use dark meat instead of white meat?
Absolutely! Both dark and white turkey meat work well in this recipe. Dark meat adds a slightly richer flavor, so feel free to use what you have or prefer.
How do I make this recipe lighter?
To make a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You can also mix in a small amount of Dijon mustard or lemon juice for added tanginess.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, adding diced celery, shredded carrots, or bell peppers is a great way to add crunch and extra nutrition. This recipe is very adaptable, so get creative with your favorite veggies.
How long can I keep this turkey salad in the fridge?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before serving.
Can I freeze leftover turkey salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended due to the mayonnaise and eggs, which can separate and affect the texture. However, you can freeze the turkey itself and prepare the salad fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it.
What can I serve with turkey salad?
Turkey salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, croissants, crackers, or fresh greens. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a warm soup or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy this yummy turkey salad!
Here are some more easy and delicious recipes you’ll love:
Parmesan Oven Fries – these would be amazing with the turkey salad sandwiches!
Best Ever Potato Salad – if you like creamy salads like this turkey salad, you’ll absolutely love this famous potato salad!
Chicken Pasta Salad – you can make this with leftover turkey, just use chopped turkey instead of chicken!
Breakfast Casserole Recipe – use chopped leftover turkey in this one instead of chicken too!
Turkey Salad Using Leftover Thanksgiving Or Christmas Turkey
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey meat chopped
- 4 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 cup mayo
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Spoon
Instructions
- Put chopped turkey, eggs and onion in a large bowl. Add mayo and stir until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
More Salad Recipes
- Greek Yogurt Apple and Raisin Salad
- Fresh Watermelon and Tomato Salad
- Classic Carrot, Apple, and Raisin Salad
It’s the perfect way to refresh those leftovers!
An easy and delicious treat.