Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Lettuce, Olives and Onions
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Looking for a quick and healthy meal? This Turkey, Lettuce, Olive, and Onion Salad is the perfect choice, offering a balance of flavors and textures with fresh veggies, tender turkey, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing.
Why You’ll Love Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Lettuce, Olives, and Onions
- Quick and easy: This salad takes just a few minutes to assemble, making it an ideal option for a healthy, no-fuss lunch or dinner.
- Healthy and light: Packed with fresh vegetables, lean turkey, and heart-healthy olives, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
- Versatile ingredients: You can easily customize this salad by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out the turkey for chicken or tofu.
- Simple and flavorful dressing: The olive oil and lemon juice dressing adds a refreshing tang that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Perfect for meal prep: This salad is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great option for weekday lunches or quick dinners.
This is a main dish salad that make a great healthy lunch. The lettuce mix is dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, then topped with sliced deli turkey, olives and chopped onions.
If you always have sandwiches for lunch, try a salad for a change – this salad will make you full!
Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Lettuce, Olives and Onions
Ingredients
- 4 oz sliced deli turkey: A lean and convenient source of protein, perfect for adding to salads.
- 1/2 package of lettuce mix: A fresh blend of greens like romaine, spinach, or mixed greens to serve as the base for the salad.
- 1/4 cup pitted olives, cut in halves: Pitted and halved, olives bring a briny and savory flavor to the dish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Chopped onion adds a crunchy texture and a bit of sharpness to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil helps create a simple and healthy dressing.
- 1 lemon slice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the salad dressing.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Lettuce, Olives, and Onions
- Mixing bowl – For tossing the lettuce with the dressing.
- Measuring spoons – To measure the olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing.
- Knife – For chopping the onions and slicing the olives.
- Cutting board – To safely chop and prepare your ingredients.
- Serving bowl or plate – For assembling and serving the salad.
Instructions
- Put the lettuce leaves in a bowl. Squeeze the lemon over them, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss with your hands so the lettuce leaves are coated.
- Put the lettuce on a large plate. Add chopped onion, olives and top with sliced turkey.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this salad with a slice of breadstick or a side of garlic bread for a more complete meal.
- For extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers to the salad.
- Serve with a light, refreshing drink like iced green tea or watermelon smoothie for a balanced meal.
- For a heartier option, pair this salad with a bowl of lentil soup, or pumpkin soup.
- Top with a sprinkle of feta or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor if desired.
Tips For Success
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh lettuce, onions, and high-quality olives for the best flavor and texture.
- Season to taste: Feel free to add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the salad. You can also add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
- Customize your protein: If you don’t have turkey on hand, you can substitute it with grilled chicken, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Toss just before serving: To keep the lettuce crisp, toss the salad with the dressing right before serving.
- Prep ahead: You can chop the onions and slice the olives ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad when ready to eat for maximum freshness.
Variations And Substitutions
- Protein options: Swap the deli turkey for grilled chicken, ham, or even smoked salmon for a different flavor profile.
- Add more veggies: Enhance the salad by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added crunch and color.
- Cheese options: Add a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a savory touch that complements the other ingredients.
- Try different greens: Substitute the lettuce mix with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.
- Add nuts or seeds: For extra crunch, toss in some toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts for added texture and healthy fats.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating the turkey: If you prefer warm turkey, you can briefly reheat the sliced turkey in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before adding it to the salad.
- Make ahead tips: You can prepare and chop the salad ingredients in advance, but wait to toss the lettuce with the dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can substitute deli turkey with grilled chicken, ham, or even a vegetarian option like tofu or tempeh.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
To keep the salad fresh, toss the lettuce with the olive oil and lemon juice dressing just before serving. You can also store the dressing separately if preparing in advance.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or carrots for added crunch and flavor.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! While the simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing is light and fresh, you can use any store-bought dressing you enjoy, such as balsamic vinaigrette or ranch.
How can I make this salad more filling?
For a more substantial meal, you can add grains like quinoa or farro, or top the salad with a handful of nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
Other Easy Turkey Recipes
One Pan Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Recipe: This quick and easy one-pan dinner combines ground turkey and potatoes for a hearty and delicious meal.
Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin – Quick and Easy: Tender and juicy turkey tenderloin cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a simple, hassle-free meal.
Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon Recipe: Enjoy perfectly crispy turkey bacon baked in the oven, with no mess or splatter.
Keto Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cutlets – No Breading: These keto-friendly air fryer turkey breast cutlets are crispy and flavorful without the need for breading.
Other Easy Lettuce Recipes
Lettuce and Strawberry Green Salad Recipe: This refreshing green salad combines crisp lettuce with sweet strawberries for a light and healthy side dish.
Low Carb Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps – Gluten-Free: These flavorful turkey taco lettuce wraps are a low-carb, gluten-free option for a healthy and satisfying meal.
How To Sauté Lettuce – Easy Leftover Lettuce Recipe: This simple sautéed lettuce recipe is a great way to use up leftover greens for a quick and tasty side dish.
Main Dish Salad With Turkey, Lettuce, Olives, and Onions
Ingredients
- 4 oz sliced deli turkey
- 1/2 package lettuce mix (about 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup pitted olives halved
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 slice lemon for juice
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce: Place the lettuce mix in a bowl. Squeeze the lemon slice over the lettuce and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the lettuce gently to coat it evenly with the dressing.
- Assemble the salad: Arrange the dressed lettuce on a large plate.
- Add the toppings: Scatter the chopped onions and halved olives on top of the lettuce. Then, place the sliced deli turkey over the salad.
- Serve and enjoy: Your turkey, lettuce, olive, and onion salad is ready to serve as a fresh and healthy main dish!
Notes
- You can use any variety of olives you prefer, such as green or Kalamata, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- For extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers to the salad.
