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Turkey Salad with Cranberries

What to do with those leftover turkey from Thanksgiving? This easy Turkey Salad recipe loaded with sweet dried cranberries is one of my favorite ways to repurpose leftover turkey meat!

And if you are reading this in the middle of summer or the end of a long winter, go get yourself some rotisserie turkey meat and make this turkey salad..because this is so good it should totally be enjoyed year around!

Two pieces of turkey salad sandwiches stacked on top of each other

And yes, you can absolutely sub with chicken as well. Follow the directions and just substitute turkey for chicken.

Trying to figure out what else you can do with leftover turkey? Make some Turkey Stew or Leftover Turkey Taco!

Why you need this

There are so many reasons why we are loving this delicious salad.

I used to get to tired of leftover turkey after a few days of eating Turkey Day leftovers.

But now I actually look forward to leftover turkey so that I have an excuse to whip up my favorite salad!

Such a game changer.

Here’s why you need this:

  • So easy to make! No cook, minimal ingredients, and so quick to put together!
  • Incredible flavorful! Something about the creamy mayo combined with tangy lemon juice and dijon mustard creates this yummy, dreamy dressing. And those dried cranberries give it a nice touch of sweetness.
  • Perfect for meal prep. I love keeping this in my fridge for whenever I need it!
  • Even better the next day! As the flavors sit and merge and do its magic, it taste better the next day!
  • Healthy-ish. Yes there’s mayo, but it’s fairly light and not overly heavy. I intentionally kept this light on the mayo.
  • Super versatile. Have leftover chicken meat instead? That works as well!
A rectangular plate of turkey salad decorated with green lettuce

Let’s Make It!

I can keep telling you how easy this is.

Or I can just show you. Because it is so easy. Everyone can make this!

Now if only I can feed each and every one of you a bite of this deliciousness…

To make this delicious salad, first, chop turkey into smaller pieces.

I mainly use turkey breast this time around but feel free to use dark meat, and even some of the skin if you like.

A bowl of chopped turkey meat

Then add the following:

  • Mayonaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemin juice
  • Dried cranberries
  • Salt and pepper to taste
A bowl of chopped leftover turkey with mayo, dijon mustard, dried cranberries, and lemon juice

Use a spatula to give it a stir until everything is combined.

A bowl of Turkey Salad tossed with cranberries

Then serve!

It is truly that simple!

How to serve turkey salad

Turkey salad is so versatile and there are so many ways you can serve it.

If you are like me and get tired of eating the same thing the same way every time, here are some fun ways to serve this Turkey Cranberry Salad:

  • in a sandwich
  • add a scoop to your salads or lettuce
  • on top of crackers
  • with fruits as a low carb meal
  • by itself as a snack!

How long can you store it

If storing in the refrigerator, I always like to finish this is 3-4 days, but it also depends on how long you’ve had your turkey.

The recommendation is to store cold turkey for up to 5-6 days in the refrigerator. So if you’ve had your turkey for a while, you might want to finish your turkey salad quickly.

A plate of turkey salad tossed in mayo and cranberries

I first made this to use up leftover turkey that I got kinda tired of eating. But before I knew it, I started making this outside of the holiday season because it is so good! So you can find this turkey salad in my refrigerator pretty often, Thanksgiving or not.

I typically make it and keep it in the fridge for quick (and yummy) lunches. They are especially great during busy weeks.

So, run, don’t walk, and go get everything you need to make this Turkey Salad! I think you will love it! 🙂

Other Turkey Recipes

Here are other ways to repurpose leftover holiday turkey!

DID YOU ENJOY THIS RECIPE? Please comment below and give us a 5-star rating! This will help others find this recipe on Google and Pinterest. We very much appreciate your help! 🤍

A plate of turkey salad tossed in mayo and cranberries

Turkey Salad with Cranberries

Use up those leftover turkey to make this creamy, slightly tangy turkey salad with cranberries. Easy, no cook, and great as lunch or light dinner!
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 265kcal
Author: MinShien

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked turkey diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonaise
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • salt to taste, optional
  • black pepper to taste, optional

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients except salt and pepper to a large bowl.
  • Using a spatula, mix to evenly combine.
  • Taste. And if needed, add salt and black pepper to taste. Just it another stir.
  • Serve at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 345mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Take a pic and tag me at @joyous.apron, or hashtag #joyousapron on Instagram!

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    MMMM this is the turkey sandwich of dreams! Love the cranberry addition! I bet it offers a lovely sweetness!

    1. Joyous Apron says:

      Yes!! It adds nice sweetness and texture! 🙂 Thanks so much!