Delightful Turkey Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts Recipe

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors? The Delightful Turkey Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts is that remarkable dish. Imagine tender turkey mingling with crunchy walnuts and tart cranberries, all enveloped in a creamy dressing that ties every bite together. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds.

This delightful salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a light lunch, a picnic, or even as part of a festive holiday spread. Each ingredient contributes to a texture and flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Memories of family gatherings come rushing back as you savor this dish, reminding you of shared moments over good food. Anticipate the joy this recipe will bring as you prepare to enjoy its vibrant flavors.

Key Ingredients For Delightful Turkey Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cooked Turkey Breast: Use leftover turkey for convenience or roast fresh turkey for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Dried Cranberries: Select sweetened cranberries for a burst of flavor; they add a nice contrast to the savory turkey.
• Chopped Walnuts: Lightly toasted walnuts enhance the nutty flavor and add crunch; make sure they’re fresh for ideal taste.
• Greek Yogurt: This serves as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise while providing creaminess and tanginess.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth of flavor; opt for whole grain or smooth depending on your texture preference.
• Celery Stalks: Chopped celery gives the salad crunch and freshness; choose firm stalks for the best results.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives brighten up the dish; use fresh herbs whenever possible for maximum flavor impact.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Delightful Turkey Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces, dice the celery, and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.

Second Step: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk these together until smooth to create a creamy base for your salad.

Third Step: Combine Ingredients

Add the chopped turkey, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and diced celery to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until well combined without breaking up the turkey pieces.

Fourth Step: Add Fresh Herbs

Chop your choice of fresh herbs finely and sprinkle them into the mixture. Stir once more to distribute the herbs evenly throughout.

Fifth Step: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate your turkey salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully together.

Serve suggestion: Transfer to plates or bowls and garnish with additional herbs if desired for an appealing presentation.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Moist Turkey: If using leftover turkey, ensure it remains moist by adding extra dressing if needed.
• Experiment with Fruits: Feel free to substitute or add other dried fruits like apricots or raisins for varied sweetness.
• Customize Your Crunch: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds based on personal preference for different textures.

Preparation Steps

To make a delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts, start by gathering all your ingredients. Begin by cooking the turkey breast until it’s fully cooked and then let it cool. Once cooled, chop the turkey into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey with dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion.

In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing using mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness. Mix these ingredients until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined. Ensure each piece of turkey is coated with the creamy dressing.

Once mixed, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling step enhances the flavors and makes the salad more refreshing.

Serving Suggestions

The delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts can be served in various ways to suit your occasion. Consider these serving suggestions:

• On a bed of greens: Serve your turkey salad on a fresh bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light meal.
• In a sandwich: Use hearty whole-grain bread or croissants to create a delicious sandwich filled with this salad.
• As a wrap: Wrap the turkey salad in a tortilla along with some lettuce for an easy-to-eat lunch option.

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts offers several nutritional benefits. Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which can help you maintain muscle mass while keeping calories in check. Walnuts add healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.

Cranberries provide antioxidants that support overall health and may improve urinary tract function. The addition of celery not only adds crunch but also contributes dietary fiber, which aids digestion. With this combination of ingredients, you can enjoy a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Storage Tips

To keep your delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within three to four days. If you notice any excess moisture or if it begins to lose its freshness, consider draining some liquid before serving again.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the salad without its dressing; however, this may alter its texture when thawed. To enjoy it later, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and mix in fresh dressing before serving.

FAQs

What can I substitute for walnuts in this delightful turkey salad?

If you’re looking for alternatives to walnuts due to allergies or personal preference, consider using pecans or sliced almonds. Both options will add crunchiness similar to walnuts while introducing unique flavors to your delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts. You can also opt for sunflower seeds as another nut-free choice that still provides texture without compromising taste.

Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using leftover turkey is an excellent way to create this delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts while minimizing food waste. Just ensure that your leftover turkey is cooked thoroughly beforehand and kept refrigerated within safe time limits. Shredding or chopping leftover turkey can save time while maintaining flavor in your dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week. Just remember to keep the salad chilled until you’re ready to eat it for optimal freshness.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this delightful turkey salad with cranberries and walnuts dairy-free, substitute traditional mayonnaise with vegan mayo or avocado puree as a creamy base for your dressing. Additionally, you could use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt while ensuring all other ingredients remain dairy-free as well.

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Delightful Turkey Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts

• Author: jenny
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Delightful Turkey Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Tender turkey combines with tart cranberries and toasted walnuts, all enveloped in a creamy dressing made healthier with Greek yogurt. Ideal for light lunches or festive gatherings, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also evokes memories of shared meals. Enjoy it chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as a refreshing wrap.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked turkey breast, chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped

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Instructions

1. Gather ingredients and chop the turkey into bite-sized pieces. Toast walnuts in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
2. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Fold in chopped turkey, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and diced celery gently until combined.
4. Add fresh herbs and stir to evenly distribute.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor melding.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For extra moisture in leftover turkey, add more dressing if necessary. Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for different textures. This salad can be meal-prepped and stored in airtight containers for quick lunches.