Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad

Thanksgiving means gathering with loved ones around a table full of amazing food! But honestly, some of the best meals happen in the days that follow with all those leftovers. This Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad is hands down one of my favorite ways to use up that extra turkey.

This recipe is inspired by a turkey salad that we often purchase from a local grocery store. Our version is loaded with sweet-tart dried cranberries and buttery Texas pecans that add the perfect crunch. You can pile it high on fresh bread, scoop it up with crackers, or serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. It’s like giving your Thanksgiving turkey a whole new life, and trust me, every single bite gets devoured.

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If you love creative ways to transform your holiday leftovers, you’ll want to try my leftover Thanksgiving sandwich, turkey pot pie with puff pastry, and turkey tortellini soup. These recipes turn your extra turkey into completely new meals that your family will request year after year.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This recipe uses a few pantry staples and along with holiday leftovers.

In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Cooked Turkey: This is a delicious use for leftover Thanksgiving turkey, and you can use either white meat, dark meat, or a combo of each. Dice or shred it to your desired size, ensuring each bite is filled with turkey goodness.
• Dried Cranberries: These plump, sweet-tart berries add a burst of flavor and a hint of festivity to the salad. Their chewy texture complements the turkey, providing a satisfying contrast.
• Chopped Pecans: The chopped pecans bring a nice crunch to the salad and contribute a rich, nutty flavor. You can roast them for an extra layer of depth. If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute walnuts or almonds.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayonnaise serves as the salad’s base that binds the ingredients together. It adds richness and a touch of savory flavor. You can also use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad

Here are the quick, step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Pro-tip: After mixing the salad ingredients, cover it and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld together, intensifying the taste and making the salad even more delicious.

1. Prepare Turkey Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded leftover turkey, cranberries, pecans, celery, parsley, and tarragon and mix well to combine. To the salad, add the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, and stir well. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with a resealable lid or Saran Wrap and refrigerate for an hour.

2. Serve: This turkey salad is delicious as a sandwich, served with crackers, or on a bed of mixed greens.

Serving Ideas for Turkey Salad

These are some of our favorite serving options for your Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad:

• Sandwich: It’s delicious on various bread options like croissants, toasted whole wheat bread, or a hoagie roll.
• Salad: Enjoy it over a bed of chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce for a refreshing salad.
• Wrap: Turn it into a wrap by adding some lettuce or spinach to a large flatbread or tortilla.
• With Crackers: Perfect for a light meal or snack, simply serve it with your favorite crackers.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Use Leftover Turkey. This salad is a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The cooked turkey adds a savory and hearty element to the salad.
• Mix Up the Dressing. The dressing is a key component of the salad. You can use mayonnaise as a base and add some Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Toast the Pecans. While completely optional, toasting the pecans adds a rich, nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch to the salad. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir until they’re fragrant and lightly browned.
• Adjust the Sweetness. You can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of cranberries and adding sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Get Creative. While this classic recipe is delicious as is, don’t hesitate to get creative. Consider adding diced apples, grapes, or even some crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions