Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

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After the holiday, transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into this Leftover Turkey Salad made with the yummy fall flavors of fresh apple and pecans.

This recipe is very similar to a traditionalWaldorf Salad but is a complete meal!

Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (1)

In a little over a week from now, you’re gonna have leftover turkey. Its almost a given. When I host any meal, I always produce more than enough food for everyone. I would rather have leftovers than run out of food while my table is full of a bunch of hungry people. Thanksgiving leftovers are usually my favorite! Not only do I like to recreate that wonderful Thanksgiving meal over and over again, but I love to make other delicious meals like turkey and wild rice soup as well as this turkey salad.

Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2)

I added a few ingredients that are perfect for a fall recipe including fresh apple and pecans. You can definitely moisten everything up with mayo, but I prefer to use greek yogurt (or even a combo of yogurt and mayo) because its healthier but also gives it a nice zip. The apple with the celery give the turkey salad a fantastic crunch. You can totally enjoy this stuff in a sandwich but I prefer to have it with crackers for a perfect little lunch. Enjoy!

Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (3)

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After the holiday, transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into this Leftover Turkey Salad made with the yummy fall flavors of fresh apple and pecans.

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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked turkey chopped
  • 3 green onions with the whites and start of the greens sliced
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 sprigs parsley stems removed, diced
  • 1 small apple chopped (skin on, honey crisp recommended)
  • 1/4 cup raw pecans
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme if using dried, reduce amount by half
  • 1 cup greek yogurt or mayonnaise or a combination of both

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except the yogurt/mayonnaise in large bowl and stir to combine.

  • Add yogurt and/or mayonnaise and mix well.

  • Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 74mg, Sodium: 147mg, Potassium: 418mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 285IU, Vitamin C: 5.2mg, Calcium: 83mg, Iron: 1.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (5)

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19 Comments

  1. Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (10)
    My turkey salad contains chopped toasted walnuts, sliced green grapes, diced celery and leaves (lots), minced shallots, lemon zest and juice, Kewpie mayonnaise, sumac and za’atar. I fill lettuce leaves and roll them up so bread is unnecessary, although it’s terrific on a seedy rye or whole wheat bread, too. Sometimes I change the spices around by using dried tarragon and celery seeds, in which case I use dried cranberries instead of grapes and orange zest and juice instead of lemon.

    Reply

  2. Super idea with the left over turkey! I also add pecans and dried cranberries. It just gives the salad a little sweet zing.

    Reply

  3. Are there pecans in this? I see them in the picture and in the description but not in the list of ingredients.

    Reply

    1. Doh! You are right. I added them to the ingredient list. So sorry about that! The nuts could be considered optional, but I definitely like the crunch.

      Reply

  4. Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (11)
    I thought this was a great and easy recipe. One thing my wife and I didn’t care for was the thyme. Next time I make this we are leaving the thyme out. I also added some white and red grapes cut in half and about a tablespoon of celery seed. We will make this again.

    Reply

  5. What constitutes a serving size?

    Reply

    1. A little over a cup of turkey salad

      Reply

  6. Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (12)
    This looks like a perfect way to use leftover turkey! I love that it has apples, I bet they add a yummy sweetness and crunch.

    Reply

Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe - Self Proclaimed Foodie (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat leftover turkey after 7 days? ›

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

Which of the following is the most popular way to serve leftover turkey? ›

One of the most classic and beloved ways to enjoy leftover turkey is by making a delicious sandwich. Whether you prefer a simple turkey and mayo combo or a more elaborate creation with cranberry sauce and stuffing, the options are endless.

How many days after Thanksgiving can you eat leftovers? ›

How long do the turkey and trimmings stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer? The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later.

Is it OK to eat turkey that's been in the fridge for 2 weeks? ›

If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Is a 3 year old frozen turkey still good? ›

Frozen Turkey

Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.

Why does leftover turkey taste different? ›

Though it's especially obvious in leftover fish and poultry, discerning connoisseurs can pick out the WOF bouquet in most reheated meats. These flavors are the result of a series of chemical reactions that begins with the deterioration of specific kinds of fats known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs.

How to make leftover turkey juicy? ›

Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.

Can you eat cold turkey leftovers? ›

"If you're worried about it, sure, you can heat the turkey and have a warm sandwich. But taking those steps in the preparation, cooking and storing process means you should be safe to enjoy a cold leftover turkey sandwich.”

Can you eat stuffing after 5 days? ›

Use stuffing and gravy within two days of cooking. Side dishes: 5 days. Enjoy miscellaneous side dishes up to five days after cooking, depending on the ingredients included in the dishes.

How long does Christmas dinner last in the fridge? ›

The food can sit on the table within a two-hour window, and if it's stored in the fridge in that time frame, it can be eaten as leftovers. While it depends on the food, it's usually safe to eat within the next two to three days, and it's essential food that was hot is reheated well.

Can you freeze cooked turkey? ›

Once your turkey is cooked and cooled, slice and then batch it into portions to store in the freezer. You can then take out what you need when you need it. Just remember that meat previously cooked and frozen should only be reheated once.

Why is it called Israeli salad? ›

It was adopted by Jewish immigrants to the Levant in the late 19th century, who found the locally grown Kirby cucumbers and tomatoes in popular local salad. It was popularized in the kibbutzim, where the Jewish farmers had local fresh produce at hand. The name Israeli Salad is used mainly outside of Israel.

Why put celery in turkey? ›

Classic Aromatics. Add halved onions, carrot chunks, celery and fresh herbs to the cavity of your turkey, inserting them loosely. These flavor builders are the base of stock and most soups. As your turkey cooks, they'll steam and infuse your bird with moisture and flavor.

What is Jerusalem salad made of? ›

Jerusalem salad is a refreshing dish typically made of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions. It often includes fresh herbs like parsley and mint to add flavor and vibrancy.

Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for 6 days? ›

Storing a Fresh Turkey

If no best-before date is present, Health Canada recommends using a fresh whole turkey stored in the refrigerator within 2-3 days of purchase or ask at the place of purchase.

How long is leftover turkey good for in the refrigerator? ›

How Long Does Turkey Last in the Fridge? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends using cooked turkey within three to four days as long as it is kept refrigerated at a temperature that is 40°F or lower. “Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth,” the website states.

Can I cook a turkey that's been in the fridge for a week? ›

Information. It takes approximately 24 hours for every four to five pounds of whole turkey to thaw in the refrigerator. Once the turkey is thawed, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two additional days before cooking.

Can you eat leftover turkey on the 5th day? ›

According to foodsafety.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the following foods are safe in the fridge: Turkey: 3-4 days. Eat turkey within three to four days of cooking. If you use the turkey in a new dish like a soup or casserole, only consume within those initial four days.

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