~ This turkey salad is bursting with bright flavors and satisfying textures. A lightened dressing cuts calories without losing creaminess, and serving ideas take it well beyond the typical sandwich. It’s an ideal way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey — and it works wonderfully with leftover chicken year-round. ~

This Recipe Is:   •  Ready in 30 Minutes or Less  •  Make Ahead  •  Gluten Free (see note)  •

Thanksgiving often leaves you with one amazing problem: too many leftovers. While a fridge full of prepared food can feel like freedom, reheated plates can quickly become boring. That dry, cold turkey that seemed like a good idea at the time deserves a reinvention — something fresh and exciting that makes everyone reach for seconds. This turkey salad does exactly that.

How to Reinvent Leftover Turkey

This dressed-up turkey salad transforms leftover meat into a bright, satisfying dish. Key elements include:

• Sweet-tart dried cranberries
• Crunchy pecans
• Juicy diced apples
• A light, creamy dressing finished with a hint of dried thyme

The combination adds sweet, tart, crunchy and juicy notes that revive plain turkey. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll look forward to after the holidays — and one that might even make you buy a slightly larger bird next year just to have leftovers.

Also Great with Chicken

This salad is equally delicious with leftover chicken. Use plain rotisserie chicken or extra cooked, unseasoned chicken breasts and follow the same recipe. No other changes needed — the flavors pair beautifully with either poultry.

Why This Combination Works

To make leftover turkey shine, surround it with ingredients that add contrast and seasonal familiarity: cranberries, apple, pecans and celery. These elements bring color, texture and a classic Thanksgiving flavor profile that complements turkey breast especially well. A small amount of dried thyme gives a subtle, pleasing herb note without overpowering the salad.

Lightened Yet Creamy Dressing: Tricks That Work

The dressing ties the salad together while keeping calories in check. Two practical approaches make it both creamy and balanced:

1) Greek Yogurt Base

Nonfat plain Greek yogurt provides a lean, tangy base that replaces much of the fat from traditional mayonnaise. It delivers creaminess and protein while keeping the dressing light.

2) A Touch of Mayonnaise for Roundness

Greek yogurt alone can sometimes be a little bright or thin in mouthfeel, so a small amount of a healthier mayonnaise (for example, an olive-oil-based variety) adds a rounded, familiar richness without overwhelming the lighter profile.

Serving Ideas Beyond the Sandwich

This turkey salad is versatile. Here are a few serving options:

• Sandwich: Choose a hearty whole-grain or bakery loaf that can hold the chunky filling.
• Wrap: Spoon into a whole-grain wrap for an easy, portable lunch.
• Lettuce wrap: For a lower-carb option, wrap with large lettuce leaves.
• Salad plate: Serve over a bed of fresh greens for a lighter meal after a heavy holiday feast.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is make-ahead friendly. Mix it a few hours or up to a day in advance and refrigerate until serving. It’s perfect for simplifying the busy days after the holidays and works well for quick lunches throughout the weekend. Leftovers keep well for two to three days.

Other Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

If you end up with more turkey than you can eat in turkey salad alone, try other recipes that repurpose cooked turkey so you don’t get tired of the same meal. Pot pies, casseroles and soups are excellent options, and smaller creative ideas — like mixing turkey with sweet potato for pet treats — can also help use up extra meat.

The Ultimate Turkey Salad Recipe

Yield:
5 cups

Prep Time:
12 minutes

Total Time:
12 minutes

An easy turkey salad bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and textures — a smart and delicious way to enjoy leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

•  Ready in 30 Minutes or Less  •  Make Ahead  •  Gluten Free (see note)  •

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced, cooked turkey (or chicken, see note)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup diced apple (preferably a crisp, sweet-tart variety such as Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup healthier mayonnaise (such as an olive-oil-based, reduced-fat mayo)
• 1/4 cup nonfat milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
• Optional for serving: lettuce and whole grain wraps or bread for sandwiches; or lettuce leaves as a gluten-free wrap or salad base

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine turkey (or chicken), cranberries, apples, celery, and pecans. Stir gently to combine.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, milk, cider vinegar, salt, thyme, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
4. Serve as desired: in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a bed of greens.

Notes

Turkey/Chicken: Use leftover turkey breast or plain cooked chicken breasts. Avoid meat heavily seasoned or marinated with conflicting flavors. A store-bought rotisserie chicken (skinless breast meat) is a convenient option.

Gluten free suggestions: Choose a mayonnaise labeled gluten free if needed, and serve with gluten-free bread or lettuce leaves instead of wraps.

Make-ahead tips: Prepare several hours or up to a day ahead. Refrigerate and use within two to three days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 10 servings
Serving Size: 1/2 cup of salad

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 157Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 253mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 10g

Nutrition information is an estimate based on turkey breast only and does not include optional serving items like bread or wraps. Values may vary depending on ingredients and preparation. Consult a professional for specific dietary advice.