Don’t let your Thanksgiving or holiday feast leftovers go to waste! This Leftover Turkey Salad recipe is a fresh and delicious way to make the most of your extra turkey. Combining the lean protein of turkey with vibrant veggies and a tangy dressing, this salad is a delightful post-holiday dish.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, or your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup croutons (optional for added crunch)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for added flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
For the Salad:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
- If your turkey leftovers are not already shredded or diced, do so to your preference. Remove the skin, bones, and any undesirable bits. Set the turkey aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
3. Add the Turkey:
- Gently add the shredded or diced turkey to the salad ingredients.
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
- If you’re using croutons for added crunch, sprinkle them over the salad. Similarly, if you’d like to enhance the flavor with feta cheese, crumble it over the salad.
For the Dressing:
5. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the dressing is well combined.
6. Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss the salad gently to ensure that all ingredients are coated with the dressing. Season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Divide the leftover turkey salad onto individual plates and serve immediately. You can also garnish it with extra croutons or feta cheese if desired.
This Leftover Turkey Salad recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose your holiday turkey leftovers into a fresh and flavorful meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or dinner, you’ll appreciate the delightful combination of turkey, crisp veggies, and tangy dressing. Plus, it’s a great way to keep those holiday flavors alive even after the feast!
