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The friends and family have poured out of the house, the last slice of pie has been claimed, and now it’s just you, the quiet, and a fridge overflowing with leftovers. There’s something oddly satisfying about this moment: the holiday rush is behind you, but the flavors of Thanksgiving are still hanging around, waiting for a new twist.
Turkey sandwiches? They’re classic. But sometimes, you want something with a little more flair. Around here, we like to keep things interesting, and nothing does that better than this Cranberry Turkey Hungry Lady Salad!
😍 Why You’ll Love My Cranberry Turkey Salad
This recipe is the ultimate leftover upgrade. Instead of sticking with the usual turkey sandwich routine, it transforms what you’ve got into something fresh, flavorful, and exciting. It’s quick and easy to whip up too. No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen after Thanksgiving, and this comes together in one bowl in about 10 minutes!
The beauty of this salad is in its balance. You’ve got tender turkey, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. Every bite is satisfying, with just the right mix of flavors and textures to keep things interesting.
Oh, and let’s not forget versatility! This salad works for everything: pile it onto bread for a sandwich, spoon it over greens for a light meal, or serve it with crackers for a quick snack. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dream, staying fresh in the fridge for up to five days so you can enjoy it all week long.
🗒️ Ingredients
Cooked turkey breast – The star of the show, bringing all that savory post-Thanksgiving goodness.
Minced onion – Adds a subtle sharpness that cuts through the creamy dressing.
Celery – For that classic crunch and a hint of freshness.
Dried cranberries – A pop of tart sweetness in every bite.
Chopped parsley – Bright, herby flavor to lighten things up.
Toasted, chopped walnuts – A toasty crunch that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.
Whole grain mustard – Adds a little tang and texture to the dressing.
Plain yogurt – Keeps the dressing light and tangy.
Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess for that rich, classic turkey salad vibe.
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper – The finishing touch to tie all the flavors together.
👩🍳 How to Make My Cranberry Turkey Salad
🥄 In a large bowl, whisk together the whole grain mustard, plain yogurt, mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. This is the creamy base that brings everything together.
🔪 Dice the turkey breast, mince the onion, chop the celery, toast and chop the walnuts, and gather the cranberries and parsley.
🥗 Add the turkey, onion, celery, cranberries, parsley, and walnuts to the bowl with the dressing. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
👨🍳 Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Every batch is a little different, so season to your liking!
🍴Scoop it onto a sandwich, toss it with greens, or serve it with crackers.
🥳 Enjoy!
🤲 Substitutions
- Turkey: If you don’t have turkey on hand, leftover chicken works just as well—use what you’ve got!
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a great substitute for plain yogurt if you want a thicker, creamier texture. If you prefer dairy-free, try using a plant-based yogurt (just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened).
- Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, swap the mayo for more yogurt, or use an avocado-based mayo for a healthier twist.
- Dried cranberries: If cranberries aren’t your thing, try using dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried figs for a different flavor profile.
- Walnuts: Almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds can be a great alternative if you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies.
- Whole grain mustard: If you don’t have whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard works well and will still add that tangy flavor.
- Celery: You can replace the celery with chopped apples for a sweet crunch or use cucumbers for a fresher, milder crunch.
- Parsley: Swap fresh parsley for fresh dill or chives for a different herby kick.
📓 Best served with
- Toasted bread or rolls
- Crackers (like buttery or whole grain)
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Potato chips for crunch!
👝 How to Store Leftover Cranberry Turkey Salad
To store leftovers, transfer the cranberry turkey salad into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you’re storing it for longer, avoid adding the walnuts until you’re ready to serve, as they can lose their crunch. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature – just give it a quick stir before serving!
🧠 Common Questions
Yes! If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use deli turkey or even rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces.
If you want a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of mayonnaise or yogurt in the dressing – or just double the dressing altogether!
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for prepping ahead for lunches or a quick snack.
If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can simply leave it out or replace it with a little balsamic vinegar for a different tangy twist.
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little honey or maple syrup. If you like it tangier, try more mustard or a splash of vinegar.
Yes, you can replace walnuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor and texture.
Cranberry Turkey Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked turkey breast, diced
- ½ small onion, minced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ⅓ cup toasted, chopped walnuts
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mustard, yogurt, mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Add in the diced turkey breast, onion, celery, cranberries, parsley, and walnuts.
- With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix gently to fully coat the ingredients with the dressing. Taste and add more salt and/or pepper if desired. Serve on a sandwich, salad, or with crackers and enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
