Crunchy Turkey Salad: A Fresh Take on Thanksgiving Leftovers
Delicious and nutritious, this vibrant turkey salad transforms holiday leftovers into a crunchy, Asian-inspired meal.
The holidays often leave many of us with an abundance of leftover turkey and a desire to eat lighter, more vibrant meals after feasting. Crunchy turkey salad offers a crisp, satisfying solution, turning the remains of your Thanksgiving centerpiece into a nutritious, Asian-inspired dish loaded with texture and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a healthy option for lunch or dinner, this salad delivers on taste, nutrients, and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Turkey Salad
- Quick & Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or post-holiday meals.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, each serving delivers a balanced meal with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Great Use of Leftovers: Reinvent leftover turkey, reducing waste and boredom while keeping meals exciting.
- Vibrant Flavors & Textures: The combination of crisp cabbage, juicy oranges, crunchy noodles and nuts, and a zesty sesame-lime dressing provides both satisfaction and refreshment.
- Customizable: Adaptable to what you have on hand or your taste preferences—try different nuts or veggies as you like.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To create this crunchy turkey salad, you’ll gather a variety of colorful produce and a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds depth and a toasty, nutty richness to the dressing.
- Rice vinegar: Brings tang and brightness, balancing the oil.
- Lime juice: Provides refreshing acidity and enhances the citrus notes.
- Brown sugar: Offers a subtle molasses sweetness that balances the tart components.
- Red pepper flakes: Introduces mild heat and warms up the flavors.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying flavors.
- Napa cabbage: The salad’s tender, crunchy base, with a mild, sweet flavor and fluffy texture.
- Red cabbage: For color, crunch, and a hearty bite that contrasts nicely with Napa cabbage.
- Shredded leftover turkey breast: Lean and high in protein, absorbs the dressing deliciously.
- Scallions: Mild onion flavor, sliced for freshness and a pop of green.
- Cara Cara oranges or navel oranges: Sweet, juicy segments brighten the salad and add vitamin C.
- Carrots: Grated or julienned for color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- Crunchy chow mein noodles: Adds a satisfying, crispy texture.
- Roasted almonds: Nutty crunch and a boost of healthy fats and magnesium.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toasted sesame oil | 3 Tbsp. | For dressing |
| Rice vinegar | 2 Tbsp. | For dressing |
| Lime juice | 1 Tbsp. | Freshly squeezed |
| Brown sugar | 2 tsp. | Packed |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp. | Optional, for heat |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp. | Adjust to taste |
| Napa cabbage | 1 head (~8 cups) | Halved and thinly sliced |
| Red cabbage | 1/4 small (about 1 cup) | Thinly sliced |
| Shredded turkey breast | 3 cups | Leftover cooked turkey |
| Scallions | 4 | Thinly sliced |
| Cara Cara oranges | 2 | Segmented and cut into pieces |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Coarsely grated |
| Chow mein noodles | 1/2 cup | Crispy, for topping |
| Roasted almonds | 1/2 cup | Roughly chopped |
Directions: How to Make Crunchy Turkey Salad
- Prepare the dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt until well combined. This forms the flavorful base that will tie the entire salad together. - Assemble the salad:
To the dressing in the bowl, add the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded turkey, sliced scallions, segmented oranges, and coarsely grated carrots. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the dressing. - Finish and serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with crunchy chow mein noodles and roasted almonds. Give a gentle final toss (or simply scatter on top for extra crunch) and serve immediately so the textures remain crisp.
Tips for the Perfect Crunchy Turkey Salad
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have cilantro, Thai basil, or mint, chop and sprinkle over the salad for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked tofu, or chickpeas for the turkey if you prefer a meatless version.
- Meal Prep Tips: Store undressed salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add crunchy noodles and nuts right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Customize Your Crunch: Swap out almonds for cashews, peanuts, or pumpkin seeds, or add snap peas and bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Spice It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to your dressing for extra heat.
Nutrition Spotlight: Why This Salad Is Good for You
This salad achieves a healthful balance between flavor and nutrition. Here’s a snapshot of what you gain with each serving:
- High Protein: 41g protein per serving supports satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Fiber-Rich: 9g fiber from cabbage, carrots, and oranges aids digestion and keeps you full.
- Healthy Fats: Toasted sesame oil and almonds provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C (from cabbage and oranges), potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
- Low Added Sugar: Only 2g of added sugars from brown sugar, keeping it light and suitable for most diets.
What others are reading
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490 kcal |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar (total/added) | 15.5 g/2 g |
| Fat | 21.5 g (2.5 g sat) |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 524 mg |
Ways to Serve and Pairings
- Light Lunch or Main Course: Serve as a generous entree salad with a side of whole grain crackers, bread, or a cup of broth-based soup.
- Party Platter: Arrange the salad components neatly on a large platter with dressing on the side—a beautiful and delicious addition to a buffet or potluck table.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers (keeping crunchy toppings separately) for a nutritious work or school lunch, adding the chow mein noodles and almonds just before eating.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Choose Your Greens: Substitute savoy cabbage, romaine, or even shredded Brussels sprouts for the Napa or red cabbage based on availability or preference.
- Different Citrus: Instead of Cara Cara or navel oranges, try mandarins, tangerines, or even fresh segments of grapefruit.
- Alternative Crunch: Use crispy wonton strips instead of chow mein noodles, or add sliced radishes for extra bite.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts or use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds to keep it allergy-friendly.
- Add Whole Grains: Toss cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro into the salad for more fiber and substance.
Smart Tips for Using Leftover Turkey
- Storage: Refrigerate any cooked turkey within 2 hours of serving and use within 3-4 days for maximum safety and freshness.
- Shredding: For shredded turkey, use fingers or two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces, ensuring the meat blends evenly with the salad ingredients.
- Rotisserie Substitution: If you’re out of leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken is a perfect substitute for quick, easy prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad in advance for meal prep?
A: Yes, store the undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Add the chow mein noodles and roasted almonds just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Q: What are the best substitutes for chow mein noodles?
A: Crispy wonton strips, tortilla strips, or even broken pita chips work well. The goal is to add a savory crunch on top.
Q: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A: Undressed, the salad will keep for up to 3 days if well covered. Add the dressing, noodles, and nuts just before serving for best results.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: The base salad and dressing are gluten-free, but chow mein noodles usually contain wheat. Substitute gluten-free crispy noodles or omit them to keep the salad gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze leftover turkey to use in this salad?
A: Yes. Store cooked turkey in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Pro Tips for Maximum Freshness and Flavor
- Slice vegetables thinly: Consistent, thin slices of cabbage ensure an even, pleasant crunch and allow dressing to cling to every bite.
- Segment oranges carefully: Remove all the pith for a clean, sweet flavor with every segment.
- Toss just before serving: Combine the salad and dressing when you’re ready to eat to keep everything at peak crispness.
- Feel free to experiment: Use what you have on hand and don’t be afraid to substitute different vegetables, nuts, or dressings to suit your mood or dietary needs.
Conclusion
With its fusion of Asian-inspired flavors, delightful mixture of textures, and smart use of leftovers, this crunchy turkey salad is destined to become a staple in your kitchen during the holidays and beyond. Not only does it help you reduce waste, but it also infuses meals with a burst of color and nutrition, keeping both your taste buds and body satisfied. Enjoy every bite, and celebrate the art of delicious reinvention!
References
- https://www.keystonemeats.com/blogs/recipes/crunchy-turkey-salad
- https://cleanfoodcrush.com/crunchy-turkey-salad/
- https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA638867865&sid=sitemap&v=2.1&it=r&p=HRCA&sw=w
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a34519482/crunchy-turkey-salad-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/registration-recipes/
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