Crunchy Turkey Salad: A Delicious Twist for Thanksgiving Leftovers
Transform leftover turkey into a vibrant, crunchy salad packed with flavors and nutrition for a refreshing post-holiday meal.
Thanksgiving brings family together around hearty meals, but every holiday season ends with the inevitable question: What do you do with all that leftover turkey? The answer lies in creative, nutritious recipes that breathe new life into yesterday’s feast. Enter the Crunchy Turkey Salad—an Asian-inspired mix of textures, flavors, and colors that transforms leftovers into a refreshing, wholesome meal under 500 calories per serving.
Why Choose a Crunchy Turkey Salad?
- Easy to prepare: Just chop, toss, and enjoy—no cooking required after the turkey is ready.
- Packed with nutrients: Incorporates vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and healthy fats for a balanced dish.
- Flavorful and vibrant: A lively blend of savory, sweet, and tangy elements makes every bite interesting.
- Great for meal prep: Stays crisp and delicious for days—perfect for busy post-holiday schedules.
Key Ingredients for Crunchy Turkey Salad
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Toasted sesame oil | 3 Tbsp. | Aromatic base for the dressing, gives a nutty flavor |
| Rice vinegar | 2 Tbsp. | Provides acidity and brightness |
| Fresh lime juice | 1 Tbsp. | Boosts freshness and tang |
| Brown sugar | 2 tsp. | Adds subtle sweetness |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp. | A gentle kick of spice |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp. | Enhances flavor balance |
| Napa cabbage | 1 whole, halved & thinly sliced (about 8 cups) | Mild, tender crunch |
| Red cabbage | 1/4 small, thinly sliced (about 1 cup) | Bold color and crisp texture |
| Leftover turkey breast | 3 cups shredded | Protein-packed base |
| Scallions | 4, thinly sliced | Mild onion flavor |
| Cara Cara oranges | 2, segmented & cut into pieces | Sweet citrus bite |
| Carrots | 2 medium, coarsely grated | Crunch and natural sweetness |
| Crunchy chow mein noodles | 1/2 cup | Unexpected crunch and Asian flair |
| Roasted almonds | 1/2 cup | Toasty, nutty crunch |
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the Dressing:
- Whisk sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a large bowl until emulsified.
- Toss the Salad:
- Add Napa and red cabbage, turkey, scallions, oranges, and carrots to the bowl. Toss until thoroughly coated.
- Finish and Serve:
- Top with chow mein noodles and roasted almonds for signature crunch.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate to enjoy chilled later.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 41 g
- Carbohydrate: 35 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Sugars: 15.5 g (2 g added)
- Fat: 21.5 g (2.5 g saturated)
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
- Sodium: 524 mg
Why Crunchy Turkey Salad Is Perfect for Post-Holiday Meals
The days after Thanksgiving often bring the challenge of using up leftovers without letting food go to waste. This Crunchy Turkey Salad is ideal because:
- Reduces waste by repurposing turkey, vegetables, and pantry staples.
- Offers a lighter meal after a string of rich holiday dishes.
- Suitable for lunch or dinner, great for families or solo meals.
- Flexible ingredients: Swap in chicken, other crunchy vegetables, or different nuts as needed.
Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic of Cabbage
Cabbage (both Napa and red) is at the heart of this recipe. Not only does it add crunch, but it’s also low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins C and K. Using a mix of cabbages gives the salad a visually appealing contrast and varying textures.
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Flavor Pairings and Substitutions
The original recipe highlights how a simple dressing can elevate leftovers. But it’s also easy to tailor the salad with what you have in your kitchen:
- Poultry: Substitute turkey with rotisserie or grilled chicken if turkey isn’t available.
- Crunchy vegetables: Use bell pepper, sliced snap peas, or radishes for extra color and bite.
- Nuts/seeds: Try pumpkin seeds, cashews, or walnuts instead of almonds.
- Citrus: Mandarin or tangerine segments work if Cara Cara oranges aren’t on hand.
- No chow mein noodles? Crushed baked tortilla strips or crispy onions are great stand-ins.
Additional Inspiration: Seasonal Salads from The Prevention Kitchen
The Prevention Kitchen regularly showcases recipes with seasonal produce and lean proteins, focusing on revitalizing leftovers and minimizing waste. Other popular winter and Thanksgiving leftovers recipes referenced in the Prevention archive include:
- Pear and Spiced Walnut Salad: Roasted walnuts tossed with seasonal spice, combined with pears, celery, fennel, and arugula; perfect for fall flavors.
- Mocktail Recipes: Guava margarita or ginger-hibiscus fizz—refreshing non-alcoholic options for holiday gatherings.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Cranberry Dressing: A savory vegetarian plate featuring roasted vegetables and tangy fruit-based dressing.
Expanding your repertoire with fresh, crunchy salads during the colder months keeps meals feeling light and nutritious.
Shopping and Prep Tips
- Choose fresh cabbages with tightly packed leaves and vibrant color.
- Use leftover roasted turkey breast for best texture—avoid overly processed deli meat.
- Segmenting oranges: Cut off both ends, score the peel, and gently remove; segment along the membrane for clean pieces.
- Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and mix the dressing a day in advance for quick assembly.
Serving Suggestions
- On its own as a complete meal.
- Alongside whole grain rolls or brown rice for extra fiber.
- Stuffed into lettuce cups for a handheld, party-friendly version.
- Topped with sliced avocado for creamy richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Crunchy Turkey Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, most components can be prepared in advance. Store the dressing and salad vegetables separately, and toss with turkey, oranges, noodles, and almonds just before serving for best texture.
Q: What other holiday leftovers work in this salad?
A: Leftover chicken, roasted duck, or even tempeh serve as satisfying alternatives. You can also toss in extra roasted vegetables from your Thanksgiving table.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: The salad is gluten-free except for the chow mein noodles. Use gluten-free crispy noodles or omit for a celiac-safe version.
Q: Can I use a different dressing?
A: Absolutely! A simple vinaigrette, a creamy yogurt-based sauce, or Asian peanut dressing all complement the fresh, crunchy ingredients.
Q: How do I keep it low in sodium?
A: Choose unsalted roasted almonds and omit added salt in the dressing. Verify labels for sodium content in chow mein noodles.
Healthy Holiday Eating: Tips and Advice
- Balance leftovers with fiber-rich vegetables and fresh fruit for improved digestion and energy.
- Avoid heavy sauces: Swap out mayonnaise for oil-based or yogurt dressings to cut calories and saturated fat.
- Mind your portions: Serve moderate portions to enjoy rich flavors without overeating.
Variations on Crunchy Turkey Salad
The beauty of this salad lies in its flexibility. If you want to try something new, consider:
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For an added kick, blend sriracha into a light mayonnaise and drizzle over the finished salad.
- Seasonal Fruit Additions: Toss in thinly sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, or Asian pears for more crunch and color.
- Leafy Green Base: Mix in baby kale or spinach for a nutrient boost.
- Warm Salad Option: Lightly saute the cabbage and carrots before tossing for a winter-warming version.
The Takeaway: Elevate Your Holiday Leftovers
Don’t let turkey go to waste this season. With the right blend of crisp vegetables, zingy dressing, and vibrant toppers, Crunchy Turkey Salad makes the most out of holiday abundance. Whether you’re seeking balanced nutrition or simply the comfort of a quick, refreshing meal, this salad deserves a place in your post-holiday rotation.
Other Recipes to Try from The Prevention Kitchen
- Healthy Peanut Butter-Banana Pancakes
- Salmon with Broccoli-Pea Purée
- Coconut Collards with Sweet Potato Rounds
- Spiced Carrot Soup with Coconut Cream
- Lentil Waffles
- Caribbean Dream Smoothie
Explore more creative, nutrient-packed recipes to keep your meals inspiring through every season.
Share Your Crunchy Turkey Salad Experience!
If you try this recipe, customize it and share your tips—the best holiday recipes are those you make your own. Tag your photos and stories to inspire others during the season of good food and great company.
References
- https://www.daisybrand.com/recipes/crunchy-turkey-salad-329/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a34519482/crunchy-turkey-salad-recipe/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20509463/crunchy-turkey-pear-salad-sandwich/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/g41517115/fall-salad-recipe-ideas/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20531133/smoked-turkey-salad/
- https://www.prevention.com/registration-recipes/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a20531050/turkey-salad-with-cranberry-vinaigrette/
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