Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe

I absolutely love whipping up this Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe whenever I have leftover turkey hanging out in my fridge. There’s just something magical about the way the creaminess of the mayo and dijon mustard marry with the sweet-tart cranberries and crisp apple chunks. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes each bite interesting and satisfying.

This salad comes together so quickly that it’s a top choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can toss it over greens, pile it on a sandwich, or wrap it in your favorite flatbread. I promise that once you try this Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine to create a salad that’s both crunchy and creamy, sweet and tangy. When selecting your apples, I like using Granny Smith for tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully too. Fresh rosemary adds a subtle herbal note that really elevates the flavor.

• Cooked turkey: Use leftover turkey, either shredded or cut into small cubes to get those perfect bites.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing; feel free to use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
• Celery: Adds fresh crunch; make sure to dice it finely so it blends well without overpowering.
• Apple: I suggest tart varieties like Granny Smith, but you can swap for sweet ones if you prefer.
• Red onion (or shallots): Gives a mild bite; dice very small to avoid an overpowering onion flavor.
• Dried cranberries: Bring a chewy sweetness that complements the savory turkey perfectly.
• Chopped pecans: For crunch and nutty flavor; roughly chopped keeps the texture interesting.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the creamy dressing.
• Honey or pure maple syrup: Balances the tartness with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Brightens everything, helping to tie the flavors together.
• Chopped rosemary (fresh or dried): Provides an herbal aroma that elevates this salad beyond the usual.
• Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Seasoning essentials that round out the taste.

Variations

I love to switch up this Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe depending on the season and what I have on hand. It’s super forgiving, so you’re encouraged to make it your own by tweaking ingredients or adding extras you enjoy.

• Using Greek Yogurt: I sometimes swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing and add some tang.
• Adding Fresh Herbs: Beyond rosemary, fresh thyme or tarragon make great flavor boosts if you like experimenting.
• Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or almonds work just as well and give a similar crunch.
• Fruit Swaps: Try dried cherries instead of cranberries or add diced pears for a different sweet twist.

How to Make Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by making sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready. Dice the cooked turkey into small, bite-sized pieces or shred it if you prefer a softer texture. Chop the celery, apple, red onion, cranberries, and pecans to roughly uniform sizes (around ¼ inch works great). This helps each bite to have well-balanced flavor and texture.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to taste it here and adjust the seasoning. A little extra honey can mellow out the tang, or more vinegar amps up the brightness.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Add the diced turkey, celery, apple, red onion, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon so you don’t crush the crunchy bits. You want even coating but with intact textures. Give it a final taste and tweak any seasoning.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

This salad can be served right away or chilled for a bit to let flavors meld—either way is delicious. I often make it in the morning to serve for lunch, and by then, it tastes even better since the dressing and herbs have had time to infuse the turkey.

How to Serve Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this salad with a few extra chopped pecans or fresh rosemary leaves for a pretty presentation and added crunch. Sometimes a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving makes it pop.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this creamy turkey salad are simple and fresh—crisp green salads, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a light vegetable soup. It pairs beautifully with fruity or nutty sides that complement the flavors in the salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad scooped neatly onto butter lettuce leaves as individual cups. It’s a fun finger food that looks elegant and makes it feel festive. Another fun idea is layering it in a parfait glass with crisp greens and a drizzle of extra dressing on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for about 3 days. Since the apples can brown, I add a little extra lemon juice when mixing if I know I’ll be storing it overnight to keep the pieces looking fresh.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the texture of the apples, nuts, and mayo-based dressing can get compromised. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t need reheating. If you want it a bit warmer, try serving it on toasted bread or wrap it in a warm tortilla for that comforting touch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making this Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together to create something so special and comforting. If you want an easy, satisfying way to use leftover turkey that doesn’t feel boring, you really can’t go wrong here. Give it a whirl—you’ll enjoy how fresh, flavorful, and versatile it is, bringing something a little extra to your meals without a lot of fuss.

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