Utilize leftover roasted turkey by making this Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad using sweet dried cranberries and rich, buttery pecans.
I know. It's technically not even Halloween and here I am sharing a leftover turkey recipe. Well, you have to start thinking about these things sooner or later so why not start now?
Being a food blogger means that my family and I generally eat the recipes I create 2-3 weeks before I share them here on the blog for all of you.
It's just the way it goes so that I gives me time to edit the photos and write the post. So when I recently made a new roasted turkey to share next month for Thanksgiving, I had a lot of leftover turkey and made this Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad.
I generally don't like to eat any meat leftover as it was served the first time. Instead I usually repurpose it into something else.
Turkey along with chicken is one of those leftovers that are so versatile, that I generally make either a salad or soup. Especially for Thanksgiving where I ALWAYS wind up with a ton of leftovers!
How do you make Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad?
For this recipe you'll need precooked turkey, celery, dried cranberries, chopped pecans and mayonnaise. And if you want to know how to roast a Thanksgiving turkey, read this post!
Combine all ingredients together; then serve in a bowl, on a sandwich or place a scoop on top of your favorite mixed greens. You can also substitute chicken for the turkey.
This recipe for Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad is delicious and so simple to make. I personally like to just eat this salad all on it's own with a few crackers.
Since Thanksgiving is on a Thursday, that leaves plenty of time to pick on the leftovers over the long weekend. ~Enjoy!
Visit the recipe index to search for more recipes by category.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
- Reduced Fat Cream of Turkey Soup
- Turkey and Wasabi Mashed Potato Croquettes
- Turkey Stroganoff Casserole
- Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Orzo Soup
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Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Diced, Cooked Turkey Breast
- ¼ cup Chopped Pecans
- ¼ cup Chopped Celery
- ¼ cup Dried Cranberries
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
Beverly says
I was looking for recipes for leftover turkey and found yours. I just made this for lunch and it is delicious! Definitely a keeper. Thanks for sharing it.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
You're welcome Beverly, I'm glad you found me. It's one of our favorite ways for leftover turkey and chicken too!
Rebekah says
This was so yummy!! I didn't have pecans so I used walnuts and didn't have dried cranberries but I had dried cherries. I also used smoked turkey. It was so good!! Definitely a keeper and great base to make any meat salads. Thank you for sharing!!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
I'm so glad you put your own spin on it Rebekah and I bet it tasted fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Richard Hicks says
Will have to keep this in mind. Seems like we always have leftovers
Lizzie says
My ladies lunch, mentioned a few weeks ago, was moved forward and that salad (made with chicken) was absolutely delicious in its simplicity. The dried cranberries I got were pretty firm, so I soaked them for a few minutes in some warmed sweet vermouth -- scarcely enough for any impact but they softened up beautifully.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Great idea Lizzie and I'm so glad you and your friends enjoyed the salad. Thanks so much for stopping back to let me know.
Kecia says
I've never had a turkey salad before, but I love chicken salad sandwiches. Looks like a delicious way to use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
It is Kecia, but you can use chicken too. Thanks for stopping by.
Patty Soriano says
I'm saving this one....it's a keeper ! Thanks for sharing !
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thanks for stopping by Patty!
Lizzie says
Hi:
I'm having a ladies luncheon about a week prior to Thanksgiving so want to make this with chicken … how bad can THAT be …? and also dial back the mayo by about half, subbing greek yogurt instead. Hope you don't mind me amending the recipe! Lizzie
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Hi Lizzie, I bet it would taste great with chicken too. Of course I don't mind you tweaking the recipe! That's the fun of experimenting and trying new recipes. The best part is to get the basic idea; then make it your own with your own unique twists. Let me know how you and the ladies like it!
Molli vandehey says
this looks so delicious, i love cranberrie and need new ideas for them
Catherine says
Dear Carrie, This is a perfect recipe to have on hand for all those thanksgiving leftovers. xo, Catherine
Shannon says
This sounds really delicious, I know Chris would love it and thank you for sharing your recipe with us.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
You're welcome Shannon and thanks so much for stopping by. I love how quick and easy it is to make; especially if you have leftover turkey or chicken. Enjoy!
Deborah D says
This looks so yummy, I am definitely making this!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
It really was very good. Now I can't wait for Thanksgiving to make more! 🙂
Kara Marks says
This recipe looks wonderful--it's just my style. ty!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
You're welcome Kara, I hope you like it!
Sara Zielinski says
I love turkey salad.
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
It's one of my favorites as well. Thanks for stopping by Sara!
Wendi says
Hi Carrie,
I just found you over on Pintrest and followed over here - that Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad looks AMAZING! Thanks so much for sharing. I don't like to eat left-over meat the way it is either - totally sympathizing with you there. You give some other great ideas for left over turkey too! It is the season!
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Hi Wendi and I'm so glad you found me! Thanks so much for the compliment, I truly appreciate it!
alicia szemon says
This looks very good! totally going to make this for lunch
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thanks Alicia, I hope you liked it!
Laura says
looks delicious
Carrie's Experimental Kitchen says
Thank you Laura, I appreciate the comment.