Versatile Turkey Salad with Apples, Walnuts, and Cranberries: A Balanced Meal for Any Occasion

This turkey salad is a delightful mix of fresh, crisp ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and wholesome meal. With tender mixed greens like spinach, arugula, and baby kale as the base, the addition of cooked turkey adds a lean source of protein, making it a perfect option for those looking to enjoy a balanced meal. The sweet crunch of thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries offers contrasting textures and flavors, while the homemade dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. For those who love a bit more indulgence, crumbled blue cheese or feta can be added for a rich and creamy element.

One of the key highlights of this salad is its versatility, especially when it comes to the turkey. Turkey meat is often associated with large holiday feasts, but it’s just as suitable for everyday meals. Whether you’re using freshly roasted turkey or leftover turkey from a previous meal, it fits seamlessly into various dishes, from salads to sandwiches and beyond. Turkey’s mild flavor makes it an excellent canvas for bold dressings and vibrant ingredients, like the ones used in this salad. It’s a great source of lean protein, and because it works well cold or warm, it can be easily prepared ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

This salad also celebrates the balance between nutrition and flavor. Apples add natural sweetness, while toasted walnuts bring healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Dried cranberries add a tart, chewy bite, while the dressing enhances the overall taste with its balanced blend of olive oil, tangy apple cider vinegar, and the slight sweetness of honey. This combination of textures and flavors, along with the versatility of turkey, makes this salad both nutritious and enjoyable. Adding a bit of red onion and optional cheese gives it just the right touch of sharpness and depth.

Perfect for a meal on its own or served alongside other dishes, this turkey salad can be easily customized based on your preferences. Swap out the walnuts for pecans, or the dried cranberries for raisins or fresh berries. With turkey as the centerpiece, you can take this salad in many directions depending on what you have on hand or what you’re craving, proving just how versatile turkey can be in everyday cooking.

A very generous thank you to  Turkey Farmers of Nova Scotia  for sponsoring this recipe. It is an honour to work with brands that align with our values and make it possible for us to share these recipes with you.

Turkey, Apple and Walnut Salad

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• Author: The Kilted Chef
• Yield: Serves 4

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and baby kale)
• 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
• 1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp works well)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• For the Dressing:
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing;

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked turkey, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. If using, add the crumbled blue cheese or feta.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
4. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

Serve:

1. Divide the salad evenly among four plates.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors of this delightful salad.

• Category: appetizer, salad, turkey, recipes