This Turkey Salad with Fresh Herbs is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. With creamy mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables, it’s a flavorful and versatile option for lunch, a sandwich filling, or a light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for leftovers: A great way to use up leftover turkey from a roast or Thanksgiving.
Fresh and herby: The combination of fresh thyme and rosemary gives this salad a fragrant, flavorful lift.
Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this salad comes together in minutes.

Turkey Salad with Fresh Herbs

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups diced white meat turkey
1 cup mayonnaise
¾ cup celery, diced
⅓ cup white onion, diced
½ teaspoon fresh thyme (about two sprigs)
½ teaspoon fresh rosemary (about a sprig)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

directions

Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Dice the celery and onion. Mince the fresh thyme and rosemary leaves, discarding any stems.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the diced turkey, celery, onion, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
Add the mayonnaise: Stir in the mayonnaise, combining everything until evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Chill and serve: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the turkey salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve it on a sandwich, on top of a green salad, or with crackers.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

Add fruit: For a touch of sweetness, add diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries.
Add nuts: For extra crunch, fold in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds.
Make it lighter: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy option.
Add cheese: Try adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for more flavor.

storage/reheating

To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To serve leftovers: Serve cold or at room temperature. If the salad appears dry after being stored, add a little more mayonnaise or yogurt to freshen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use dark meat turkey instead of white meat?

Yes, dark meat turkey can be used for a richer flavor, though it may change the texture slightly.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better to let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

3. Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a light vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter option.

4. How can I make this salad more flavorful?

Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a little Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise for extra zing.

5. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes! Add a bit of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to add some heat.

6. How long will this turkey salad last in the fridge?

It will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

7. Can I add more veggies to the salad?

Yes! You can add diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.

8. How do I serve this turkey salad?

It can be served in a sandwich, as a wrap, on top of greens, or with crackers as a snack.

9. Can I freeze this turkey salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze the salad due to the mayonnaise, which may separate upon thawing.

10. What herbs can I substitute for thyme and rosemary?

If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, you can use dried versions or substitute with herbs like parsley, sage, or tarragon.

Conclusion

This Turkey Salad with Fresh Herbs is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and fresh herbs adds a wonderful depth of flavor, and it can be enjoyed in so many ways, from sandwiches to salads. Quick to make and easy to customize, it’s a go-to recipe for a satisfying and delicious meal.