TASTY TURKEY SALAD

This refreshing and flavor-packed Tasty Turkey Salad by Dr. Cindy Tanzar is the perfect way to bring new life to leftover turkey—or enjoy as a quick anytime meal. With crisp celery, creamy mayo, bright lemon, and optional pops of apple or cranberry, every bite is satisfying and fresh. Serve it in lettuce cups, over greens, or alongside fruit and veggies for a fun and flexible meal you’ll reach for again and again. Simple to make, full of texture, and endlessly customizable, this is one recipe you’ll want on repeat.

THE ULTIMATE TASTY TURKEY SALAD BY Dr. Cindy Tanzar — A FRESH, FUN WAY TO LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS

If you’ve ever stared at a container of leftover turkey and wondered, “Now what?” — this recipe is about to become your new signature move. The Tasty Turkey Salad by Dr. Cindy Tanzar transforms simple ingredients into a bright, crunchy, refreshing dish that feels anything but ordinary. It’s an anytime, any-season kind of recipe—perfect after the holidays, amazing for meal prep, and downright delightful when you’re craving something cool, creamy, and full of texture.

This salad has that magical mix of savory turkey, crisp celery, a hint of tangy lemon, and a light sweetness from Granny Smith apple or cranberries. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did—and honestly, that’s a win in every kitchen.

Serve it in lettuce cups, pile it over fresh greens, spoon it onto a plate with crunchy veggies, or pair it with fresh berries, melons, peaches, or sliced Granny Smith apples. No matter how you enjoy it, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll finish your plate wishing you had made more.

⭐ SERVING INFORMATION

Makes: 3 servings
Each serving is refreshing, balanced, and perfect for meals, snacks, or on-the-go lunches.

🥗 WHY THIS TURKEY SALAD BELONGS IN YOUR WEEKLY MENU

This recipe does more than solve the leftover turkey dilemma—it creates a flavor experience. Think bright lemon, savory herbs, cool crunch, creamy texture, and a little pop of fruit if you choose to add it. It checks every box for fast, flexible, and fun cooking.

Even better? It’s endlessly customizable without ever drifting into grains, pastas, or ingredients you want to avoid. It’s clean, vibrant, and built on whole-food ingredients that come together in minutes.

🛒 INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

2 cups turkey, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped or ½–1 tsp dried sage
¼ cup Dried Cranberries or a spoon of Cranberry Relish/Sauce on the side (optional)
1 small Granny Smith apple, diced (optional)
¼ cup toasted pecan pieces
⅓ cup mayo
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pink Himalayan salt & black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE IT

In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, celery, sage, cranberries, pecans, and apple (if using).
Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled, even more flavorful version.

🎉 FUN & INTERACTIVE WAYS TO SERVE YOUR TURKEY SALAD

Mix things up! Try serving it:

🥬 In crisp lettuce cups

Use romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg for a refreshing crunch.

🌿 On top of a fresh green salad

Greens like spinach, spring mix, or arugula pair perfectly with the turkey’s savory notes.

🥒 With crunchy veggie dippers

Cucumbers, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, or mini peppers make great partners.

🍑 With approved fruits on the side

Add a light touch of sweetness with:

Berries
Melon
Peach slices
Granny Smith apple slices

These fruits add brightness without overpowering the salad.

💡 TIPS, TRICKS & FLAVOR BOOSTERS

⭐ Boost the Creaminess

Add an extra tablespoon of mayo if you like a richer, softer texture.

⭐ Dial Up the Crunch Factor

Add more celery
Use extra toasted pecans
Keep the apple diced fresh right before serving

⭐ Make It Herb-Forward

If you’re a sage lover, sprinkle a little extra on top right before serving.

⭐ Customize the Fruit Element

If you enjoy subtle sweetness:

Add diced Granny Smith apple
Or toss in a few dried cranberries
Or serve with a side of berries or melon

All fruit ideas are completely grain- and alcohol-free, keeping your dish bright and fresh.

⭐ Meal Prep Magic

Make a batch ahead—the flavors deepen after a few hours.
Store in the fridge for up to two days.
Add nuts just before serving if you want maximum crunch.

⭐ Try a Protein Twist

If you ever want a variation, this recipe works beautifully with:

Leftover roasted chicken
Shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)

Perfect for busy days!

🥳 READY TO DIVE IN?

This Tasty Turkey Salad is refreshing, satisfying, endlessly flexible, and an absolute go-to for fast meals. Whether you’re cleaning out your fridge after a celebration or planning meals for the week, this recipe is your delicious answer.

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