Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe because it’s one of those dependable, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels both fresh and comforting. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your leftover turkey or craving a vibrant, crunchy salad for lunch, this recipe hits all the right notes. The balance of creamy mayo, tart cranberries, crisp apples, and toasted pecans creates a symphony of textures and flavors that never fails to impress.

When I first tried this salad, I was blown away by how simple ingredients transform into something so special. It’s perfect as a light meal on its own or packed into sandwiches or wraps for a satisfying bite on the go. I guarantee that once you make this Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe, you’ll keep coming back to it for easy weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to bring texture and flavor contrast—juicy apples, tangy cranberries, and crunch from pecans all blended in a creamy, flavorful dressing. When shopping, picking fresh, firm apples and good quality mayonnaise will really set you up for success.

• Cooked turkey: Preferably leftover turkey cut into half-inch cubes or shredded for easy mixing.
• Mayonnaise: I use a good-quality full-fat mayo for richness, but light mayo can work if you want fewer calories.
• Celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch—make sure to dice finely so it blends well.
• Apple: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji bring the perfect mix of tartness and sweetness—dice into small pieces for even distribution.
• Red onion: Or shallots if you prefer a milder, sweeter bite; finely diced to avoid overpowering the salad.
• Dried cranberries: Roughly chopped for bursts of tart-sweet flavor and chewy texture.
• Pecans: Toasted and chopped for that irresistible nutty crunch.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the creamy dressing.
• Honey: Or pure maple syrup for a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar: Or lemon juice for brightness and a little acidity to lift the salad.
• Rosemary: Fresh chopped or dried works great for that warm herbal aroma.
• Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Essential seasonings to bring it all together.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe can be—feel free to play around with your favorite additions or swap ingredients based on what’s on hand or dietary needs.

• Swap Nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, toasted walnuts or almonds work beautifully and add a slightly different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Try substituting mayo with plain dairy-free yogurt or a vegan mayo to keep it creamy but accessible to all.
• Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or tarragon can replace rosemary for a fresh herbal twist—I’ve tried both and loved how they change the salad’s vibe.
• Add Crunch: Toss in chopped water chestnuts or jicama for that extra crisp texture my family can’t get enough of.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep All Ingredients

Start by dicing your leftover turkey into bite-sized half-inch cubes or shredding it if you prefer a looser texture. Finely dice celery, apple, and red onion to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors without any overpowering chunks. Give your pecans and dried cranberries a quick chop to keep the textures consistent.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing and Combine

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, rosemary, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Then fold in the diced turkey and chopped ingredients gently. Be careful not to overmix—you want everything coated evenly but still maintain that inviting chunkiness.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

This is where your personal touch shines. I always taste my turkey salad after mixing and tweak salt, pepper, or honey levels based on how sweet or tangy I want it. Remember, the apple cider vinegar adds brightness, so balance it with honey to avoid overpowering tartness.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Pop the bowl into the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully, and the salad tastes even better the next day. I’ve discovered that letting it rest makes it more cohesive and delicious.

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

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans and some fresh rosemary leaves on top just before serving—it adds such a pretty, rustic touch and a little more crunch. Sometimes I like to add a few extra dried cranberries for pops of color and sweetness that brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This turkey salad is fantastic alongside crisp green salads with vinaigrette, crunchy vegetable sticks, or even a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. Whenever I serve it as a sandwich filling, I love pairing it with simple kettle-cooked chips and a tart pickle for some zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, I’ve assembled this salad inside hollowed-out apples, turning each into an edible bowl that’s as pretty as it is tasty. You can also pile it onto butter lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld appetizer at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy turkey salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. The apples and celery stay nice and crisp when chilled properly, which is key for maintaining that satisfying texture.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t my favorite option because the mayo-based dressing can separate upon thawing, and the apples may become mushy. I’d recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated to savor the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating. Just let it sit out of the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving if it’s been chilled for a while, and it’ll taste perfectly creamy and fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Turkey Salad with Cranberries, Apples, and Pecans Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during cooler months when I want to transform leftovers into something fresh and exciting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s flexible, forgiving, and loaded with flavor and texture that bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes your go-to for easy lunches or light dinners that never feel ordinary.

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