Name: Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cups diced leftover roast turkey (about 10 ounces); 1 Persian cucumber or ⅓ European cucumber, cut into matchsticks; 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks; 2 radishes, trimmed and sliced thin; 1 large shallot, sliced thin; ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves; ¼ cup roughly chopped mint leaves; 2 Tablespoons crispy shallots; 1-2 Thai bird or other chili, minced (optional); 6 lettuce leaves or a small head of lettuce cut into wedges (washed and dried); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 Tablespoons fish sauce; 6 Tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 large limes); 3 Tablespoons sugar; 1 minced Thai bird chili

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s bursting with flavor and a little bit of crunch, you’ve got to try this Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something light but still packed with taste — plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover turkey. Trust me, once you make this, your family will be asking for it again and again.

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, Tangy Flavors: The lime and fresh herbs add a zesty lift that makes this salad irresistible.
Crunch Factor: Crispy shallots and crisp veggies bring texture that keeps every bite exciting.
Great for Leftovers: It’s a clever and delicious way to transform leftover roast turkey into something new.
Easy and Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights or when you’re short on time.

A white rectangular plate holds a colorful salad arranged in two parts: on the left, several fresh green lettuce leaves with a bright and crisp texture; on the right, a mixed pile of thinly sliced white chicken pieces, orange carrot sticks, thin white and purple onion slices, and fresh green herbs like cilantro and mint, all topped with small crispy brown fried shallots. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to balance savory, fresh, and tangy notes. I love how the herbs and lime brighten the turkey, while the crispy shallots and fresh veg add needed crunch. When shopping, try to get really fresh herbs and a good-quality fish sauce—that little detail makes a big difference.

Diced leftover roast turkey: Using leftover turkey works great here; it’s already cooked and flavorful, so no extra prep needed.
Persian cucumber or European cucumber: Choose one that’s firm and thin-skinned for the best crunch and mild flavor.
Carrot: Fresh carrots add subtle sweetness and vibrant color—peel and cut them into matchsticks for the perfect texture.
Radishes: These give a peppery bite and contrast well with the sweeter ingredients.
Large shallot: Slicing these thinly lets their oniony flavor shine without overpowering the salad.
Cilantro leaves: I always grab fresh bunches—the aroma is unbeatable.
Mint leaves: Mint is a game changer here, adding that cooling freshness.
Crispy shallots: You can find these pre-made or make your own; they add the best crunch and flavor punch.
Thai bird chilies (optional): If you like heat, mince them finely and add according to your spice tolerance.
Lettuce leaves: Butter lettuce or other soft leaves work well as a bed to hold the salad or for wrapping bites.
Garlic: Fresh garlic in the dressing sharpens the flavors wonderfully.
Fish sauce: It’s salty and umami-rich, enhancing the depth of the dressing; use good quality for best results.
Fresh lime juice: The lime juice brightens everything and balances the fish sauce’s saltiness.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness is key to tie all the flavors together without overpowering.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or what mood I’m in. This Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe is surprisingly flexible, so don’t be shy about customizing it to your taste.

Add avocado: I sometimes toss in some sliced avocado for creaminess, which contrasts beautifully with the crisp veggies.
Use different herbs: If you don’t have cilantro or mint, fresh basil or parsley work well too—I’ve tried them with great results.
Swap the protein: Ground turkey or even shredded chicken make for great alternatives if you don’t have leftovers.
Make it vegetarian: For a meatless version, replace the turkey with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for protein and texture.

How to Make Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tangy Dressing

Start by mixing the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic, sugar, and minced Thai bird chili in a small bowl. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves — this usually takes about a minute. This dressing is the heart of the salad; the balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy flavors is what makes the dish come alive.

Step 2: Chop and Combine Salad Ingredients

Place the diced turkey, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, shallots, cilantro, and mint into a large bowl. Pour the freshly made dressing over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Be careful not to bruise the herbs; you want them to stay bright and fresh-looking.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

Lay out your washed and dried lettuce leaves on plates or a serving platter. Spoon generous mounds of the salad onto the leaves. Then, sprinkle crispy shallots over each portion right before serving for that perfect crunch. This salad tastes best fresh, so serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and bright flavors.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe

Use Day-Old Turkey: I find that turkey that’s been in the fridge for a day absorbs flavors better than freshly carved.
Make Your Own Crispy Shallots: Fry thinly sliced shallots slowly in oil until golden to get that irresistible crunch and rich flavor.
Adjust Heat Gradually: Start with one small chili and add more after tasting to avoid overpowering heat.
Keep Lettuce Dry: Make sure lettuce leaves are completely dry before plating to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe

A white square plate holds a fresh salad with several visible layers: at the bottom, there are thin orange carrot strips and sliced green cucumber sticks mixed with purple-red onion slices; above these are pieces of white chicken meat scattered throughout; bright green mint leaves and cilantro sprigs sit on top, adding a fresh look; on one side, there is a small bunch of green romaine lettuce leaves standing upright; above the salad, a woman's hand pours a light-colored dressing with seeds and spices from a clear glass container. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually scatter a few extra crispy shallots on top and fresh cilantro leaves for presentation. Sometimes I add a wedge of lime to bring more zing just before eating. These little touches brighten the salad visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Because this salad is light and refreshing, I love pairing it with simpler sides like jasmine rice or steamed green beans. It also works well alongside grilled corn or tangy pickled vegetables if you want to add some contrasting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this turkey salad in butter lettuce cups as mini handheld bites. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear trifle bowl with alternating layers of turkey salad and whole herb sprigs—looks beautiful and invites guests to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover turkey salad separately from the lettuce leaves in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps things fresh and the lettuce from wilting. The salad will stay good for up to 2 days but tastes best eaten within 24 hours.

Freezing

Since this salad is made fresh with crisp veggies, freezing isn’t ideal. The texture of cucumber and herbs tends to turn mushy after freezing, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerating for short-term storage.

Reheating

If you do have leftovers, I suggest reheating just the turkey portion gently in the microwave and then tossing it with fresh veggies and dressing separately prepared. This keeps the fresh flavors and crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?

Absolutely! You can cook or roast fresh turkey breast and dice it for this salad. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing it with the dressing so it doesn’t wilt the herbs or lettuce.
How spicy is this Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe?

The heat level depends on how much Thai bird chili you add. Start with a small amount and increase according to your preference, as these chilies can pack a punch!
Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep the turkey and veggies ahead of time, but I recommend mixing everything and tossing with dressing just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and prevent sogginess.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce, a splash of soy sauce combined with a little extra lime juice can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Salad with Lime, Herbs, and Crispy Shallots Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially after holidays when I have leftover turkey begging for a second act. It feels light and refreshing but still satisfying. I love how the layers of flavor come together so effortlessly — and the crispy shallots? Pure magic. Give it a try next time you want something bright, easy, and just downright delicious. I promise you’ll want to make it again!