Turkey Waldorf Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh and tasty way to transform your leftovers, this Turkey Waldorf Salad Recipe is a game changer. I absolutely love how this salad balances the sweet crunch of apples and grapes with the savory turkey and creamy dressing. It’s quick to make, super satisfying, and perfect for a light lunch or a speedy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. If you have some leftover turkey hanging out in the fridge, you’ll want to keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Turkey Waldorf Salad Recipe plays its part beautifully. You’ll find that combining the crunchy celery and apples with the juicy grapes and toasted nuts gives you a satisfying texture in every bite. Just a heads-up—go for a tart apple like Granny Smith to contrast the creamy dressing perfectly.

• Cooked turkey: I usually use a mix of white and dark meat for extra flavor—just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Celery stalk: Adds a refreshing crunch; make sure it’s fresh and crisp.
• Granny Smith apple: Tart and crisp, this is my favorite variety to balance the richness of the dressing.
• Pecans or walnuts: Toast them lightly for a deeper nutty flavor—it makes a big difference!
• Red grapes: Chop these in half or quarters, depending on size, for juicy bursts throughout.
• Yogurt: I prefer plain Greek yogurt for creaminess and a slight tang.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness, but I like to keep it balanced with the yogurt.
• Dijon mustard: A couple of teaspoons bring just the right amount of zing to the dressing.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Season to taste—you’ll be surprised how much these enhance the flavors.

Variations

I love making this salad my own by switching up a few ingredients here and there. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or according to your preferences—it’s all about making a salad that excites you enough to dig right in.

• Nuts: I sometimes swap pecans for toasted almonds or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option, and it works surprisingly well.
• Dressing: If you want a lighter version, use just yogurt and skip the mayo—it’s just as tasty but fresher.
• Fruit: I’ve added chopped pears once instead of apples, giving it a sweeter twist that my family adored.
• Greens: Try serving it over spinach or arugula for an extra veggie boost.

How to Make Turkey Waldorf Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toss the Fresh Ingredients

Start by combining the turkey, chopped celery, diced green apple, halved grapes, and chopped nuts in a large bowl. I like to keep my pieces uniform in size so that every forkful has a little bit of everything. Gently toss so the ingredients are evenly mixed without smashing the fruit or nuts.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing is what ties the whole salad together, so taste as you go — I usually add an extra pinch of salt or a smidge more mustard for that perfect tang.

Step 3: Combine and Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and toss gently until everything is lightly coated. Don’t overdress it—you want the salad to stay fresh and crisp, not soggy. I usually start with about half the dressing, toss, then add more if needed to my liking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

This Turkey Waldorf Salad is delicious on its own, served over a bed of mixed greens, or spooned onto your favorite bread like sourdough or a flaky croissant. When I first tried it on rye bread, my family went crazy for the combination of flavors and textures. Trust me—you’re going to want second helpings!

How to Serve Turkey Waldorf Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra chopped pecans or walnuts on top just before serving for a fresh crunch. Sometimes, a small handful of fresh parsley or chives chopped finely adds a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a simple soup or some crusty bread. I often serve it alongside a warm butternut squash soup or a chilled cucumber gazpacho for a balanced meal that feels both homey and elegant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this salad in endive leaves as little boats—perfect for a pretty appetizer or party serving. Another fun idea is to layer it in a glass jar with greens at the bottom for a grab-and-go lunch that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Turkey Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the fridge and find it stays fresh for up to two days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again since the dressing may settle or the salad may release some juice.

Freezing

Because of the fresh fruits and creamy dressing, I don’t recommend freezing this salad—it can cause the texture to become mushy and separate when thawed. Instead, try to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a warm meal, try pairing leftover turkey warmed up on the side and serving the salad fresh alongside it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Turkey Waldorf Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate—comforting, fresh, and just plain delicious. It’s my go-to whenever I want something quick that also feels special, and honestly, my family goes crazy for it too. Whether you’re repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers or just craving a light but filling meal, give this salad a try. I bet you’ll want to keep this recipe in regular rotation, just like I do!

Print