Easy Turkey Cranberry Salad

Turn leftover turkey into a delicious lunch with this easy turkey cranberry salad. With sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, it's full of flavor and ready in minutes.

This turkey cranberry salad is a simple and delicious way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. It's creamy, tangy, and just a little sweet from the cranberries. Toss everything together in minutes for a quick lunch or light dinner that feels fresh after the holiday feast.

I love how easy this one is, especially when you've had your fill of heavy meals. The crunchy celery and pecans give it great texture, while the lemony mayo dressing keeps it bright. Serve it on lettuce leaves or in sandwiches with your favorite grain-free bread for an easy no-cook meal.

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Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make it.

• Cooked turkey - You can roast a turkey breast, use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, or grab a rotisserie turkey from the grocery store.
• Dried cranberries - Look for cranberries sweetened with fruit juice rather than refined sugar.
• Chopped pecans - Add texture and a hint of richness.
• Celery - Adds extra crunch.
• Green onions - Scallions add mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
• Fresh parsley - For fresh herb flavor.
• Mayonnaise - Use an avocado oil mayo with simple, clean ingredients and no additives.
• Fresh lemon juice - Adds brightness and balances the creamy dressing.
• Sea salt and black pepper - For seasoning.

Kitchen tools

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this salad.

• Large mixing bowl - For tossing the turkey, dressing, and add-ins together. I like these nesting glass bowls since they're sturdy and easy to store.
• Chef's knife - A good, heavy knife makes chopping ingredients easier. I have this one.
• Spatula or large spoon - To gently fold the salad together without breaking up the turkey too much.

How to make it

This salad couldn't be easier to put together! Just whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice in a big bowl (large enough to fit all the ingredients). Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the turkey, cranberries, pecans, celery, green onions, and parsley to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is well coated. Then taste and add more seasoning if needed.

Variations

Try these simple ways to switch it up.

• Add apples - Chopped apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji add extra crunch and sweetness.
• Swap nuts - Walnuts, sliced almonds or sunflower seeds also work in this salad.
• Use leftover cranberry sauce - Fold a spoonful of cranberry sauce in gently just before serving.

Storing leftovers

This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again.

More easy salad recipes

If you like this turkey cranberry salad, try one of these easy salads next.

• Chicken salad with grapes combines sweet grapes and crunchy walnuts in a simple dressing for a classic lunch option.
• Avocado tuna salad uses creamy avocado in place of mayo for a quick, no-cook meal.
• Turkey raspberry salad adds a fruity twist with fresh berries and a lemon Dijon mustard vinaigrette.