Ingredients
2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced or shredded
4 cups mixed salad greens
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 apple, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instruction
Wash and dry the salad greens thoroughly.
Place the greens in a large salad bowl.
Add the turkey, dried cranberries, walnuts, apple, red onion, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Method
Prepare all ingredients by chopping, slicing, and measuring them.
Make the dressing separately to ensure even flavor distribution.
Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Preparation
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes if using pre-cooked turkey
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
History
Turkey salads became especially popular in North America as a creative way to use leftover roasted turkey after holiday meals. The combination of turkey, cranberries, and walnuts reflects classic flavors often associated with autumn and festive celebrations. Over time, this combination evolved into a fresh and nutritious salad enjoyed year-round.
Tips
Use roasted turkey for extra flavor.
Toast the walnuts lightly for added crunch and aroma.
Swap feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Add sliced pears instead of apples for a sweeter variation.
Keep the dressing separate until serving if preparing ahead.
Benefits
High in lean protein from turkey.
Provides healthy fats from walnuts.
Contains antioxidants from cranberries.
Offers vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and fruit.
Supports satiety and balanced nutrition.
Nutrition
Approximate values per serving:
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 320mg
Conclusion
Turkey Cranberry Walnut Salad is a delicious combination of savory turkey, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and crisp greens. It is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a light meal for any occasion. Its balance of flavors and textures makes it both satisfying and refreshing.