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Make the most of your holiday leftovers with our Leftover Turkey Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe. This low-carb and keto-friendly dish is a flavorful and satisfying way to enjoy those extra ingredients. Packed with roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, juicy turkey, and homemade croutons, it's a delightful combination that will please your taste buds. Don't let those leftovers go to waste and savor every bite with this delicious salad creation.
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🦃🥗Revitalize Leftovers: Leftover Turkey Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe
So, you've conquered your holiday feast, and now your refrigerator is bursting with leftovers.
Are you tempted to live on those classic leftover turkey sandwiches for the next week? Hey, I've been there, too! But let's step it up a notch. How about transforming those holiday remnants into a low-carb, keto-friendly, and utterly delicious dish? That's where our Leftover Turkey Salad steps in to save the day!
Once upon a time, I was content with sandwiches, then I upgraded to crafting soup out of my leftovers. But as I delved deeper into the world of low-carb living, something unexpected happened—I started to crave salads. Who knew, right?
Sure, I adore a hearty leftover soup or some creamy, cheesy turkey enchiladas like the next person, but there's something about the refreshing, vibrant flavors of this salad that truly sparks joy in my heart and satisfies my tummy. And the shocker? This salad earned a thumbs-up from Mr. "Not a Big Fan of Salads" himself!
I anticipated the usual skeptical "What are you feeding me" glance when I handed him a bowl. But to my surprise, that look never appeared! Instead, he took a bite, then another, and uttered those magical words, "Hmmm, this is really good."
Hold up—did he just compliment a salad?
Yes, that's how good this salad is! It's a game-changer for repurposing leftovers into something refreshing and delightful.
Keep your culinary compass pointed our way for more tantalizing recipes and spirited holiday inspirations! And, of course, share your baking triumphs by tagging us when you indulge in this festive culinary delight! ✨🌟 Happy cooking and may your holidays be filled with scrumptious moments!
In This Post
🥘Leftover Turkey Salad Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Leftover Turkey Salad.
- Leftover Turkey - you can also substitute leftover cooked chicken.
- Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce - if you don't have any sugar-free cranberry sauce you could use a sugar-free jam in its place.
- Leftover Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts - you can use any leftover roasted vegetable if you don't have butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Leftover Turkey Salad Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Leftover Turkey Salad. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Drizzle the seasoned butter onto the bread cubes and toss until the bread is evenly coated.
Place croutons on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes flipping 1-2 times during the cooking process.
Place the cranberry vinaigrette ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse to combine.
To a salad bowl, add the romaine, turkey, bacon, green beans or Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, red onion, parsley, and cracked pepper.
Helpful Hint: 💡: To make this recipe even quicker, consider using pre-made low-carb or keto-friendly croutons, nuts, or parmesan crisps available at your local health food store or grocery store. Look for options that align with your dietary preferences to save time and still add that delightful crunch to your salad.
Substitutions
- Croutons: For a different texture or dietary preference, substitute the low-carb or keto bread croutons with toasted nuts or seeds. Try almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce: If sugar-free cranberry sauce isn't available, consider using a tangy sugar-free raspberry or blueberry jam as an alternative for the vinaigrette, ensuring it aligns with your dietary needs.
- Roasted Veggies: Modify the salad components based on available leftovers or personal taste. Replace the romaine lettuce with mixed greens or spinach. Instead of butternut squash, incorporate roasted cauliflower or zucchini for a different flavor profile.
📖Variations
- Berries Boost: Add a handful of fresh or frozen keto-friendly berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries to introduce a touch of natural sweetness without compromising your low-carb goals.
- Avocado Indulgence: Enhance the salad with sliced avocado, providing a creamy and nutritious addition that complements the flavors and offers a satisfying texture.
- Cheese Addition: Consider incorporating keto-friendly cheeses like crumbled blue cheese, shredded Parmesan, or feta. These cheeses can add richness and depth to the salad without significantly impacting carb counts.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Leftover Turkey Salad.
Storage
Once the salad has been assembled and served, if there are leftovers, it's essential to store them properly to maintain freshness:
- Refrigeration: Place any remaining salad in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it promptly, within two hours of preparing, to prevent spoilage.
- Separate the Croutons: If possible, store the leftover croutons separately in a sealed container or zip-top bag to maintain their crunchiness. Adding the croutons just before serving helps to preserve their texture.
- Use Within a Few Days: Consume the leftover salad within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality. After this period, the salad might become less fresh, and the ingredients may not retain their texture and flavor.
- Refresh Before Serving: Before serving the leftover salad, you might want to give it a quick toss and add fresh croutons for that enjoyable crunch. Check for any wilted greens or changes in texture before consuming.
By storing the salad properly in the refrigerator and keeping the croutons separate until serving, you can extend the salad's lifespan while maintaining its quality for a few more days.
💭Top tip
For a delightful make-ahead option, prepare the salad components in advance but store the croutons separately. This way, the salad ingredients can be mixed and dressed ahead of time, preserving their flavors. When ready to serve, add the freshly baked croutons, ensuring they retain their satisfying crunch and complement the salad perfectly. This method keeps the salad fresh and maintains the croutons' texture for an ideal dining experience.
FAQ about Leftover Turkey Salad
Absolutely! The versatility of this salad recipe allows for various meat substitutions. You can swap the leftover turkey for diced cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, ham, or even cooked shrimp for a delightful variation while still enjoying the same flavorful salad.
I have only used the cranberry vinaigrette but, I have a Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette recipe that I think would work well with this salad too. You could also try using a sugar-free jam you enjoy in place of the cranberry sauce.
For a low-carb alternative to the keto croutons, consider using toasted nuts or seeds such as almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds to add a delightful crunch to the salad without the added carbs. You can also use parmesan crisps or crispy bacon bits for that satisfying texture.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Keto Bacon Ranch Turkey Salad
- Low Carb Lemon Turkey Noodle Soup
- Creamy Keto Green Chile Turkey Enchiladas
- Leftover Turkey Casserole
- Keto Stuffing Waffles with Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Creamy Mushroom Turkey Bake
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Leftover Turkey Salad:
- Creamy Chipotle Pumpkin Soup
- Quick Curried Squash Soup
- Easy Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Keto Tomato Bacon Bisque
- Low Carb Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup
Leftover Turkey Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Equipment
Ingredients
For the croutons:
- 4 slices (2 cups) of low carb or keto bread cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
For the cranberry vinaigrette:
- 1 shallot rough chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar-free cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
For the salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce (about 4 to 5 cups) chopped
- 4 cups leftover turkey chopped
- 4 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 cups leftover green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts chopped
- 2 cups leftover roasted butternut squash cubes (can omit for strict keto)
- 1/4 red onion diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley minced
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
For the croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cut the 4 pieces of bread into 1/2 inch squares using a serrated knife.
- Add cubes to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, add the butter, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well.
- Drizzle the seasoned butter onto the bread cubes and toss until the bread is evenly coated.
- Place croutons on a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes flipping 1-2 times during the cooking process.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the oven and bread used.
For the cranberry vinaigrette:
- Place the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse to combine.
- Set aside.
For the salad:
- To a large bowl, add the romaine, turkey, bacon, green beans or Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, red onion, parsley, and cracked pepper.
- Stir in the dressing, then toss until thoroughly combined.
- Top with the croutons.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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