This delicious and easy turkey salad is a perfect way to use up leftover roasted turkey! Inspired by Alton Brown, it’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor from toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and fresh sage. Whether served in a sandwich, over greens, or in lettuce wraps, this quick and nutritious meal is a must-try!
Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 pound roasted turkey meat, cubed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 small lemon, juiced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh sage
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How To Make Turkey Salad?
- Prepare the Salad: Combine the turkey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, red onion, pecans, cranberries, sage, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the salad on sandwiches, over greens, or in lettuce wraps. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Tips:
- Use Freshly Roasted Turkey: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly roasted turkey instead of pre-packaged slices. If using leftovers, make sure they are moist and not too dry.
- Toast the Pecans for Extra Crunch: Toasting the pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes enhances their flavor and gives the salad a nice crunch. Let them cool before adding.
- Let It Chill for the Best Taste: Refrigerating the salad for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to blend, making it even more delicious.
- Adjust the Mayo for Your Preference: If you like a creamier salad, add a little extra mayo. For a lighter version, swap some of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Chop Everything Evenly: Cutting the turkey, celery, and onions into small, even pieces ensures every bite has a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
How To Store Leftovers?
First, let the leftover Turkey Salad cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Check out More Recipes:

Alton Brown Turkey Salad
Description
This delicious and easy turkey salad is a perfect way to use up leftover roasted turkey! Inspired by Alton Brown, it’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor from toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and fresh sage. Whether served in a sandwich, over greens, or in lettuce wraps, this quick and nutritious meal is a must-try!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: Combine the turkey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, red onion, pecans, cranberries, sage, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Chill Before Serving: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the salad on sandwiches, over greens, or in lettuce wraps. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use Freshly Roasted Turkey: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly roasted turkey instead of pre-packaged slices. If using leftovers, make sure they are moist and not too dry.
- Toast the Pecans for Extra Crunch: Toasting the pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes enhances their flavor and gives the salad a nice crunch. Let them cool before adding.
- Let It Chill for the Best Taste: Refrigerating the salad for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to blend, making it even more delicious.
- Adjust the Mayo for Your Preference: If you like a creamier salad, add a little extra mayo. For a lighter version, swap some of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Chop Everything Evenly: Cutting the turkey, celery, and onions into small, even pieces ensures every bite has a perfect mix of flavors and textures.