Broccoli Turkey Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad combining tender turkey, fresh broccoli, sweet pineapple, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for a light, flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pineapple chunks, unsweetened ⓘ
- 2 c. salad greens, torn
- 2 c. spinach, torn ⓘ
- 2 c. broccoli florets
- 1 green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1/3 c. red onion, thin sliced ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked and cubed turkey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving 2 tablespoons of juice and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine torn salad greens, torn spinach, broccoli florets, green pepper strips, and sliced red onion.
- Add cooked, cubed turkey and pineapple chunks to the salad mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, and poppy seeds to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for half the olive oil. You can also use leftover chicken or even chickpeas as a protein substitute. This salad is versatile, so feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots or cucumbers to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Turkey Salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside whole-grain bread or crackers for added texture. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Sausage In Sauce for a heartier meal. For a delightful finish, consider serving Mary'S Cherry Pie as a dessert to complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Broccoli Turkey Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dressing may cause the salad to become soggy, so it's best to keep it separate until serving. If you want to reheat the turkey, do so gently in the microwave, but serve the salad cold for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Turkey Salad contains roughly 1270 calories, with 36g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp. If you're making it the night before, store the dressing separately and mix it in right before serving.
What can I use instead of turkey?
If you don't have turkey on hand, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a substitute. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or tofu, which will also add protein and texture. Just ensure any alternative is cooked and seasoned to your liking.
Is there a way to make this salad low-calorie?
To make the salad lower in calories, use a light olive oil or a vinaigrette with less oil. You can also reduce the amount of poppy seeds and sugar in the dressing. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables to bulk it up without adding many calories, like cucumbers or radishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).