Chinese Turkey Salad
A vibrant Chinese-inspired turkey salad featuring crisp vegetables, mandarin oranges, and crunchy noodles, all tossed in a tangy Dijon-orange dressing perfect for light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 1/2 cups blanched pea pods
- 1 can (11 oz.) mandarin orange segments, drained
- 1 can (15 oz.) sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. deli smoked turkey or chicken breast, cut into julienne strips ⓘ
- 1 cup crispy Chinese noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, over medium heat, combine mustard, orange juice, green onions, vegetable oil, honey, soy sauce, and grated ginger.
- Heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed through; keep warm.
- On a large serving platter, layer salad greens, blanched pea pods, drained mandarin orange segments, drained sliced water chestnuts, sliced turkey or chicken breast, and crispy Chinese noodles.
- Drizzle the warm mustard dressing over the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the turkey with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You can also use any mustard you have on hand if Grey Poupon isn't available. For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or cashews. If you want more flavor, try incorporating sesame oil into the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a delightful main dish, especially on warm days. Serve it alongside spring rolls or Mini Egg Rolls for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Ground Turkey Or Beef And Vegetable Fried Rice, providing a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the dressing in a saucepan and serve it over cold salad to maintain the crispness of the greens and noodles. Avoid microwaving the salad to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Turkey Salad contains roughly 381 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (90% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1702mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
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 ingredients and dressing in advance. Keep the salad components separate until serving to maintain freshness. Store the dressing in the refrigerator and toss everything together just before you're ready to eat.
What can I substitute for mandarin orange segments?
If you can't find mandarin oranges, you can use fresh orange segments, canned peaches, or even pineapple chunks for a different tropical twist. Just ensure they are well-drained to avoid extra moisture in the salad.
Is there a gluten-free option for the noodles?
Yes, you can use gluten-free crispy noodles or even toasted rice noodles as a substitute for the traditional Chinese noodles. This will keep the dish gluten-free while still providing that desired crunch.
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).