Curried Turkey Salad
A flavorful and creamy turkey salad with curry spices, crunchy celery, and pecans, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner for gatherings or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook turkey breast overnight on high in a crock-pot.
- Cool the cooked turkey, remove from bone, and cube into approximately 1/4 to 1/8-inch pieces.
- Add chopped celery, chopped pecans, curry powder, and mayonnaise to the cubed turkey.
- Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using roasted turkey instead of boiled. If you're short on time, rotisserie turkey can be a great substitute. Adjust the curry powder to your taste; start with 1 tsp and add more if you prefer a spicier kick. You can also replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if you have those on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this curried turkey salad on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch, or in a sandwich or wrap for a convenient meal. It pairs beautifully with Reunion Baked Beans for a hearty spread at gatherings. Add some sliced cucumbers or carrot sticks on the side for a refreshing crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover curried turkey salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to reheat, do so gently in the microwave, but note that the salad is best served cold. Always check for freshness before consuming, especially if stored for a couple of days.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Turkey Salad contains roughly 965 calories, with 36g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (258% of the Daily Value), iron (143% of the Daily Value), and protein (71% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 72g 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 use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover turkey from holidays or special occasions. Just make sure to cube the turkey into bite-sized pieces for even mixing with the other ingredients. It's an excellent way to reduce waste while enjoying a delicious meal.
What can I serve this salad with?
This curried turkey salad is versatile. Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or on a salad plate. It also makes a great filling for pita bread. Pair it with fresh fruit or a light soup, like Sausage Bean Chowder, for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures perfectly.
How spicy is this salad?
The spice level depends on the amount of curry powder you use. Starting with 1 tsp gives a mild flavor, but you can increase it to suit your tastes. If you're unsure, taste as you mix and adjust accordingly. You can always add more, but it's harder to reduce spice once it's in!
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).