Fruit, Nut And Turkey Salad
A light, flavorful salad combining tender turkey, fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and a creamy dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. low-fat plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb. cooked turkey breast or 3 cups leftover turkey, cut into 1/2-inch chunks ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless grapes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add cooked turkey, pineapple chunks, grapes, sliced celery, and chopped walnuts.
- Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce.
- Sprinkle with coconut if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dash of Dijon mustard to the dressing. If you're out of walnuts, pecans or slivered almonds can be great substitutes. You can also swap out the turkey for cooked chicken or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Adjust the curry powder to your taste; a little can go a long way. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of whole-grain crackers or a slice of crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup like a tomato basil. This dish can also complement holiday meals or potlucks, similar to how you might enjoy the Easter Breakfast Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, consider storing it separately from the salad mixture. If you need to reheat the turkey, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain its moisture. Avoid reheating the entire salad to keep the fresh ingredients intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit, Nut And Turkey Salad contains roughly 647 calories, with 16g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% 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 use fresh fruit instead of canned pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can add a nice crunch and vibrant flavor to the salad. Just make sure to cut it into small chunks similar to the canned version to maintain consistency in texture throughout the dish.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just mix all the ingredients except for the lettuce and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, place it on the lettuce to keep it fresh and crisp.
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with a light vinaigrette dressing or a refreshing beverage like iced tea. It complements dishes like the Glazed Pineapple Cheese Pie for a sweet finish.
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).