Microwaved Hot Turkey Salad
A creamy, savory hot turkey salad packed with crunchy water chestnuts, pimientos, and almonds, topped with melted cheese and crispy fried onions—perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cooked and cubed turkey ⓘ
- 8 ounces can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 2 pimientos, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup canned French fried onions ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 2-quart casserole, combine cooked and cubed turkey, drained and sliced water chestnuts, chopped pimientos, slivered almonds, sliced mushrooms, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese and canned French fried onions.
- Microwave, covered, on High for 8 to 10 minutes, giving dish a 1/4 turn after 4 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using roasted turkey instead of plain cooked turkey. You can substitute the water chestnuts with chopped cucumbers for a fresh crunch or use walnuts instead of slivered almonds for a different texture. If you're looking for a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the mayonnaise. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a comforting choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot turkey salad with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with baked potatoes or rice. For a fun twist, consider serving it in a lettuce wrap for a lighter option. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, much like a comforting Crock-Pot Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain the texture of the ingredients.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwaved Hot Turkey Salad contains roughly 706 calories, with 14g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1709mg 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 use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey is not only convenient but also enhances the flavor of the dish. Just make sure the turkey is cooked and cubed before adding it to the casserole. This is a great way to repurpose holiday leftovers.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before microwaving. Just make sure to cover it well. When you're ready to serve, microwave as instructed until heated through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
You can certainly create a vegetarian version by substituting the turkey with cooked chickpeas or tofu. Ensure the other ingredients align with your dietary preferences, and you can still enjoy a delicious version of this salad.
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).