Oven Turkey Salad
A hearty oven-baked turkey salad featuring tender turkey, crunchy water chestnuts, and crispy fried onions, complemented by savory gravy—perfect for a satisfying family dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the gravy mix in a large bowl.
- Prepare the gravy by mixing the gravy mix with milk according to package instructions.
- Add the prepared gravy to the mixture in the bowl and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Top with remaining fried onion rings and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover turkey with herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can substitute the water chestnuts with chopped bell peppers for a crunchier texture. If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free gravy mix. Don't hesitate to add in some chopped green onions for a fresh touch!
Serving Suggestions
This Oven Turkey Salad is perfect as a hearty main dish or a comforting side. Pair it with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes well with crusty bread or biscuits. For a delightful dessert, consider serving with Jame'S Key Lime Pie to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven to maintain the dish's texture, heating at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be aware that the fried onion topping may lose its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Turkey Salad contains roughly 506 calories, with 32g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.
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 raw turkey for this recipe?
It's best to use cooked turkey for this dish to ensure safety and flavor. You can use leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken. If using raw turkey, it must be fully cooked before following the recipe steps.
What can I substitute for French fried onion rings?
If you don’t have French fried onion rings, try using crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of oil for crunch. You can also skip the topping altogether if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I freeze the oven turkey salad?
Yes, you can freeze the turkey salad before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and remove the cover before baking to achieve a crispy topping.
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).