"Waldorf" Turkey Salad
A refreshing and flavorful turkey salad combining tender turkey, crisp celery, sweet apple, juicy grapes, and crunchy sunflower seeds. Tossed in a creamy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing with a hint of broth seasoning, this dish is perfect for light lunches or picnics, appealing to health-conscious eaters and salad lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups skinned, boned, cooked turkey, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 large McIntosh apple, cored and cut into cubes ⓘ
- 24 seedless red grapes, cut lengthwise into halves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 packets instant chicken broth/seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sunflower seeds ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked turkey, diced celery, cubed apple, and halved grapes in a large salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, blend the plain low-fat yogurt, mayonnaise, and broth seasoning mix until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Sprinkle the salad with sunflower seeds.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting walnuts for sunflower seeds, or use Greek yogurt for a thicker dressing. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using a sweeter apple variety or adding a drizzle of honey. If you have leftover turkey from a roast, this is a great way to use it up. This salad is also a great option for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This Waldorf Turkey Salad is perfect on its own or served on a bed of mixed greens. Pair it with whole grain crackers or a light soup, such as Cream Of Mushroom Soup, for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve it in hollowed-out apples or endive leaves for an elegant appetizer at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the apples and grapes can become mushy. When ready to enjoy, you can serve it cold or let it come to room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Waldorf" Turkey Salad contains roughly 225 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1369mg per serving (60% 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 a different type of meat in this salad?
Absolutely! While turkey is traditional, this salad works well with cooked chicken or even roasted duck for a more gourmet twist. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and cut into similar-sized cubes for the best texture and flavor.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the turkey with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based protein. Replace the yogurt and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives made from cashews or soy. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of this classic salad.
How can I make this salad less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, choose a tart apple variety like Granny Smith. You can also decrease the amount of grapes or substitute them with chopped bell peppers for a savory twist. Adjusting the yogurt and mayonnaise balance can help as well, creating a more savory dressing.
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).