This Leftover Turkey Salad is a creamy and filling salad that is quick and easy to make — and your new go-to recipe for using Thanksgiving leftovers! Serve it as a filling in turkey salad sandwiches, as a salad over lettuce, or as a dip with crackers.

Using pre-cooked Turkey makes this dish easy to prepare, and the rest of the ingredients are ones you probably already have on hand. The whole recipe takes less than ten minutes from beginning to end, so you can get turkey sandwiches on the table quickly with minimal effort.

Why You'll Love this Leftover Turkey Salad

• A great way to use leftover turkey. Put that leftover roasted turkey from your Thanksgiving spread to good use in this turkey salad. Plus, it helps to clear up some space in your refrigerator. For more leftover turkey recipes, see our 15 Best Leftover Turkey Recipes.
• Fast and easy lunch. Because this recipe is made with leftover turkey and a handful of other common ingredients, it makes a speedy but satisfying lunch — which is all you can ask for after spending days preparing a feast. You simply shred the turkey and combine the ingredients. It takes less than 10 minutes to make.
• Simple ingredients. These turkey salad sandwiches had got all the trimmings of a tasty chicken salad, but swaps the main ingredient for turkey instead.
• Better than store-bought. Making turkey salad from scratch at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and the flavor. No additives or preservatives included! Plus, it’s too easy to make at home, so why not give it a go?

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Leftover Turkey Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• shredded cooked turkey - both light meat and dark meat will work, so use whichever you prefer.
• celery - celery adds crunch and a hint of flavor, but if you’re out, you can add a similar flavor with a dash of celery seed.
• green onions
• mayonnaise - use store-bought for convenience or make your own!
• Dijon mustard - you can use any kind of stone-ground mustard here. Plain yellow mustard will also work in a pinch.
• paprika - paprika or chili powder will add a smoky flavor to the turkey salad.
• salt and pepper
• bread - optional, for serving as a sandwich. Use whatever kind of bread you like: white or wheat sandwich loaf, ciabatta, croissant, or even pretzel buns. You can also use homemade bread if you have time to make some!

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a mixing bowl.

How to Make the Best Leftover Turkey Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients including cooked shredded turkey, celery, green onions, mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Serve as is over iceberg lettuce, as a filling in between sandwich bread or pita bread, or in a grilled cheese.

How to Serve

Turkey Salad is delicious served on its own in iceberg lettuce, or as a filling for a turkey salad sandwich. Some of my favorite bread to use are:

• Ciabatta Rolls
• French Baguette
• Sourdough Sandwich Bread
• Pita Bread
• Brioche Bread
• Whole Wheat Cranberry Bread

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

For best results, store Leftover Turkey Salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For turkey salad sandwiches, first wrap them in a paper towel and then wrap them tightly in plastic cling film and eat within 24 hours before the bread gets soggy.

How to Freeze

It’s not recommended to freeze turkey salad because the mayonnaise will separate in the freezer and the dressing will become watery.

More Recipes

• 15 Best Leftover Turkey Recipes
• Buffalo Turkey Wraps
• Leftover Turkey Stuffed Peppers
• Turkey Enchiladas
• Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup
• Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich