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Turkey Salad

Turkey Salad
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This Turkey Salad recipe is a light, nutritious, and versatile dish combining lean protein-rich turkey with fresh vegetables and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a healthy meal any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (preferably lean or rotisserie turkey breast)
  • 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/4 cup nuts or seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or your choice)
  • Black beans and corn (for Mexican twist)
  • Olives and feta cheese (for Mediterranean style)
  • Diced apples or dried cranberries (for fruit-infused variation)
  • Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey: Shred or dice the cooked turkey breast into bite-sized pieces, ensuring each bite is packed with protein and easy to eat.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Wash and slice the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Aim for a balance of sizes and textures to create a vibrant salad.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified, creating a zesty and smooth dressing.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the turkey, chopped vegetables, and dressing to coat everything evenly while maintaining the freshness and crunch.
  5. Add Final Touches: Incorporate slices of creamy avocado and sprinkle optional nuts or seeds over the top for extra crunch and richness.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Turkey: Freshly cooked or quality leftover turkey enhances flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overdress: Start with a small amount of dressing and add more gradually to maintain a light, fresh salad.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld beautifully.
  • Texture Matters: Aim for a variety of crunchy and creamy elements for a balanced mouthfeel.
  • Adjust to Taste: Taste as you go and adjust salt, acidity, or spice to preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkey Salad, Healthy Salad, Quick Lunch, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/turkey-salad/