Salads

The Best Leftover Turkey Salad

By Samira Kazan

published March 26, 2025

Got leftover turkey? This easy, creamy turkey salad is the best way to use it up! With crunchy celery, red onion, and a tangy dressing, it comes together in minutes. Serve it in a sandwich, with crackers, or over fresh greens—it’s simple, satisfying, and so good!

a ball of creamy salad with turkey served with bread and lettuce leaves. - 1

Whenever I have leftover roast turkey, this is the first thing I make. It’s creamy, crunchy, and exactly what I crave after a big holiday feast. I love it on seeded crackers for a quick snack, tucked into a sandwich, or wrapped up for an easy and nutritious meal.

If you love protein-packed salads , this one is right up there with my chicken salad , tuna salad , and salmon salad . Fresh, satisfying, and easy to meal prep, it’s a go-to when you need something quick and wholesome.

a ball of creamy salad with turkey served with bread and lettuce leaves. - 2

Watch how to make it
Ingredients
How to make turkey salad
Serving suggestions
More favorite salads
The Best Leftover Turkey Salad Recipe

Watch how to make it

Ingredients

Cooked turkey – Any leftover turkey works! Whether it’s roast turkey, roasted turkey legs , roasted turkey breast , or even dark meat from the thighs work—just shred or chop it to your liking.
Celery & red onion – These add a fresh crunch and a bit of sharpness to balance the creamy dressing. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before using.
Lemon juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is always best!
Mayonnaise – The key to that creamy texture. Swap half for Greek yogurt if you want to lighten it up.
Dijon mustard – Adds depth and a subtle tang to the dressing.
Fresh dill (or parsley) – Dill adds a bright, herby touch that pairs beautifully with turkey. If you prefer, swap it for parsley, but there’s no need to use both.
Salt, black pepper & a pinch of sugar – A simple mix of seasonings that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.

See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements!

How to make turkey salad

Chop or shred the cooked turkey. Dice the celery, red onion, and dill. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.

A large bowl of turkey salad ingredients. - 4

Mix well until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. That’s it—your turkey salad is ready to enjoy!

I love serving it on soft buns or sandwich rolls , layering it over crisp lettuce for extra freshness. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a quick meal!

a ball of creamy salad with turkey served with bread and lettuce leaves. - 6

Serving suggestions

As a sandwich – Use your favorite bread or a toasted bun for extra texture.
With crackers – My go-to is seeded crackers for that perfect crunch!
In lettuce wraps – A light, low-carb option.
Over mixed greens – For a fresh, simple salad.

Storage Tip

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge , and enjoy within 3 days for the best flavor and texture. It’s delicious chilled—and perfect for quick snacks or meal prep!

Need another way to use up leftover turkey? Try my comforting turkey soup —warm, hearty, and perfect for cozy nights!

More favorite salads

IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x

▢ 4 cups cooked turkey chopped
▢ 1 cup mayonnaise
▢ 1/2 cup celery chopped
▢ 1/2 cup red onion chopped
▢ 1/4 cup dill chopped (fresh)
▢ 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
▢ 1/2 Tbsp sugar
▢ 1/2 lemon juiced
▢ 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

For serving (optional)

▢ lettuce leaves
▢ burger buns or bread

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped turkey, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, fresh dill, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Serve on lettuce leaves, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.