This Turkey Cranberry Salad is the BEST way to use leftover turkey! Sweet cranberries, creamy cheese and crunchy sunflower seeds make it irresistible!
author’s note
Making My Bakery Favorite Even Better At Home!
Kneaders has always been a favorite spot of ours! They’re known for their fresh bread, soups, sandwiches, salads & desserts, and everything is SO good.
My family is obsessed with their French toast, but I almost always go for a salad or sandwich. And this Turkey Cranberry Salad is one of my favorites!
It is satisfying to the combination of tender turkey, sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds & that creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s seriously SO good! And while the dressing I’m sharing isn’t exactly the healthiest, it tastes just like the real deal, which is exactly what I was going for!
This is one of a reliable ways to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey! If you have even more to use, try my Turkey Tetrazzini or Turkey Sliders.
Turkey Cranberry Salad Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips & swaps |
|---|---|
| Mixed greens | Grab a container of mixed greens or swap in spinach. |
| Shredded turkey | Great for Thanksgiving leftovers! Rotisserie chicken works too. |
| Dried cranberries | Add the reliable sweet and tangy bite. |
| Sunflower seeds | Give the salad a satisfying crunch. |
| Red onion | Slice thinly for a little flavor and color. |
| Mozzarella cheese | Freshly grate it for the best flavor. |
| Poppyseed dressing | Blend everything first, then mix in the poppy seeds. |
How To Make This Turkey Cranberry Salad
- Prep: Mix greens, turkey, cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, and mozzarella in a big bowl.
- Make the Poppyseed Dressing: Blend the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the Turkey Cranberry Salad.
chelsea’s recipe tips
My Top Recipe Tips
- Protein: If you don’t have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, you can use roasted or grilled turkey or chicken breast.
- Red Onion: To make red onion taste milder, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and use.
- Poppy Seed Dressing: You can change the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less sugar to your liking.
- Customize Toppings: Make this Turkey Cranberry Salad your own by adding toppings you like, such as nuts, avocado, or different cheeses.
Storage
Toss right before serving: To keep your Turkey Cranberry Salad fresh, dress it with the Poppy Seed Dressing just before serving. If you expect leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately.
More satisfying Salad Recipes:
Salads With Meat
Coconut Shrimp Salad
Salads
Costco Kale Salad
Salads With Meat
Applebee’s Chicken Salad
Salads
Sweet Potato Farro Salad
