Leftover turkey salad is a cold dish, so the quality of the leftover meat matters even more than in a bubbling casserole. Start with leftover turkey that was refrigerated within 2 hours and is still within 3 to 4 days, or thawed safely from the freezer. How long leftovers last and how to store Thanksgiving leftovers cover that window. Heat leftover turkey to 165°F in the finished dish, following USDA leftover reheating guidance. Because you may not reheat the whole salad, only use turkey that was cooled quickly and is clearly still in date. Do not use meat that was left out too long or that seems off; see how to tell if leftover turkey has gone bad. This is different from a leftover turkey sandwich built with slices and cranberry sauce.
A simple mix
Dice 2 to 3 cups of cold leftover turkey and a stalk or two of celery. Add a spoon of minced onion or scallion if you like, and a little chopped herb such as parsley or dill. Bind it with just enough mayonnaise, plain yogurt, or a mix of the two so the salad holds together without turning heavy. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or a little leftover cranberry sauce for brightness. Taste and adjust; leftover turkey can be mildly seasoned on its own.
How to serve it
Spoon the salad onto toast, into a sandwich, or over greens. Leftover dinner rolls, toasted, work well if you have them; see what to do with leftover dinner rolls. Keep the salad cold while it sits out, and do not leave it on a buffet for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the room is above 90°F.
Storage
The 3 to 4 day leftover clock started when the turkey was first cooked, not when you mixed the salad. If the turkey is already on day 3, plan to eat the salad that day. Refrigerate it in a covered container. If you want a hot leftover meal instead, look at leftover turkey hash or other leftover turkey ideas in the leftovers guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- OXO Good Grips Slicing Knife — A sharp knife keeps the turkey in neat dice instead of shreds, if that is the texture you want.
- OXO Good Grips 1.5-Qt Stainless Mixing Bowl — A roomy mixing bowl makes it easier to fold the salad without mashing it.
- OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner — Useful if you are serving the salad over freshly washed greens.
- Stasher Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags, 4-Pack — A tight container or bag keeps a portion cold if you pack lunch the same day.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to reheat leftover turkey before making turkey salad?
No, if the turkey was stored safely and is still within 3 to 4 days. Keep the salad cold and discard it if the meat was left out too long.
How long does leftover turkey salad keep?
The clock follows the original leftover turkey. If the meat is already a few days old, eat the salad the same day you mix it.
Can I freeze leftover turkey salad?
A mayonnaise-based salad does not freeze well. Freeze plain leftover turkey instead, then make a fresh salad later.