I was taught, growing up, that it was not polite to ask for leftovers when you’re at someone’s home. I was also taught that you never show up empty handed.
So, this past Thanksgiving, I brought pies to both families’ homes. I did what I was taught.
And then…gasp…I asked my aunt, who has taught me so much about cooking over the years, for some turkey to take home. And turnip, because I love turnip.
My mom gave me {that} motherly look. Whoops. But she gets it, and my aunt gets it. I love food. And so, I left with the biggest tupperware of perfectly cooked turkey.
Originally, I was going to make a salad of greens and herbs and top it with turkey, cranberries, roasted squash, walnuts and goat cheese. Had it all planned out.
But then I thought of this. Found 15 minutes before going out to dinner, made it quickly, and left it in the fridge overnight. So that the next day…it was perfect.
Perfect over greens, in a lettuce wrap, between two slices of bread or on its own.
As a 30-something, I probably shouldn’t disappoint my mother, but it was totally worth it getting the turkey.
No shame.
None whatsoever. Bam.
XO
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Ingredients
2 3/4 Cups turkey, chopped
1/3 Cup dried cranberries
1/3 Cup chopped walnuts
1/4 Cup yellow onion, chopped
2 Celery stalks, chopped
2 Scallions, sliced small {on the diagonal if you want to be fancy}
1/2 Cup mayonnaise {good quality}
1 Teaspoon dijon mustard
1 Teaspoon lemon juice
Salt & Pepper
2 Teaspoons poppy seeds
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine turkey, walnuts, onion, celery and scallions.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper. One large spoonful at a time, stir mayonnaise mixture into the turkey mixture. Continue until well coated. {Depending on your preferences, you ma not use all of the mayo.}
Add poppy seeds, stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill and let flavors combine.
Oh definitely no shame! Our families are super keen to give us all the leftovers since they know we love food so much and hate waste. And when it leads to new delicious discoveries like this one, what is there to loose? Such a great way to use up leftover turkey, and I love that you’ve included celery in this recipe – I can imagine it would give it a crunchy zing of freshness.
Thanks, Laura!!! The celery and walnuts add tons of crunch, it’s so good!
Looks delicious! We didn’t get to take any turkey home this year, so missing the turkey salad!
Thanks!!
Oh she’s your aunt! If you can’t ask her, you can’t ask anyone, right? ;) Looks good!!
Thanks, CC!
I’ll take mine in a lettuce wrap please! Brilliant!
I never had to ask for leftovers, they were handed to me in a big brown grocery sack as I was shoved out the door! This is a really lovely recipe for leftover turkey!
Thanks, Melissa!
That’s the only thing about going to someone’s house, the idea that I want to ask about leftovers Haha. That looks delish, and I’m sure sitting in the fridge to “get stale” makes it even better.
Yes! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m making a list of what to do with leftover turkey so will be bookmarking this!
Great!
I was just telling my daughters we should make turkey salad for dinner, and they didn’t love the sound of it until I explained what it was. Now we have a recipe! Thanks :)
Perfect! Enjoy, Katie!
You brought pies, so you should be able to ask for leftovers! ;) I always pack take home bags for guests, because everyone wants Thanksgiving leftovers. You used yours well, this recipe looks delicious!
Thanks so much!
Now this is a great way to use leftover turkey!! YUM!
Thanks!!
Looks like a hearty crunchy salad! Too bad we don’t celebrate thanksgiving here, but I’d gladly sub the turkey with chicken to recreate this!
Chicken would be a great substitute!
Yay!! Chicken just easier for me to source haha
Perfect! Enjoy!!
Will do!