Description
A creamy, flavorful salad made from leftover shredded turkey or chicken, combined with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and a blend of crunchy and tangy mix-ins like celery, pecans, and dried cranberries. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light snack served on croissants, wraps, or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, shredded
- 4 oz (120g) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix-ins
- 1 celery stick, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) pecans, lightly toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey or chicken: Shred the cooked turkey or chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy mixing and serving.
- Make the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese together with the Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add flavor components: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the cream cheese mixture for a balanced tangy and savory flavor.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the shredded turkey or chicken, finely chopped celery, green onions, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries to the creamy base.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir all ingredients carefully until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if required, to suit your preference.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve chilled on croissants, inside lettuce or tortilla wraps, or alongside crackers for a delightful meal or snack.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more Greek yogurt if a creamier texture is desired.
- Perfect use for leftover turkey or chicken to reduce food waste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey salad, chicken salad, cream cheese salad, leftover turkey recipe, creamy chicken salad, easy lunch, quick salad recipe
