Quick Summer Turkey Salad Recipe

As the scorching summer heat envelops us, it’s time to embrace lighter, refreshing meals that not only keep us energized but also satisfy our taste buds. Look no further than a delicious Summer Shredded Turkey Salad. This easy recipe combines a delightful mix of ingredients like cherry tomatoes, shredded turkey, orange slices, crispy romaine lettuce, red onion, and cucumbers.

Tossed in a healthy creamy orange salad dressing made with yogurt, balsamic vinegar, honey, and orange juice and zest. It’s one of my favorite salad dressings! This new recipe is a perfect balance of nutrition, taste, and summertime goodness. It also make a great side dish too!

Benefits of Choosing Turkey

Incorporating shredded turkey into this recipe offers a range of benefits that enhance both the nutritional value and taste of the salad. Firstly, shredded turkey is a lean source of protein, which supports muscle growth and repair while keeping you feeling satiated for longer periods. 

Additionally, turkey is also rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, contributing to overall health and vitality. It’s also low in saturated fat. The versatility of shredded turkey allows it to blend seamlessly with the other salad ingredients, adding a savory flavor and satisfying texture. By choosing shredded turkey, you’re not only adding a nutritious component to your meal but also elevating its taste profile.

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Ingredients for this Summer Turkey Salad

• Shredded Turkey: Start with cooked and shredded turkey, which provides a lean source of protein and adds a savory touch to the salad. Cooked turkey breast works perfectly for this recipe.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness, these little gems provide a pop of color, texture, and essential vitamins.
• Orange Slices: Fresh, tangy orange slices bring a burst of citrusy flavor and lend a delightful brightness to the salad.
• Crispy Romaine Lettuce: With its refreshing and crunchy texture, chopped fresh romaine lettuce serves as the perfect base for green salads, adding a healthy dose of vitamins A and K.
• Red Onion: Adding a hint of mild spiciness and a vibrant pop of color, red onion complements the other fresh veggies beautifully.
• Cucumbers: Cool and hydrating, cucumbers lend a refreshing crunch while providing hydration and beneficial nutrients.

The Creamy Orange Salad Dressing

To tie the flavors together of this great recipe and enhance the overall taste, a creamy orange salad dressing is a perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s light and a healthier alternative to mayonnaise style creamy dressings. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• Zest of 1/2 an orange
• Juice of 1/2 an orange
• salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, honey, orange zest, and orange juice.
2. Whisk the ingredients until well combined and creamy. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to suit your preference by adding more honey or vinegar, if desired.

Turkey Salad Recipe: Bringing It All Together

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, cherry tomatoes, orange slices, crispy romaine lettuce, red onion, and cucumbers.
2. Drizzle the creamy orange salad dressing over the salad, tossing gently to ensure everything is well coated.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures.

Health Benefits of This Delicious Salad

This Summer Shredded Turkey Salad offers a multitude of health benefits. The turkey provides lean protein, which is crucial for muscle maintenance and repair. Cherry tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, promoting healthy skin and a strong immune system. Oranges are packed with vitamin C, aiding in collagen production and boosting the body’s defence against harmful pathogens. The crisp bed of lettuce offers fibre and nutrients like calcium and potassium, while cucumbers provide hydration and contribute to improved digestion. Additionally, the creamy orange salad dressing incorporates the goodness of yogurt, which is a probiotic powerhouse, promoting gut health.

How to store leftover turkey salad

Here are some guidelines to help you store and enjoy your Summer Shredded Turkey Salad even after it’s been prepared.

• Refrigeration: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate it promptly, preferably within two hours of preparation.
• Store Dressing Separately: If possible, store the salad and dressing separately. The dressing can be kept in a smaller container or jar, while the salad components can be stored in a larger container. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and allows you to dress it fresh when you’re ready to eat.

How long can you keep turkey salad

Turkey salads generally have a shorter shelf life compared to other salads due to their protein content. Consume the leftover salad within 3-4 days to ensure its quality and freshness. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual texture, discard it immediately.

What if I mixed my dressing in?

If you mixed the salad with the dressing, it’s still safe to consume within the recommended timeframe. However, be aware that the salad may become slightly softer due to the dressing’s moisture. To counter this, you can add extra crispy lettuce or fresh ingredients when serving the leftover salad.

• Reviving the Salad: If the salad appears a bit wilted or dry, you can revive it by adding a drizzle of fresh dressing or a squeeze of citrus juice. Toss the salad gently to redistribute the flavors and moisture.
• Portion Control: Consider storing the salad in individual portion sizes, especially if you anticipate consuming it over multiple days. This allows for easy grab-and-go options and reduces the risk of cross-contamination when serving.

Can turkey salad be frozen

While it’s possible to freeze turkey salad, it’s not generally recommended due to the potential impact on the salad’s texture and quality. Freezing can cause the ingredients to become watery and lose their crispness, resulting in a less desirable salad once thawed.