Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad
Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is a fun and fresh way to give your holiday turkey a second life. It’s got tender chunks of turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and tasty…
Tip: save now, cook later.Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad is a fun and fresh way to give your holiday turkey a second life. It’s got tender chunks of turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and tasty pasta all tossed together with a simple dressing that brings everything together. The mix of flavors and textures makes this salad a cool and satisfying meal that feels like a celebration on a plate.
I love making this salad when I have turkey leftover because it’s so quick to put together and super versatile. Sometimes I’ll add crunchy celery or toasted nuts for a little extra bite, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. I find that the cranberry gives the whole salad a nice pop of color and sweetness without being overpowering, which keeps things balanced and fun to eat.
The best part is that this salad works great for lunch, picnics, or even as a side dish at dinner. I like to serve it chilled straight from the fridge—it’s refreshing on a warm day and comforting in cooler weather. If you want to switch things up, a little drizzle of a tangy vinaigrette or a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes it feel brand new every time I make it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Using leftover turkey makes this salad easy and flavorful. If you don’t have turkey, cooked chicken works just as well. Just shred or chop it finely for better mixing.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a nice tart pop. If you can’t find fresh, thawed frozen cranberries or dried cranberries (soaked briefly in warm water) are good substitutes.
Pasta: I like shells or rotini because their shape holds the dressing well. You can swap with elbow macaroni or small bowties if needed.
Nuts: Pecans add a lovely crunch and a mild sweetness. Walnuts or almonds work too—just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.
Dressing: Mayonnaise gives creaminess, and Greek yogurt adds a lighter texture and tang. You can skip the yogurt or use all mayo if you prefer a richer salad.
How Do You Make Sure the Pasta Salad Isn’t Watery or Soggy?
Pasta salad sometimes gets watery if the dressing or ingredients are too wet. Here are some tips I use:
- Cook pasta just until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it off.
- Drain pasta thoroughly and pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
- Use thick mayo-based dressing instead of watery vinaigrette to keep the salad creamy.
- Add dressing gradually and toss gently so you don’t crush the ingredients or release extra water.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving—this helps flavors merge without sogginess.
Following these steps helps keep the salad fresh, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – great for combining all the ingredients without spills.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the dressing just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping turkey, celery, and parsley easily.
- Colander – to drain and rinse the pasta well after cooking.
- Whisk or fork – perfect for mixing the dressing smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap turkey for cooked chicken or ham to change up the protein but keep the comforting vibe.
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist that pairs well with cranberries.
- Mix in diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Toss in chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint for a fresh, bright flavor boost.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Salad Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (shells or rotini), cooled
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, thawed), halved
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped and toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of active prep time. After mixing, you’ll want to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors blend beautifully, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, shredded turkey, halved cranberries, finely diced celery, toasted nuts, and chopped parsley. This colorful mix builds the base of the salad.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly, bringing all the flavors together.
4. Adjust Seasoning & Chill:
Taste your salad and add more salt, pepper, or honey if you like. Then cover and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld perfectly.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir. Sprinkle extra parsley or nuts on top if you like for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve chilled, with crackers on the side if desired.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey in This Salad?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed and cooled before adding it to the salad to keep the texture and flavor just right.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Turkey Cranberry Pasta Salad?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to refresh the flavors.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. You can prepare it a day ahead for even better taste.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or try a dairy-free mayo alternative to suit your dietary needs.