Leftover Turkey has never been so versatile! This recipe for Turkey Cobb Salad transforms your cooked turkey leftovers into a vibrant, healthy meal that keeps you satisfied. With a blend of fresh greens, crisp bacon, and creamy goat cheese, you’ll forget you’re using those Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lunch that packs a punch!

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Recipe

This Turkey Cobb Salad is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor. Here are a few reasons you’ll love it:

Quick prep time of just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Utilizes leftover turkey meat, reducing food waste.
High in protein with 47 g of protein per serving.
Makes use of seasonal ingredients like roasted butternut squash.
Simple to customize for different dietary needs.
Great way to explore leftover turkey salad ideas that are healthy.
Low-fat option with a refreshing taste, ideal for a low-fat diet.

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey

Gather these items:

6 cups baby spinach (or other salad greens)
4 strips cooked bacon (crumbled)
1 cup cooked turkey breast (cubed)
1 cup roasted butternut squash (cubed)
2 hard boiled eggs (quartered)
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons dried unsweetened cranberries
2 tablespoons pecans (roughly chopped)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ tablespoon honey
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic (minced)
kosher salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

How to Make Leftover Turkey Step-by-Step

Step 1: Mix together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the vinaigrette.
Step 2: In a large salad bowl, layer the baby spinach with crumbled bacon, cubed cooked turkey leftovers, roasted butternut squash, quartered hard-boiled eggs, cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled goat cheese.
Step 3: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Feel free to swap out the bacon for a vegetarian option if desired.
Consider adding a few more vegetables like cherry tomatoes or avocados.
Mixing this salad in advance can enhance the flavors!

Best Ways to Serve Leftover Turkey

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but here are a few serving ideas:

Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal.
Pair with a warm soup made from turkey carcass to use every bit of your Thanksgiving turkey.
For a fun twist, serve it in a wrap using large lettuce leaves.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Turkey

To keep your salad fresh, it’s best to store the components separately in the fridge. This way, the salad greens won’t wilt. If you have any cooked turkey leftovers that you want to reheat, the best ways to reheat leftover turkey are in the oven or microwave, ensuring they stay moist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Turkey

What’s the secret to perfect Leftover Turkey?

The secret to perfect leftover turkey is ensuring it stays moist when reheating. Use broth or a splash of water to maintain juiciness.

Can I make Leftover Turkey ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey cobb salad a few hours ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Leftover Turkey?

Avoid overcooking your turkey scraps when reheating. Always use low heat and cover it to retain moisture.

Variations of Leftover Turkey You Can Try

Here are a few creative leftover turkey recipes to consider:

Substitute turkey remnants for chicken in your favorite stir-fry recipe.
Make a comforting leftover turkey soup recipe with a rich broth.
Try a turkey casserole with leftovers for a hearty meal.
Mix leftover turkey into pasta dishes or grain bowls for added protein.

With these tips and recipes, you can transform your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into delicious new meals that everyone will love!

Leftover Turkey: 7 Creative Ways to Transform Your Thanksgiving Feast

Author: basmer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Turn your turkey leftovers into a variety of easy and healthy meals like this tasty turkey cobb salad.

Instructions

Mix together the apple cider vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.
In a large salad bowl, layer the spinach with bacon, turkey breast, roasted butternut squash, boiled eggs, cranberries, pecans, and goat cheese.
Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette on top and enjoy.