Autumn Turkey Salad

Autumn Turkey Salad Recipe with Celery, Raisins, and Almonds

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Autumn Turkey Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that embodies the essence of fall with its rich colors and flavors. This recipe is perfect for those looking to make use of leftover turkey in a way that's both healthy and delicious. Combining the savory taste of turkey with the sweetness of raisins and cranberries, the crunch of almonds, and the freshness of celery and red onions, this salad is a celebration of textures and tastes. It's dressed with reduced-calorie mayonnaise, making it a lighter option that doesn't compromise on flavor.

History

The tradition of repurposing leftover turkey dates back centuries, with various cultures incorporating it into salads, soups, and casseroles. The Autumn Turkey Salad, however, is a relatively modern creation that has gained popularity for its health benefits and ease of preparation. It reflects a growing trend towards healthier eating habits and the use of seasonal ingredients to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

4 cups turkey, drained
0.5 cup diced celery
0.5 cup raisins
0.5 cup dried cranberries
0.5 cup slivered almonds
0.33 cup chopped red onions
1.33 cups reduced-calorie mayonnaise
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground pepper
lettuce, as needed

How to prepare

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving plate.
Divide the mixture onto the lettuce leaves and sprinkle with extra almonds. Serve as is or alongside main dishes, side dishes, or appetizers.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute chickpeas or tofu for the turkey. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans and use various dried fruits such as apricots or figs to adjust the sweetness and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking. Toasting the almonds before adding them to the salad can enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own for a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner. It pairs well with whole-grain bread for a more filling meal or with a cup of warm soup for a cozy autumn dinner.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is the mixing of ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures. Chilling the salad before serving is also crucial for developing its taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise for a tangier, protein-rich option. For those avoiding nuts, roasted sunflower seeds make a great alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a hollowed-out pumpkin or acorn squash for a festive fall presentation. Garnish with additional dried cranberries and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir. The acidity and fruit notes of these wines complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains about 250 calories, making it a low-calorie option that doesn't skimp on flavor or satisfaction. It's an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Carbohydrates

This salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the raisins, dried cranberries, and red onions. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 15 grams, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

The fats in this salad come mainly from the almonds and the reduced-calorie mayonnaise. The total fat content per serving is about 10 grams, with a significant portion being healthy unsaturated fats from the almonds. This makes the salad a heart-healthy option.

Proteins

Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, and this salad provides a generous amount, with approximately 22 grams of protein per serving. This high protein content makes it a satisfying meal that can help with muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to its diverse ingredients. The turkey provides B vitamins, the almonds offer vitamin E and magnesium, and the fruits and vegetables contribute various antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C and A.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this recipe are almonds (tree nuts) and mayonnaise (eggs). Those with allergies to these ingredients can easily substitute or omit them without significantly altering the taste of the salad.

Summary

Overall, the Autumn Turkey Salad is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's low in calories and carbohydrates, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Summary

The Autumn Turkey Salad is a versatile and nutritious dish that celebrates the flavors of the season. It's easy to prepare, making it perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or festive gatherings. With its combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, it's a wholesome choice that doesn't compromise on taste.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were changing colors and there was a chill in the air. I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Autumn Turkey Salad caught my eye. The combination of flavors and ingredients sounded absolutely delicious, and I knew I had to try it.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a little girl watching my own mother and grandmother in the kitchen. They taught me everything I know about cooking and baking, passing down their own cherished recipes. The thought of creating my own recipes and dishes was always thrilling to me. So when I saw this recipe for Autumn Turkey Salad, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed for the salad - leftover roast turkey, crisp apples, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. As I chopped and mixed, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scents of fall. The turkey, apples, and cranberries all came together in a beautiful medley of flavors and textures.

When it came time to taste the finished salad, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The tender turkey paired perfectly with the sweet apples and tart cranberries, while the crunchy walnuts added a satisfying crunch. The creamy dressing tied everything together, making each bite a burst of autumn flavors. I knew I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe that would be a hit with my family and friends.

I shared the Autumn Turkey Salad recipe with everyone I knew, proudly serving it at family gatherings and potlucks. Each time I made it, I would think back to that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's old cookbook. It was a special moment for me, a reminder of the joy and passion I found in cooking.

Over the years, I continued to make the Autumn Turkey Salad, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I would add a squeeze of lemon juice for a hint of brightness, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. Each variation was delicious in its own way, but the original recipe always held a special place in my heart.

As I grew older, I realized that cooking wasn't just about following recipes - it was about creating memories and sharing them with loved ones. The Autumn Turkey Salad became a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the simple joys of good food and good company.

Today, as I pass down the recipe for Autumn Turkey Salad to my own grandchildren, I hope they will find the same joy and satisfaction in cooking that I have. I hope they will cherish the memories of making this salad with me, just as I cherish the memories of making it with my own mother and grandmother.

Cooking is an art, a way to express creativity and love through food. And for me, the Autumn Turkey Salad will always be a reminder of the joy and passion I found in the kitchen. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, bringing comfort and warmth to my family for generations to come. And for that, I am grateful.