Jamie Oliver Turkey Salad

This Jamie Oliver Turkey Salad is everything I want in a post-holiday meal—light, crunchy, sweet, and just creamy enough to feel comforting. With leftover turkey as the star, it’s packed with fresh textures from celery and onion, bursts of sweetness from cranberries, and the rich nuttiness of toasted pecans. I was surprised how satisfying it was scooped onto lettuce leaves or piled into a sandwich. A clever way to use up leftovers! (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: lettuce leaves for serving

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Jamie Oliver Turkey Salad

Prep the Ingredients:
Start by dicing up that leftover turkey into bite-sized chunks. I used roasted breast meat from the weekend and it worked beautifully. Chop the celery and red onion finely—this keeps the texture crisp but not overpowering.

Mix the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your turkey, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and those golden, toasty pecans. I like to toast mine at 350°F for 5–7 minutes just until they smell incredible—don’t skip it!

Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. The balance of tang and sweetness here is spot on.

Combine and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the turkey mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Fold in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herby note. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, the flavors really come together after a bit of fridge time.

Serve It Up:
Scoop the salad onto crisp lettuce leaves or sandwich it between slices of crusty bread. I went with butter lettuce for a light lunch, and it was absolutely spot-on. Garnish with a bit more parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this turkey salad the day after a big family roast dinner and wow—it felt like a completely new meal. Everyone was surprised how flavorful it was, even my picky niece asked for seconds. I also love how flexible it is. A few tweaks and you’ve got a totally different vibe every time.

Recipe Tips

• Swap the Fruit: No cranberries? Try grapes, raisins, or diced apple.
• Lighter Dressing: Mix half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter option.
• Add Spice: A dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños gives it a zippy edge.
• Extra Crunch: Add diced cucumber or water chestnuts for bonus texture.
• Make It a Meal: Serve it over quinoa or with a side of roasted sweet potatoes.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Turkey Salad

At Room Temperature:
Only leave it out for up to 2 hours. It’s got mayo in it, so keep it cool.

In the Fridge:
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It actually tastes better the next day!

In the Freezer:
Not ideal—freezing ruins the texture of the veg and creamy dressing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 271
• Carbs: 29g
• Protein: 5.3g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 6.4g
• Fibre: 3.4g
• Sodium: 135mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

Is Turkey Salad healthy?
Totally! It’s high in protein and fiber, especially if you use lean turkey and plenty of veggies.

Can I make Turkey Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

What fruits can I add to Turkey Salad?
Try grapes, raisins, or diced apples for a sweet touch that plays well with the savory turkey.

How do I keep Turkey Salad from getting watery?
Dry your veggies well and don’t overdress the salad. Store the dressing separately if prepping ahead.

Can Turkey Salad be made spicy?
Absolutely—add chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños if you want some heat.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Roasted Beetroot Salad
• Jamie Oliver Chickpea Salad
• Jamie Oliver Mexican Salad