Everyone needs a recipe for the best Broccoli Salad with Turkey! This vibrant dish is loaded with crispy turkey, tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all drizzled with a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues or Thanksgiving feasts, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite that pleases any crowd!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With a total time of just 35 minutes, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of turkey and sweet cranberries creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s a casual cookout or a festive holiday dinner, this salad fits perfectly into any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and nuts, this dish offers nutrients while still being indulgent.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld for even tastier results.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Broccoli Salad with Turkey smoothly, gather some essential tools before you begin cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Baking sheet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without spills.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of broccoli and other ingredients for uniformity.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for baking turkey evenly without the mess.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 10-11 strips Turkey (cooked)
– 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5-6 cups)
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted)
– 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
– 1/3 cup chopped red onion (or more to taste)
– 1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
– Zest from 1 lemon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons white apple vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
– 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Turkey
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the turkey on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 15 minutes or until crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool on paper towels. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a large bowl, combine:
- 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip OR mayonnaise
- Zest from one lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white apple vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
Step 3: Chop the Broccoli and Other Ingredients
- Using a chef’s knife, chop your broccoli into small florets. If desired, include chopped stems for added texture.
Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In the bowl with the dressing, add:
- All chopped broccoli
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Most of the turkey (reserve some for topping)
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
- Stir all ingredients in the bowl until well-coated with dressing.
Step 6: Serve or Chill
- You can serve immediately at room temperature or chill in the fridge for at least an hour. If chilling, allow it to sit at room temperature for about20 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Store Leftovers
- Cover any leftovers and store them in the fridge. Enjoy within five days!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe
Serving your Broccoli Salad with Turkey is a breeze, and there are numerous ways to enjoy this delicious dish. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick side for dinner, this salad fits the bill perfectly.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect for barbecues: This salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or burgers.
- Great for potlucks: Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a hit at gatherings.
As a Main Dish
- Add protein: Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas for a hearty meal.
- Top with extra toppings: Include avocado or hard-boiled eggs for added nutrition.
Chilled or Room Temperature
- Refreshing option: Serve it chilled on hot days for a cooling effect.
- Room temperature delight: Enjoy the flavors as they meld together when served at room temperature.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe
To make your Broccoli Salad with Turkey even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and crispy turkey enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
- Customize the dressing: Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount in your dressing based on personal preference.
- Let it sit: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 20 minutes after mixing can help flavors blend beautifully.
- Add crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunchy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Broccoli Salad with Turkey can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this salad wonderfully.
- Grilled Chicken: Marinated grilled chicken adds protein and pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn provides a classic summer touch that balances nicely with the salad.
- Baked Beans: A hearty serving of baked beans complements the savory notes of turkey.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad contrasts well with the freshness of broccoli and cranberries.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and is another classic barbecue side that fits right in.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful crunch and buttery flavor to round out your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the prep: Cooking the Turkey properly enhances the flavor. Make sure to bake it or cook it thoroughly until crispy.
- Neglecting to chill the salad: Serving this salad chilled can bring out its flavors. Allowing it to sit for about 20 minutes at room temperature before serving is ideal.
- Using large broccoli pieces: Cutting broccoli into small florets ensures uniform bites. This also helps blend the flavors better throughout the salad.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a moderate amount and adjust according to your taste.
- Not saving some toppings for garnish: Reserve some Turkey and other toppings for sprinkling on top right before serving. This keeps them looking fresh and appetizing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.
Freezing Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in broccoli and dressing.
- If you must freeze, store without dressing and add it after thawing.
Reheating Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe?
Yes! You can add ingredients like diced apples, raisins, or different types of cheese for added flavor.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
The Broccoli Salad with Turkey can last up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it holds well in the fridge and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
What can I serve alongside this salad?
This versatile salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread at parties.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Turkey Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or holiday gatherings and offers many customization options. Give it a try and enjoy a refreshing twist on your typical salad!
Broccoli Salad with Turkey
This Broccoli Salad with Turkey is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly combines crispy turkey , tart cranberries, creamy cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all brought together with a tangy homemade dressing. Ideal for summer barbecues or festive gatherings, this salad is not just visually appealing but also packed with nutrition. Easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, it makes a great side dish or a light main course. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 10–11 strips cooked turkey
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 and 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white apple vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the turkey on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until crispy. Let it cool and chop into pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise), lemon zest and juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Chop the broccoli into small florets. Add chopped broccoli to the bowl along with cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, and most of the turkey.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well-coated with dressing.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for at least an hour to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Customize the dressing’s sweetness by adjusting the sugar to your liking. For added protein, top with grilled chicken or chickpeas.