Got leftover chicken or turkey? Turn it into something delicious with this easy and flavorful Leftover Turkey or Chicken Salad! Perfect for using up holiday leftovers or rotisserie chicken, this recipe combines tender meat with a creamy dressing made from softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. A touch of Dijon mustard and a splash of lemon juice add just the right amount of tang.
Mix in crunchy celery, green onion, some dried cranberries and toasted pecans for texture. It’s super versatile, you can pile it onto croissants, tuck it into wraps, serve it on greens, or just scoop it up with crackers. It’s a family favorite in our house and is gone in minutes every time.
This leftover turkey or chicken salad is quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for a quick lunch or meal-prep idea. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure no leftovers go to waste. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every time!
How to make leftover turkey or chicken salad
Begin with shredding the turkey or chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will create the base for your salad and ensure every bite is tender and flavorful.
Next, beat the cream cheese and Greek yogurt together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. This step is key to achieving a luscious, tangy dressing for the salad.
Then, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
After that, fold in the shredded meat, followed by the finely chopped celery, green onion, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries. Mix gently to coat all the ingredients evenly, ensuring a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tanginess.
Finally, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve on buttery croissants, in crisp lettuce wraps, or alongside crunchy crackers for a versatile and satisfying dish.
I hope you will try this delicious Leftover Turkey or Chicken Salad. If you do, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I would love to see how it turns out for you.
Other recipes you may try with leftover turkey or chicken
This Chicken Stromboli is a delicious way to use up leftover chicken or turkey. It’s great for a flavorful lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer to enjoy with family and friends.
These Leftover Turkey Meatballs are a delicious way to use up leftovers! Crispy outside, tender inside, and full of flavor, they’re perfect as an appetizer, with sides like rice or pasta, or even in breakfast sandwiches.
These Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and easy way to use leftover turkey or chicken. Filled with tender meat, cheese, and a zesty sauce, they’re perfect for a quick, comforting meal everyone will love!
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Leftover Turkey or Chicken Cream Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey/chicken , shredded
- 4 oz (120g) cream cheese , at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 1 celery stick , finely chopped
- 2 green onions , finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) pecans , lightly toasted, chopped
- 1/4 cup (30g) dried cranberries , chopped
Instructions
- Shred the turkey or chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken, celery, green onion, nuts, and dried cranberries.
- Mix until everything is well coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve on croissants, in lettuce or tortilla wraps, or with crackers.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.
