This Turkey Salad with Grapes, Pecans and Cranberries in a Jar is a tasty make-ahead meal that’s perfect for all those turkey leftovers from the holiday!
Two weeks until Turkey Day folks!!
We all know what that means, right? We’ll be up to our necks in turkey! It’ll be here a turkey, there a turkey, everywhere a turkey, turkey!
Believe it or not, that’s my favorite part about Thanksgiving. The leftovers. How bout you guys? What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
I’ve always tried to not overindulge at dinner, so I have room for that killer turkey sandwich later at night. It goes something like this…fresh seeded rye bread ever so lightly toasted, a slathering of good mayo, some white meat turkey, a smidge of stuffing, some crunchy romaine lettuce, a handful of ruffled chips and a cold dill pickle on the side, and a cold can of Coke to wash it all down! I can taste it already!
There’ll still be more turkey long after that sandwich is done, so my Turkey Salad with Grapes, Pecans and Cranberries in a Jar is the perfect make-ahead meal for those extra leftovers. I like to make this one because it’s a quick, portable lunch that’s nice and hearty and fresh.
I used my tried and true chicken salad recipe and just substituted it with turkey. Simply shred or cube some of your turkey meat, white or dark, or a combo of both, add some celery and onion, some good mayo, kosher salt and pepper, and of course my favorite, fresh tarragon, and toss it all together. I used arugula in my jars, but feel free to substitute your favorite kind of lettuce. And if you’re not a fan of pecans, any nut will do, walnuts, almonds, take your pick. I used 16 oz. wide mouth jars by Ball, but anything similar will work just fine. Enjoy!
Hope to see you back at the BHK next week when we’ll be finishing up our EPIC Cheese Board for the holidays! You won’t want to miss it! Happy weekend folks!
- 2 cups arugula leaves or your favorite type of lettuce
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup halved pecans
- 1 cup red seedless grapes halved
- Turkey Salad:
- 2 cups cooked turkey meat shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1/4 cup Vidalia onion finely diced
- 1 Tbsp. fresh tarragon leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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In a medium bowl, combine turkey, celery onion, tarragon and mayo. Toss until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
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To assemble, divide turkey salad, arugula, cranberries, pecans and grapes evenly to each wide-mouth canning jar. Store in refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, pour ingredients into bowl and serve.
What a simple, healthy and delicious way to use up those leftovers. Pretty too!
It’s a tried and true recipe for the turkey salad Chris and these little jars are perfect for that grab-and-go lunch!
Such a great idea! Love your addition of tarragon. One of my favourite flavours and so nice with the turkey and grapes :)
Mine too Jennifer! These are great little portable lunches!
Omg, this is perfect MaryAnn!!! Stella will love this. I’m filing it away for two weeks (-ish?) from now! Happy November!! xoxo
How is it almost Thanksgiving Rebecca?! So excited, but time is flying too fast. Hope Stella enjoys these!
I like thanksgiving leftovers too, Mare!! But, I don’t like a ton of them… like enough leftovers to last a week is too much. ;) This salad in a jar is a brilliant way to use up those leftovers!! (And the sandwich you make sounds killer too!!) Unfortunately my husband’s 40th birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year, and he doesn’t want any Thanksgiving type meal this year, so I’m going to have to make this with rotisserie chicken, or something other than leftover turkey for myself. BUT, I know it’s still going to be delish!! Pinned! Cheers! Xo
It’s perfect with rotisserie chicken! Let Boy have what he wants! You only turn 40 once! Happy weekend! XO
I totally know what you mean! I look forward to turkey leftovers almost as much as the main event! And chips and a pop (or coffee) are a must with a sandwich :) Love the combo here with grapes and pecans. Gotta try this for lunch soon. Pinned! Cheers to a lovely weekend! XO
I totally look forward to that sandwich every year Dawn! Hope you enjoy these! Happy weekend! XO
I love fruit in a salad! I’ve never tried grapes before – I usually stick to strawberries and apple – but this looks incredible.
You’ll love the grapes Cassidy! These little jars are PERFECT for all the leftovers!
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is also the leftovers, specifically leftover pumpkin pie that I eat for breakfast the next day :). It’s the one day out of the year that I crave sweets early in the morning; something about really cold pumpkin pie makes my heart sing. And now I have something to do with the leftover turkey BESIDES a sandwich! Thank you, Mary Ann!
Cold leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast for the WIN Kelsie! With a scoop of whipped cream and I’m in!
This is a great idea, Mary Ann. I bet some left over stuffing would be a good addition as well. My favorite part of a Thanksgiving are all the sides – I love all the different veggie choices.
Yes, stuffing with this would be an awesome addition Geraldine!
I am so with you on the killer turkey sandwich later that night…. Elf + sandwich! Soft white bread, shredded turkey, plenty of mayo, salt & pepper. No better way to end the day! Thanks for this delicious idea!
It’s best BEST Annie! I dream about that sandwich all year long in anticipation of the big day!
We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here.. But I can only imagine what a gorgeous spread you guys have on that day!! Love the amazing recipes you have been sharing! I have noted that turkey sandwich :D and this amazing salad has also been bookmarked..Since we don’t do turkey..I am going to try this with chicken soon..Fresh, wholesome and yummy! Perfect!
It’s just as delicious with chicken Deepika! Enjoy!
Oh heck yes!! Love the pecans :)
Pecans are my favorite Jennifer and they go so well in this salad!
Love seeing leftover ideas like this, so perfect!
Thanks Matt! Gotta use up all that turkey!
I’m a total salad person, so being able to use up leftover turkey in a salad, with pecans and grapes sounds awesome. Perfect for lunches and quick suppers! But right now, I’m really craving a turkey sandwich! Your description has my mouth watering!! Happy Thursday Mary Ann!
Lol! I know, that sandwich is always so amazing Leanne! I’ve been making it the same way for years! Used to share with my Dad! He’d always say he was full, but then when I’d come into the room with mine he’d always want one! I always had an extra already made for him! I miss that!
I’m ready for Thanksgiving solely for this purpose! LEFTOVERS! Great idea
Gotta love the leftovers Lindsay!
Mary Ann, I love this idea!! What a great way to use leftover turkey this year! (And the jars are too cute!)
Turkey salad is always a favorite after the holiday Leigh Ann! So happy you like this one!
Salads in a jar are the best! I can just picture myself packing this for a lunch after a big Thanksgiving meal. Wonderful flavours!
Thanks Katherine! Hope you get a chance to try it!
Lovely group of flavors!
I agree Jennifer! I’m quite fond of this combo around the holidays!
What a cute idea to meal prep your leftovers! Thanks Mary Ann!
You know we’re all going to have some extra turkey, so these are perfect grab and go jars for work!
What a great lunch idea and the perfect way to reinvent those turkey leftovers!
These are perfect for grab and go lunches for work!
Absolutely sold on this salad MaryAnn ! I’d love to try this out with chicken as we don’t get turkey here!xx
Yay Tahsa!! Equally as delish with chicken.
Thanksgiving leftovers are pretty great. I love how you’ve put this salad together in a jar! It would be perfect for taking to work for my lunch. The grapes and pecans are a perfect balance with the turkey and cranberries.
Perfect for work Kathy! So easy and the turkey salad is always a favorite.
Well I now DEFINITELY need to save some leftover turkey for this – it looks amazing, Mary Ann!
Yay! Go for it Kate. It’s delicious!
I love this for the day after T-day. This year I am hosting, and my family will be gushing over this refreshing change-up with sweet grapes and that sweet jar. (Also loved those forks – you don’t miss any details).
Everyone is sure to have leftovers! Perhaps people can bring these portable little jars to all the Black Friday events?! Enjoy! I couldn’t resist that wooden silverware!