Name: Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Balsamic Vinaigrette:; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1½ tsp dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ⅛ tsp coarse ground black pepper; For Salad:; 1 lb baby arugula; 2 cups turkey breast; 6 oz gorgonzola crumbles; ⅓ cup cranberries; ½ cup walnut

This cranberry walnut turkey salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. The tangy balsamic vinaigrette complements the savory turkey and the sweet cranberries, while the gorgonzola adds a rich, creamy element. Whether it's a post-holiday treat or a fresh, anytime salad, this dish is sure to please.

Photos of Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Recipe

If you're heading to the supermarket, you might need to grab a few special ingredients. Gorgonzola cheese is a crumbly blue cheese that you might not have on hand. Make sure to pick up some baby arugula as well; its peppery taste is a key component of this salad. Don't forget the balsamic vinegar for the vinaigrette.

Ingredients For Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

Balsamic vinegar: This vinegar adds a rich, tangy flavor to the vinaigrette.

Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a slight kick and helps to emulsify it.

Garlic: Adds a hint of aromatic flavor to the vinaigrette.

Olive oil: The base for the dressing, providing a smooth texture and rich flavor.

Kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste of the vinaigrette.

Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the dressing.

Baby arugula: A peppery green that forms the base of the salad.

Turkey breast: Provides the main protein component for the salad.

Gorgonzola: A crumbly blue cheese that adds a creamy, tangy flavor.

Cranberries: Sweet and tart, these dried fruits add a burst of flavor and color.

Walnut: Adds a crunchy texture and slightly bitter flavor that balances the salad.

One reader, Kin Mayberry says:

This cranberry walnut turkey salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The tangy balsamic vinaigrette perfectly complements the sweet cranberries and creamy gorgonzola. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Highly recommend!

Kin Mayberry

Techniques Required for Making Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

How to whisk vinaigrette: Whisking involves rapidly mixing ingredients to combine them thoroughly, ensuring the oil and vinegar emulsify. How to pour olive oil while whisking: Slowly pour the olive oil in a steady stream while continuously whisking to create a smooth and well-blended vinaigrette. How to dress a salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to ensure the greens remain crisp and fresh.

How To Make Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

A surprisingly delicious turkey salad recipe consisting of arugula and turkey breast with an added sourness from cranberries, and crunchiness from walnuts.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Balsamic Vinaigrette:

2tbspbalsamic vinegar
1½tspDijon mustard
1clovegarlic,minced
¼cupolive oil
¼tspkosher salt
⅛tspcoarse ground black pepper

For Salad:

1lbbaby arugula
2cupsturkey breast,cooked and chopped
6ozgorgonzola crumbles
⅓cupcranberries,dried
½cupwalnut,halves

Instructions

Add the vinegar and mustard to a bowl and whisk well.
Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to combine them.
Add in salt and pepper and whisk together a final time.
Add the arugula to a large serving platter or into four plates.
Add on the remaining ingredients, then dress with the dressing just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 314.50kcal
Fat: 22.60g
Saturated Fat: 7.90g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.64g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.69g
Carbohydrates: 5.39g
Fiber: 1.59g
Sugar: 2.76g
Protein: 22.79g
Cholesterol: 64.60mg
Sodium: 449.26mg
Calcium: 283.59mg
Potassium: 552.15mg
Iron: 2.14mg
Vitamin A: 147.69µg
Vitamin C: 12.32mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

When making the balsamic vinaigrette, ensure that you whisk the olive oil in slowly and steadily. This helps to create an emulsion, which will give your dressing a smooth and cohesive texture. If you pour the oil too quickly, the dressing may separate and become oily.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Pre-make the vinaigrette: Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves you from making it last minute.

Use pre-cooked turkey: Buy pre-cooked turkey breast from the deli to save cooking time.

Buy pre-washed greens: Purchase pre-washed baby arugula to skip the washing and drying step.

Use pre-crumbled cheese: Opt for pre-crumbled gorgonzola to avoid the hassle of crumbling it yourself.

Toast nuts in bulk: Toast a large batch of walnuts and store them for future use, cutting down on prep time.

Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Recipe

balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a comparable tangy flavor.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar flavor profile and texture, making it a good alternative.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the vinaigrette well.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a neutral flavor that works well in dressings.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and salinity, making it a good replacement.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar spiciness but a slightly different flavor, which can add a unique twist.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative.
turkey breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it an easy swap.
gorgonzola crumbles - Substitute with blue cheese crumbles: Blue cheese has a similar strong, tangy flavor and crumbly texture.
cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries have a similar sweetness and chewy texture, making them a good alternative.
walnut - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar crunch and slightly sweet flavor, making them a suitable replacement.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

Use a large, white plate: The simplicity of a white plate will make the vibrant colors of the baby arugula, cranberries, and gorgonzola crumbles pop, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Arrange the baby arugula as a base: Spread the arugula evenly across the plate, creating a lush, green bed that serves as the foundation for the salad.
Slice the turkey breast thinly: Thin slices of turkey breast will look more elegant and are easier to eat. Arrange them in a fan-like pattern over the arugula.
Sprinkle gorgonzola crumbles evenly: Distribute the gorgonzola crumbles evenly over the arugula and turkey, ensuring each bite has a bit of the creamy, tangy cheese.
Add cranberries and walnuts strategically: Place the cranberries and walnuts in small clusters around the plate. This not only adds texture and flavor but also enhances the visual appeal with bursts of red and brown.
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette artistically: Use a spoon to drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad in a zigzag pattern. This technique ensures even distribution and adds a touch of sophistication.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the center of the salad for an extra layer of color and aroma.
Serve with a side of vinaigrette: Present a small, elegant bowl of the remaining balsamic vinaigrette on the side, allowing guests to add more dressing if they desire.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe

Whisk: To combine the balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard, and to emulsify the olive oil into the mixture.
Mixing bowl: To hold the ingredients for the balsamic vinaigrette while you whisk them together.
Garlic press: To crush the garlic clove for the vinaigrette, ensuring it is finely minced and well-distributed.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper accurately.
Measuring cup: To measure the olive oil accurately.
Cutting board: To chop the turkey breast into bite-sized pieces.
Chef's knife: To cut the turkey breast and any other ingredients that need chopping.
Serving platter: To arrange the baby arugula and other salad ingredients attractively.
Salad tongs: To toss the salad gently with the dressing just before serving.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

This turkey salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep the dressing separate and only mix it in right before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
If you want to freeze the salad, it's best to store the individual components separately. Place the cooked and cooled turkey breast in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. The cranberries and walnuts can also be frozen in separate bags or containers for the same amount of time.
When ready to serve, thaw the turkey, cranberries, and walnuts in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette fresh and assemble the salad with the thawed ingredients and fresh arugula and gorgonzola crumbles.
It's not recommended to freeze the assembled salad or the arugula as it will become soggy and lose its texture upon thawing. The balsamic vinaigrette should also be prepared fresh for the best flavor and consistency.

Interesting Fact About Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

The cranberries in this salad not only add a burst of tartness but are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Is Making Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This cranberry walnut turkey salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like turkey breast, baby arugula, and cranberries are relatively affordable, especially if you use leftover turkey. The balsamic vinaigrette is made from pantry staples like olive oil and dijon mustard. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD.

Is This Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Healthy?

This cranberry walnut turkey salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that offers a variety of flavors and textures. The salad is packed with healthy ingredients such as:

Baby arugula, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and minerals
Turkey breast, a lean protein source that helps maintain and repair body tissues
Walnuts, which provide heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein
Cranberries, which are high in antioxidants and vitamin C

The balsamic vinaigrette dressing is made with olive oil, a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, and balsamic vinegar, which adds flavor without excessive calories.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of gorgonzola cheese or replace it with a lower-fat alternative like feta or goat cheese to decrease the overall fat and calorie content
Increase the portion of vegetables by adding other nutrient-dense options like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers to boost the fiber and vitamin content
Opt for whole-grain bread or a lettuce wrap instead of serving the salad on a regular bread to increase the fiber intake and reduce simple carbohydrates
Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch without adding extra fat or calories

By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate the nutritional value of the salad while maintaining its delicious taste and satisfying texture. This cranberry walnut turkey salad is a perfect example of how healthy eating can be both enjoyable and sustainable.

Editor's Opinion on This Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Recipe

This cranberry walnut turkey salad recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tangy balsamic vinaigrette complements the peppery arugula and creamy gorgonzola, while the cranberries add a touch of sweetness. The walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the turkey makes it a hearty, protein-rich dish. It's a perfect way to use leftover turkey and create a fresh, vibrant meal. The recipe is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

Enhance Your Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: Imagine starting your meal with a velvety butternut squash soup, its rich, creamy texture perfectly complementing the tangy cranberries and savory turkey in your main course. The subtle sweetness of the squash will harmonize beautifully with the gorgonzola crumbles, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Add a touch of elegance with green beans sautéed in garlic and sprinkled with parmesan. The crispness of the beans and the savory cheese will provide a delightful contrast to the tender turkey and the nutty crunch of walnuts in your salad.

Cranberry Orange Relish: Enhance the cranberry theme with a zesty relish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright, citrusy notes of orange. This vibrant side dish will add a burst of color and a refreshing zing to your plate, making each mouthful of arugula and gorgonzola even more exciting.

Sweet Potato Fries: For a touch of comfort food, serve up some crispy sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness and slight caramelization will play off the savory elements of your turkey salad, while their golden hue adds a warm, inviting touch to your table.

Apple Walnut Tart: Finish your meal on a sweet note with a delectable apple and walnut tart. The buttery, flaky crust and the spiced apple filling will echo the nutty flavors of your walnut-studded salad, creating a cohesive and satisfying dining experience.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like This Salad

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Experience the earthy sweetness of roasted beets paired with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. This vibrant salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate, featuring a mix of fresh greens, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette.

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad: Delight in the crispness of apples and the rich, nutty flavor of pecans combined with tender chicken breast. This salad is tossed with mixed greens and a light honey mustard dressing, making it a perfect blend of sweet and savory.

Quinoa and Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing: Enjoy a nutrient-packed salad featuring quinoa and kale, topped with crunchy almonds and sweet dried cranberries. The creamy lemon tahini dressing ties all the flavors together, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Grilled Peach and Prosciutto Salad: Savor the smoky sweetness of grilled peaches paired with the salty richness of prosciutto. This salad is complemented by peppery arugula, creamy burrata, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The mushrooms are then baked until golden and bubbly, offering a rich and creamy bite with every taste. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, making this appetizer a crowd-pleaser.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter that never fails to impress. Picture toasted baguette slices topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The crunchy bread contrasts beautifully with the juicy, flavorful topping, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This appetizer is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in the velvety richness of Chocolate Mousse. This dessert is a symphony of creamy textures and deep cocoa flavors. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla essence, it offers a luxurious finish to any meal. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt for an added layer of complexity. Serve chilled in elegant glassware to elevate the dining experience.

Lemon Tart: Delight your taste buds with the zesty freshness of a Lemon Tart. This dessert features a buttery crust filled with a tangy lemon curd that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a visually stunning and flavorful finale. Ideal for those who appreciate a refreshing end to their meal.

Why trust this Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Recipe:

This cranberry walnut turkey salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any meal. The balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy kick, while the gorgonzola crumbles provide a creamy contrast. The cranberries and walnuts offer a sweet and nutty crunch, making each bite exciting. Using fresh baby arugula ensures a peppery base that complements the savory turkey breast. Trust this recipe for its balanced ingredients and straightforward instructions, ensuring a delicious and satisfying dish every time.

Share your thoughts on the Cranberry Walnut Turkey Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of gorgonzola?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of gorgonzola, you can substitute it with feta, blue cheese, or even goat cheese. Just pick what you like best.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried cranberries work perfectly in this salad. They add a nice chewy texture and sweetness that complements the other ingredients.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the turkey breast. You could also add some roasted chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.

Can I prepare the balsamic vinaigrette in advance?

Definitely! You can make the vinaigrette a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using it.

What can I use instead of baby arugula?

If you're not a fan of arugula, you can use other greens like spinach, mixed baby greens, or even kale. Just choose what you enjoy eating.