Can I Freeze Turkey Salad? A Comprehensive Guide

Turkey Salad Recipe – a flavorful and easy leftover turkey salad recipe that is perfect for all of your Thanksgiving leftovers! Serve as-is, in a sandwich on slices of bread, in a dinner roll or as lettuce wraps!

Turkey salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Made from shredded turkey, mayonnaise or yogurt, vegetables, and other delicious mix-ins, it makes for a protein-packed meal or snack.

Leftover turkey salad can happen frequently, especially around the holidays. But is freezing an option to preserve turkey salad and enjoy it later? Here is a comprehensive guide to freezing turkey salad, including tips for optimal flavor and texture.

The Benefits of Freezing Turkey Salad

Freezing turkey salad offers several advantages

Preserves leftovers and reduces food waste. Freezing extends the shelf life of turkey salad so you can enjoy it later instead of having to toss it out.
Makes meal prep easy. Having frozen turkey salad on hand means you can quickly thaw it to enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, and more. It’s an easy protein source for work lunches or dinners.
Lets you stock up. When turkey is on sale around the holidays, you can make turkey salad in bulk and freeze portions to save money.
Allows enjoying seasonal flavors year-round. Freeze extra cranberry turkey salad from Thanksgiving to enjoy the festive flavors in the middle of summer.

Factors that Impact Freezing Turkey Salad

While freezing turkey salad is possible, there are some factors to consider regarding ingredients and texture:

Mayonnaise can separate and become oily after thawing frozen turkey salad. Using a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise can help minimize separation.
Fresh herbs and vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers may get mushy when frozen Substitute dried or frozen herbs and veggies
Nuts and fruits like cranberries may lose their crisp texture after freezing. Add them fresh instead of freezing.
Containers matter. Use airtight, freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn. Mason jars or heavy-duty freezer bags work well.
Thoroughly chill turkey salad before freezing for best results

Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Turkey Salad

Follow these tips for successfully freezing turkey salad:

Make the turkey salad: Prepare the turkey salad first, including mayonnaise, seasonings, and sturdier veggies like celery or carrots if desired. Chill thoroughly.
Portion into freezer-safe containers: Depending on use, portion turkey salad into single-serve or family-size amounts in airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave 1⁄2-inch headspace.
Exclude fresh herbs and delicate ingredients: Wait to add fresh herbs, fruits, greens, and other delicate ingredients after thawing instead of before freezing.
Label containers: Label containers with contents, quantity, and freeze date. This makes identification easy later.
Freeze quickly: Place containers in coldest part of freezer so turkey salad freezes rapidly. This maintains texture and flavor.
Store frozen for up to 3 months: For best quality, use frozen turkey salad within 3 months.

Thawing and Serving Previously Frozen Turkey Salad

Thaw and serve frozen turkey salad correctly for optimal flavor and texture:

Thaw in the refrigerator: Slow thawing in the fridge overnight is best. Do not thaw at room temperature.
Check for separation: If mayonnaise has separated, stir turkey salad well before serving to reincorporate.
Add fresh garnishes: Stir in any fresh herbs, greens, fruits, or nuts after thawing for crispest texture.
Use within 3-4 days: Consume thawed turkey salad within 3-4 days for best flavor and food safety. Do not refreeze.
Avoid freezing again: Refreezing can compromise texture and make mayonnaise watery. Make a fresh batch instead.

Tips for Better Freezer Turkey Salad

Follow these extra tips for delicious frozen turkey salad:

Use high-quality turkey and the freshest ingredients when making the initial turkey salad for freezing. This gives you the best starting point.
Consider mixing mayonnaise half and half with Greek yogurt, which freezes more reliably than mayo alone.
Freeze sliced bread to use for sandwiches later.
Store frozen turkey salad containers close together to prevent freezer burn.
Freeze celery, carrots, and other sturdy vegetables pre-chopped so they are ready to add to thawed turkey salad.
Label containers with suggested serving ideas like “Turkey Salad Wraps” or “Cranberry Turkey Sandwiches.”

Top Turkey Salad Recipes to Freeze

These flavorful turkey salad recipes are ideal make-ahead options for freezing:

Classic Turkey Salad

This back-to-basics turkey salad stars shredded roast turkey, mayonnaise, celery, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simple and delicious.

Curry Turkey Salad

This recipe dresses up turkey salad with the addition of mango chutney, curry powder, golden raisins, and toasted almonds. The flavor profile is inspired by Indian cuisine.

Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad

A Thanksgiving twist, this festive turkey salad includes dried cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, mayonnaise, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Buffalo Turkey Salad

For a spicy kick, make buffalo turkey salad with Frank’s RedHot sauce, Greek yogurt, shredded carrots, and celery. Top with crumbled blue cheese.

Mediterranean Turkey Salad

Artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh basil give this turkey salad a Mediterranean flair.

The Bottom Line

While freezing does affect the texture of some ingredients, turkey salad can be successfully frozen for up to 3 months when proper freezing and thawing techniques are used. For best results, use high-quality ingredients, frost-resistant containers, quick freezing, and refrigerator thawing. With the right strategies, frozen turkey salad makes an easy, protein-packed meal whenever you need one. Give freezing a try so you can enjoy turkey salad anytime!

can i freeze turkey salad

What You Will Need

shredded turkey – perfect for all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey, no matter how it was cooked.
celery & apple – both provide lots of great added crunch to this tasty salad!
mayonnaise – we love this homemade version or grab your favorite grocery store option. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want (we also love this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad).
kosher salt & pepper – a dash of each for some extra seasoning.
dried cherries or cranberries – either one is a great option – just grab your favorite for a hint of sweetness!
red onion – a nice mild onion flavor is good addition to this salad.
slivered almonds – some added protein plus more great crunch!
orange juice concentrate – a bit of added citrus is perfect for rounding out the flavor profile.
apple cider vinegar – a classic vinegar that is used with lots of salad dressings and vinaigrettes.
lemon juice – helps to bring out all the wonderful flavors!
Other add-ins: any of the following would also make great additions – dijon mustard, green onion, pecans or other nuts, curry powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, fresh dill or other fresh herbs.

How Long Is Turkey Salad Good In The Fridge

You can keep turkey salad in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. This is from the time that you cooked the turkey so it’s perfect for the few days after Thanksgiving!

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FAQ

Can you freeze chicken salad with mayo and celery?

Although chicken salad can last three or four days in the fridge, you want to freeze it before it’s three days old. “Place chicken salad in a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before placing it in the freezer,” Hunt says.

Is it safe to freeze leftover turkey?

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

Can you freeze turkey and stuffing sandwiches?

Some common sandwich fillings that DO freeze well include: Cooked roast beef, chicken and turkey (especially tasty when the meat is finely chopped and mixed with a “salad dressing,” to add flavor and moistness.) Natural or processed hard and semi-hard cheeses, such as Swiss, Cheddar.

Can you freeze turkey and dressing?

Safe Food Storage Times According to the USDA, cooked turkey, gravy, and leftovers can be safely refrigerated for up to 4 days and frozen for 3 to 4 months. Technically, frozen food is safe indefinitely however, the quality of the food may decrease as the food loses moisture.

Can you freeze Turkey salad?

A turkey salad croissant is a refreshing change of pace from a standard sandwich we all eat so often. To Store. Turkey salad can last for up to 3 days in the fridge in airtight container. To Freeze. While you can freeze turkey salad with mayo or Greek yogurt, the dressing will likely become watery once thawed, so I don’t fully recommend it.

How long can you keep leftover Turkey salad?

Keep leftover turkey salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing mayonnaise-based salads as they tend to become grainy once thawed. If you’ve got leftover Thanksgiving turkey, you’ll want to check out these tried and true favorites. Did you make this Turkey Salad recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

Can you freeze a salad?

This salad tastes best when eaten within a few days. However, you can freeze it by storing it inside an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator the night before. Because there are chopped fruits and vegetables, they may not taste as crisp as they release moisture from their broken cell walls.

What to do with leftover Thanksgiving turkey?

Turkey Salad – a flavorful turkey salad recipe that is perfect for leftover Thanksgiving turkey! Serve as-is, as turkey sandwiches, or lettuce wraps! Combine ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, as-needed. Serve as-is, on a sandwich or as a lettuce wrap!