How to Make Delicious Turkey Salad Sandwiches

Turkey salad sandwiches are a tasty way to use up leftover turkey after holidays like Thanksgiving They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized in endless ways. In this article, I’ll share my tips for making the perfect turkey salad sandwich at home

Ingredients Needed

The basic ingredients you’ll need for turkey salad sandwiches are:

• Leftover cooked turkey – use a mix of white and dark meat
• Celery – finely diced
• Onion – finely diced
• Mayonnaise or salad dressing
• Seasonings – salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, etc.

I also like to add extras like dried cranberries, chopped pecans or walnuts diced apple and sometimes a little brown sugar or honey to complement the turkey. Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors!

How to Make Turkey Salad

Making tasty turkey salad for sandwiches is simple:

1. Chop the turkey – Chop or shred the cooked turkey into small pieces. You want a mix of chunky pieces and smaller shreds.
2. Prepare the veggies – Clean and finely dice the celery and onion.
3. Mix it up – In a large bowl, combine the chopped turkey, diced veggies, mayonnaise, and any additional ingredients.
4. Season to taste – Add salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, or any other spices you like. Taste and adjust until the seasoning is just right.
5. Chill – Let the salad chill for 30 minutes up to overnight so the flavors meld.

And that’s it – you’ve got simple and delicious turkey salad ready for sandwiches!

Turkey Salad Tips

• Use about 2 cups chopped turkey and 1/3 to 1/2 cup each diced celery and onion per batch. Adjust amounts to your taste.
• Try different mayonnaise varieties like olive oil mayo or flavored mayo.
• Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup nuts, dried fruit, apple, etc. if desired.
• Season with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, crushed red pepper, or other spices.
• Add a little brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, or mustard for extra flavor.
• Chill the salad thoroughly before using to allow flavors to blend.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey salad sandwiches are versatile and can be served so many tasty ways:

Bread Options

• Crusty artisan bread
• Croissants
• Bagels
• Dinner rolls or biscuits
• Rye or whole grain bread
• Sourdough bread
• Wraps or flatbread

Toppings & Condiments

• Lettuce or spinach
• Tomato slices
• Avocado
• Bacon or ham
• Cheese – cheddar, swiss, provolone
• Cucumber
• Onion – red, yellow, grilled
• Roasted red peppers
• Pickles
• Cranberry sauce
• Pesto
• Herbs – basil, dill, cilantro
• Spicy mustard
• Mayo or aioli

Pair with a Soup or Side

Enjoy your sandwich with a side like:

• Potato salad
• Pasta salad
• Fresh fruit
• Veggies and dip
• Chips or crackers
• Garden or caesar salad
• Hearty soup like broccoli cheddar, tomato bisque, or loaded baked potato

Sandwich Construction Tips

Follow these tips to build the perfect turkey salad sandwiches:

• Spread both slices of bread with mayo, mustard, or cranberry sauce to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
• Layer on the salad evenly and don’t overstuff – about 1/3 to 1/2 cup per sandwich.
• Top with desired ingredients like lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado, etc.
• Add a slice of cheese if you want it – cheddar, provolone and swiss work well.
• Brush the outsides of the sandwich lightly with olive oil or butter and grill in a pan or sandwich press for a toasted flavor.
• Cut in half and secure with toothpicks if needed.
• Chill assembled sandwiches until ready to serve.

Make-Ahead Turkey Salad

Get a head start on these sandwiches by preparing the turkey salad up to 3 days before serving:

• Make a double batch of the salad. Allow to chill thoroughly.
• Store in airtight containers in the fridge.
• When ready to serve, mix in any additional mayo if needed, taste, and adjust seasoning.
• Use for sandwiches within 3 days for maximum freshness.

The celery and onion will soften a bit as the salad sits, allowing the flavors to blend even more.

Freezing Turkey Salad

You can also freeze turkey salad for sandwiches later:

• Make salad as directed. Allow to chill completely.
• Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Remove as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge before using. Mix well and add mayo or seasoning if needed.

Leftover Turkey Tips

Save your leftover turkey meat safely with these tips:

• Remove all meat from the bones. Discard skin and bones.
• Portion turkey into shallow containers with broth or drippings.
• Cool quickly, then refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Freeze portions in airtight bags or containers up to 4 months.

More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey

If sandwiches aren’t your thing, here are more ideas for leftover turkey:

• Turkey tetrazzini or casserole
• Turkey soup with veggies and noodles
• Pot pie with turkey, veggies, and biscuit topping
• Turkey chili or white turkey chili
• Turkey enchiladas with green sauce
• Turkey tacos with avocado
• BBQ turkey pizza or flatbread
• Turkey fried rice with egg and veggies
• Turkey quesadillas with peppers and cheese
• Cobb salad with turkey, egg, bacon, avocado
• Turkey club wrap with bacon, lettuce, tomato

With endless options like these, you’ll look forward to leftovers after your next turkey dinner!

FAQs

How long does turkey salad last in the fridge?

Turkey salad will last 3-5 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Discard any leftovers after that time.

Can you freeze turkey salad sandwiches?

Yes, assembled sandwiches can be individually frozen in freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

What kind of mayonnaise is best for turkey salad?

Regular or olive oil-based mayo works well. Flavored mayos like chipotle or pesto mayo also add flavor.

Is Miracle Whip good in turkey salad?

You can use Miracle Whip instead of mayo if you like the sweet tangy flavor. Or use half mayo and half Miracle Whip.

What is the best bread for turkey sandwiches?

Breads like sourdough, whole grain, rye, croissants and bagels pair well with turkey salad.

Enjoy Delicious Turkey Salad Sandwiches

With leftover turkey, a few simple ingredients, and these tips, you can make crave-worthy turkey salad sandwiches at home.

Experiment with flavors to create your own signature turkey salad. Serve the sandwiches on your favorite bread with fun toppings and sides for a tasty, crowd-pleasing meal.