Turkey Salad With Maple Mustard Dressing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
This delightful Turkey Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing is a perfect blend of sweet and savory elements, reminiscent of a Waldorf salad. Ideal for brunch or as a light midday meal, this recipe combines tender turkey with fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether served on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce or paired with a side of homemade toasted oatmeal bread, this salad is sure to please.
The recipe is easy to adjust based on your taste preferences. You can control the balance between sweet and savory by tweaking the amount of maple syrup, mustard, and horseradish in the dressing. Additionally, to enhance the flavors, fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil can be added. To maintain the crunchiness of the pecans, it’s recommended to add them just before serving.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turkey (cooked, shredded) | 8 oz |
| Apple (diced) | 1 |
| Red onion (finely chopped) | 1/4 medium |
| Cucumber (diced) | 1/2 |
| Pecans (chopped, optional) | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Nonfat plain yogurt | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar-free maple syrup | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper (freshly ground) | 1/4 tsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 203.8 kcal |
| Fat | 10.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 49.8 mg |
| Sodium | 114 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 5.4 g |
| Protein | 18.8 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, diced apple, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and pecans. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. -
Add Lemon Juice
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the mixture. Stir well to ensure the lemon juice is evenly distributed, which will help prevent the apple from browning and add a refreshing zesty flavor to the salad. -
Make the Maple Mustard Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the nonfat plain yogurt, sugar-free maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and horseradish until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the ratio of maple syrup and mustard if you prefer a sweeter or spicier dressing. -
Combine the Salad with the Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing over the turkey mixture. Gently toss everything together, making sure the turkey and vegetables are well coated with the creamy, flavorful dressing. -
Season to Taste
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to ensure the seasoning is evenly mixed. -
Serve
Serve immediately on a bed of fresh romaine lettuce, or refrigerate until ready to serve. If you’re making this salad in advance, add the pecans just before serving to preserve their crunch.
Recipe Tips
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Pecans: For an added depth of flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the salad. Just place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then chop and add them to the salad.
-
Adjusting the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more maple syrup. If you like it tangier, increase the amount of Dijon mustard or horseradish.
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Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can elevate the flavor of this salad. Consider adding about 1 tablespoon of your favorite herb to the dressing or the salad itself.
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Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the nonfat yogurt with a Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative to match your dietary needs. The sugar-free maple syrup can also be swapped for regular maple syrup if preferred.
This Turkey Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a great option for a healthy lunch or brunch. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or served as part of a larger spread, this salad is sure to satisfy with its perfect balance of textures and flavors.
