Turkey Salad Polynesian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Low Cholesterol
Difficulty: Beginner
Description:
This delightful Turkey Salad Polynesian is a perfect dish for a refreshing and light meal, especially during warm weather. Inspired by a classic recipe from the 1990 Pillsbury Cook Book, this salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With tender turkey, juicy fruits, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any time of year. The creamy dressing ties everything together, making each bite a fresh, satisfying experience. Plus, it’s quick to make and presents beautifully when served on lettuce leaves—ideal for any casual or special gathering.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mostaccioli pasta | 8 oz |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced |
| Walnuts | 3/4 cup, chopped |
| Green onion | 3/4 cup, finely sliced |
| Mandarin orange segments | 1/4 cup |
| Pineapple tidbits | 1 can (drained) |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/3 tsp |
| Lettuce (optional) | 2 cups, chopped |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 353.6 kcal |
| Fat | 16.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 34.6 mg |
| Sodium | 290.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 36.6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 9.2 g |
| Protein | 16.7 g |
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches your desired doneness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
-
Prepare the Salad Ingredients: While the pasta cools, chop the celery into small, bite-sized pieces. Slice the green onions finely. Drain the pineapple tidbits and mandarin orange segments, ensuring all excess liquid is removed. Roughly chop the walnuts to add a bit of texture to the salad.
-
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, celery, walnuts, green onions, mandarin oranges, and pineapple tidbits. Gently toss them together to distribute the ingredients evenly. If you like, you can serve this salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a decorative presentation, though this step is optional.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and salt. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well-blended. Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed, adding more salt or a dash of pepper for extra flavor.
-
Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients in the creamy dressing. Make sure everything is well combined and evenly coated, but be careful not to crush the delicate fruit pieces.
-
Serve: For an extra touch, serve the salad on a plate lined with lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. This salad can be enjoyed immediately, but it also keeps well in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead meals.
Additional Tips:
- Leftover Turkey: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey, especially after the holidays. Simply substitute the turkey for the walnuts for a protein-packed salad.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other fruits like grapes or apples, or swap the walnuts for another nut of your choice, such as almonds or pecans.
- Chill Before Serving: If you have time, chilling the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld even more, making it even more delicious.
Conclusion:
Turkey Salad Polynesian is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that balances sweetness, crunch, and creamy texture. Ideal for light lunches, dinner side dishes, or potluck contributions, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or making it from scratch, this salad delivers a refreshing, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors this holiday season or any time you crave a delicious, healthy salad!
