Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Salad Sandwich

I literally just made this recipe up in my kitchen 30 minutes ago and it turned out pretty tasty so I thought I'd share it here. After 3 days of eating Thanksgiving dinner leftovers my husband and I were pretty sick of it. We started eating out to change it up but unfortunately those leftovers were still in the fridge taking up space. This recipe combines them in a new exciting way Hope you like it as much as we did!

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Salad Sandwich
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Salad Sandwich

I literally just made this recipe up in my kitchen 30 minutes ago and it turned out pretty tasty so I thought I'd share it here. After 3 days of eating Thanksgiving dinner leftovers my husband and I were pretty sick of it. We started eating out to change it up but unfortunately those leftovers were still in the fridge taking up space. This recipe combines them in a new exciting way Hope you like it as much as we did!

  • Preparing Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Served Person: 1
  • Carbohydrate 19.5023093636139 g
  • Cholesterol 19.43203125 mg
  • Fat 14.7856999999561 g
  • Fiber 1.47030002417947 g
  • Protein 1.37382312494146 g
  • Saturated Fat 3.14968606249619 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (130g)
  • Sodium 349.498718741512 mg
  • Sugar 18.0320093394344 g
  • Trans Fat 10.6373474374854 g
  • Calories 213 calories

Step-by-step

  • First, chop up the green onion (I used both the white and green parts) and the celery stalk and add to a mixing bowl
  • Then, chop up your leftover turkey (I used an amount that I eyeballed looked about a time and a half of the volume of the celery and onion combined. Probably around 1 cup). Lay all your chopped turkey flat on your cutting board, then with each of the 4 seasonings, sprinkle enough to lightly cover the top surface area of the turkey. If this seems too much to you, add as much to your liking. I personally hate that 'old' turkey/chicken taste and try to mask it as much as possible. I also added two pinches of salt and pepper. Mix everything with a spoon, then add to the mixing bowl.
  • In a separate bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream and cranberry sauce. You can taste it and see if you wanna add more of anything. I wanted mine a tad bit sweet, so I ended up adding an extra tablespoon of the cranberry sauce.
  • Once I was satisfied with how the combined sauce tasted, I added it to the bowl and mixed everything together. This was enough to make 2 sandwiches and a little leftover that we used as dip and ate it with crackers.

A Leftover Thanksgiving Miracle: The Turkey Salad Sandwich

Thanksgiving. The day of feasting, family, and… an overwhelming amount of leftovers. For days after the big day, we're faced with mountains of mashed potatoes, mountains of stuffing, and of course, that glorious, but eventually overwhelming, leftover turkey. I’m a firm believer in maximizing leftovers, not letting them go to waste, but let's be honest, by day three, even the most dedicated leftovers enthusiast can feel a little… turkey-ed out.

My husband and I found ourselves in that exact predicament. The turkey, once a symbol of festive abundance, was now staring back at us from the fridge, a silent challenge to culinary creativity. Eating out seemed like a viable option, a welcome change of pace, but the fridge still held its Thanksgiving bounty. Then came the inspiration. A simple, quick, and incredibly tasty solution that would transform those Thanksgiving leftovers into something entirely new. I’ll share my recipe with you today for the most satisfying Thanksgiving leftovers transformation. It's a simple turkey salad sandwich – but oh, so much more.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most delicious things are born out of necessity. You start with fresh ingredients, chopped up greens onions and celery, a healthy dose of freshly chopped leftover turkey and a homemade sauce. There are many ways to make this recipe and I want to encourage you to play with the ingredients and seasonings. You can make it however you would like! Add more or less of different ingredients. Maybe you want a sweeter or saltier taste.

The secret weapon in this sandwich isn't a rare spice or a complicated technique, but rather a creative use of the Thanksgiving bounty. Cranberry sauce, usually relegated to the side of the plate, takes center stage in a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the savory turkey. A touch of mayonnaise, a dollop of sour cream—these simple ingredients come together in a harmonious blend that elevates the humble leftover turkey to unexpected heights.

This recipe has become a regular in my post-Thanksgiving routine. It's a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, and a delicious way to avoid the dreaded "turkey fatigue." It's about using what you have, being resourceful, and transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. Let me emphasize how easy it is! Less than 30 minutes is all that it takes.

So, next time you find yourself facing a refrigerator full of Thanksgiving leftovers, remember this recipe. It’s a simple solution, a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving long after the feast is over. It’s proof that even the simplest dishes can bring immense satisfaction, especially when they’re made with love and a little bit of creative resourcefulness.

I encourage you to experiment with this recipe. Perhaps you prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Want a more herby flavor? Throw in some fresh parsley or dill. The possibilities are endless! The most important thing is to have fun, get creative, and enjoy the process of transforming your leftovers into a delightful meal. Enjoy!