How often do you cook turkey? Is it something you only have at Thanksgiving or during the holidays? I cook it throughout the year. Turkey tenderloins, cutlets, necks (for stock), and the convenient freezer to oven whole ones by Butterball® or Jennie-O are made often. The great thing about cooking a whole turkey is the leftovers. I do love turkey sandwiches. I also make my turkey salad with pesto-mayo when I have my fresh pesto on hand.
Do you know pesto goes well with turkey? I discovered it a few years ago when I was looking for a quick meal. I searched through the pantry and fridge and decided to cook pasta, add turkey pieces, and stir in some pesto. Yummy! After that I looked for recipes with turkey and pesto. I ran across one by Emeril Lagasse on The Food Network website. The recipe inspired me to make turkey salad. I added walnuts for crunch and because I like cranberries and walnuts together.
I made this salad to use the pesto I had. I also had fresh walnuts on hand thanks to California Walnuts. I was excited when they arrived because I do enjoy walnuts very much. They are great for a snack and can be used in many recipes, both savory and sweet. My salad can be served as-is with crackers, on top of a bed of lettuce or salad greens, or in a sandwich. I use whole wheat bread and it makes a very filling and hearty sandwich.
What do you do with your turkey leftovers? Since I make it often I am always looking for new recipes. Something spicy would be nice…
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Turkey Salad With Pesto-Mayo
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pesto
- 2 cups roasted turkey chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a small bowl stir together the mayonnaise and pesto. In a medium bowl add the turkey, walnuts, cranberries, and pesto-mayo mixture. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers, on top of lettuce, or in a sandwich. Refrigerate leftovers.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for turkey salad made with walnuts, cranberries, and pesto-mayo.
Disclaimer: I received the walnuts free of charge from California Walnuts. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions on this site are my own.
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Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says
This sounds SO delicious! I have never even considered mixing pesto into a salad like this! YUM!!!!
Renee says
Thanks Jen! Pesto is great in these type of salads. I hope you give it a try soon.
Cindy @ Cindysrecipesandwritings says
I love pesto mayo with turkey or chicken! Its one of the more popular wraps I serve at work!
Renee says
Thanks Cindy!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Love this! This would be especially great in a croissant sandwich!
Renee says
Oh yes! This salad in a croissant would be fabulous. Great suggestion.
Choc Chip Uru says
A lovely looking salad my friend 😀
Awesome flavours!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Renee says
Thank you very much!
Liz says
Gosh, what a great idea! I love the thought of either a turkey or chicken sandwich with pesto mayo! FABULOUS!
Renee says
Thanks Liz!
DB-The Foodie Stuntman says
I’ve never paired pesto with turkey but the flavor combination doesn’t surprise me because pesto pairs so well with chicken.
Renee says
Thanks! I hope you will try it soon. Any reason to cook a turkey is a good one.
Pam @ The Meltaways says
I also make Turkey all year – I think I have cooked 3 whole and 2 breasts already this year, and we’re deep frying one for the 4th. I hope we have leftovers, because this is calling my name!
Renee says
Thanks Pam! Oh, deep-fried turkey – Yum!
Baker Street says
Pesto with Turkey! Mmmmm.. What a delish combination, R! Can’t wait to try out this recipe!
Renee says
Thanks!