Curried turkey salad sandwiches are the perfect way to turn leftover turkey into something amazing. Packed with sweet, savory, and spiced flavors, these sandwiches make a standout meal.
Easy Curried Turkey Salad Sandwiches Using Leftover Roasted Turkey
After the holiday feast, when the fridge is packed with leftovers and everyone’s lounging around watching the game, it’s the perfect time to put together these curried turkey salad sandwiches. This recipe is going to transform your extra turkey into something completely different. The combination of tender turkey, sweet golden raisins, and crisp apples, all mixed with a curry-spiced mayo, brings a whole new vibe to the usual leftover lineup.
I love adding shredded carrots and pineapple tidbits for a subtle sweetness and crunch, while a hint of cayenne pepper gives just the right amount of kick. Spread this savory mix onto toasted rustic bread, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s hearty enough to keep everyone fueled through the afternoon’s and weekend’s activities. It’s a straightforward, no-hassle way to experience those holiday leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal on repeat.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It can be served as a sandwich or a wrap or serve on a bed of mixed greens.
- A totally unique flavor no one is expecting with leftover turkey.
- The texture of the turkey salad is perfection!
Ingredients and Possible Swaps
Here’s a brief overview of each ingredient in the curried turkey salad sandwiches, along with potential substitutions:
- Shredded Leftover Turkey Breast: Substitute with rotisserie chicken or tofu.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option.
- Yellow Curry Powder: Adds the best flavor and color.
- Freshly Grated/Zested Ginger: Ground ginger can substitute, though fresh offers brighter flavor.
- Golden Raisins: Regular raisins or chopped dried apricots work as alternatives.
- Dried Cranberries: Feel free to use sweetened or unsweetened. Dried cherries or currants can be substituted.
- Shredded Carrots
- Pineapple Tidbits (Canned): Fresh pineapple or mandarin orange segments can replace canned.
- Red Apple
- Green Onion: Chives or finely chopped red onion can be used instead.
- Roasted and Salted Sunflower Seeds: Chopped almonds or pumpkin seeds are suitable alternatives.
- Cilantro: Parsley can be substituted.
- Cayenne Pepper
- Salt & Pepper
- Rustic, Thick-Sliced White Bread or Sandwich Bread
How To Make Curried Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Step One: Prepare the Apples
Toss the chopped apples with the reserved juice from the pineapple can to prevent browning. - Step Two: Combine Ingredients
Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix well. - Step Three: Spread the Salad
Spread the turkey salad evenly onto your bread of choice.
Recipe Tips
Here are some casual tips to enhance your leftover turkey salad sandwiches:
- Toast the Nuts: Sometimes I will slightly toast the sunflower seeds to boost their flavor and add extra crunch.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re not into spicy food, feel free to dial back or skip the cayenne pepper.
- Keep It Fresh: Mix the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the fruits and veggies.
- Prevent Soggy Sandwiches: If you’re making these sandwiches ahead of time, layer lettuce leaves between the bread and the salad to keep the bread from getting soggy.
- Customize Your Bread: Experiment with different breads like whole-grain, sourdough, or even wraps to find your favorite combination.
- Chill for Flavor: Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Some Greens: Throw in a handful of arugula or spinach for added freshness and nutrition.
- Sweeten to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter salad, consider adding a touch of honey to the dressing.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your sandwich with a side of chips, a pickle, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Storing Leftovers
Here are some tips for enjoying your leftover curried turkey salad at a later time:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of preparation.
- Consume refrigerated turkey salad within three to four days for optimal freshness.
- Because of the mayonnaise content, I do not recommend freezing this salad.
- Give the salad a good stir before eating to redistribute any settled dressing.
- Use leftover turkey salad as a topping for mixed greens, a filling for wraps, or a stuffing for pita pockets to keep meals interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches.
- What can I use instead of mayonnaise? Greek yogurt is a great alternative, offering a tangy flavor and creamy texture with less fat.
- Can I add other fruits or nuts to the salad? Feel free to experiment with additions like chopped pecans, dried apricots, or diced mango for extra flavor and texture.
- How do I prevent the apples from browning? Toss the chopped apples with a bit of the reserved pineapple juice or lemon juice before adding them to the salad to maintain their color.
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Curried Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded turkey breast or chicken breast
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsps. yellow curry powder (in the spice aisle)
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 heaping cup (canned) pineapple tidbits (reserve juice)
- 1 small red apple peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 1/4 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds
- 3 tbsps. finely chopped cilantro
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
- 8 slices rustic white bread, toasted
Instructions
- Start by tossing the chopped apples with the reserved juice from the pineapple can to prevent browning. Once the apples are ready, add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.2 cups shredded turkey breast, 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tsps. yellow curry powder, 1/4 cup golden raisins, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup shredded carrots, 1/4 heaping cup (canned) pineapple tidbits (reserve juice), 1 small red apple, 1/4 cup sliced green onion, 1/4 cup roasted and salted sunflower seeds, 3 tbsps. finely chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, 1/2 tsp. coarse ground black pepper
- Spread the turkey salad evenly onto your bread of choice, then serve and enjoy.8 slices rustic white bread, toasted
Notes
Nutrition
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Leftover Turkey-Cranberry Monte-Cristo Sandwiches – Transform your leftover turkey into a mouthwatering delight with these Leftover Turkey-Cranberry Monte Cristo Sandwiches. They’re so good, you’ll be eager to enjoy them the next day! For a year-round treat, substitute rotisserie chicken.
Leftover Turkey and Black Bean Tacos – These tacos are a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.
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Kate says
This was an insanely delicious sandwich. All the unexpected additions were total perfection!
Cathy says
I know…it was delicious!
Kim says
These sandwiches were amazing. I made them with leftover chicken and just wow! My new work sammy.
Chyna says
Great sandwich. I used leftover chicken and it was fabulous!