Name: Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups diced cooked turkey; 1 cup dried cranberries; 2 stalks celery, finely diced; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 2 teaspoons sugar; Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, flavorful lunch that’s a little different from your everyday sandwich, you’re going to adore this Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches Recipe. It’s that perfect balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberries, all brought together in a creamy, tangy salad that’s as refreshing as it is comforting. Honestly, I first stumbled upon this combo during a hectic weeknight, and it quickly became a go-to for when I want something quick but special. Keep reading, because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and I can’t wait for you to try it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
Perfect Balance: The tangy cranberries contrast beautifully with creamy mayo and savory turkey.
Versatile Serving: Whether on croissants, buns, or lettuce wraps, it adapts to your mood.
Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to adults asks for seconds — it’s truly crowd-pleasing.

Three small, shiny golden-brown croissant sandwiches sit on white marbled paper. Each croissant is sliced in half, with layers of fresh green lettuce leaves inside. The middle layer is a creamy salad filled with white chunks of chicken, dark dried cranberries, and light bits of walnut. The salad is overflowing slightly from the croissants, showing its thick and creamy texture mixed with small bits. Tiny scattered herbs add a touch of green around the sandwiches on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, wholesome ingredients combine in a way that feels fresh and satisfying. Using cooked turkey gives you a protein boost, while dried cranberries add that burst of sweetness I can’t get enough of. Plus, a few pantry staples bring it all together — you’ll find it easy to keep these on hand!

Cooked turkey: Using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken works great for a juicy base.
Dried cranberries: Choose ones that aren’t too sugary for the best balance.
Celery: Finely diced for crunch — don’t skip this texture contrast!
Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that brings everything together.
Sour cream: Adds tang and lightness; you can adjust amounts to taste.
Dijon mustard: Just a spoonful to give a subtle kick.
Lemon juice: Brightens and keeps the flavors fresh.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of herbaceous freshness.
Sugar: A touch balances the tartness of lemon and cranberries.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches Recipe is—you can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or your personal taste. Over the years, I’ve played around with different add-ins and swaps depending on the season or diet preferences, and each one brings something new to the table.

Adding nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness; the family loves it.
Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: For a lighter, tangier version that’s just as creamy.
Incorporating diced apples or grapes: This gives a fresh, juicy twist that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Lettuce wraps instead of bread: A lower-carb way to enjoy all those flavors, especially on warm days.

How to Make Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by tossing together the diced cooked turkey, dried cranberries, and finely diced celery in a large bowl. This mix forms the heart of your salad and sets the stage for all the tasty extras.

Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Goodness

Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, sugar, and chopped fresh parsley in a separate small bowl. Pour this dressing over the turkey mixture and stir gently until every bit is coated in that luscious creaminess. I find mixing gently helps keep the salad light without squishing the berries or celery too much.

Step 3: Season and Taste

Give it a taste, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. I always recommend seasoning little by little—it’s easier to add than to fix if you overdo it.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately on your choice of burger buns, buttery croissants, or crisp lettuce wraps. This recipe really shines when you pick a bread with a bit of texture to balance the salad’s creaminess — I often toast mine lightly for extra depth.

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Pro Tips for Making Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches Recipe

Choose Quality Turkey: I swear, leftover roasted turkey beats deli meat in flavor and texture every time.
Balance Flavors: Taste as you go to get the sweet, tangy, and savory notes just right.
Keep It Chunky: Mix gently and avoid pureeing – you want distinct textures.
Avoid Sogginess: If making ahead, keep the salad separate from bread until serving to maintain crunch.

How to Serve Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches Recipe

A shiny golden-brown croissant is cut in half, forming the top and bottom layers. Inside, there is a creamy chicken salad mixed with dark red cranberries and light green celery bits, creating a soft texture with pops of color. Under the chicken salad, fresh green leafy lettuce adds a vibrant contrast. The sandwich sits on a white marbled surface with small herb sprinkles around, giving a fresh and appetizing look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often top these sandwiches with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for visual appeal and flavor punch. If I’m feeling fancy, a few thin slices of cucumber or avocado add creaminess and a fresh pop.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crisp kettle-cooked chips or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes, I’ll serve it with a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy, comforting combo—perfect on chilly days.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch or lunch, I like to serve the turkey cranberry salad in little endive leaves or mini croissant sliders. It’s such a hit at parties, and everyone loves the finger-food vibe with a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I suggest storing the turkey cranberry salad (without the bread) in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches or snacks during the week.

Freezing

I’ve actually frozen this salad a couple of times, and it freezes surprisingly well. Just scoop it into a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge. A quick stir before serving helps bring back the creamy texture.

Reheating

Since this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating it. Instead, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes after taking it out of the fridge to take the chill off. The flavors open up nicely this way.

FAQs

Can I use turkey deli meat instead of cooked turkey?

Absolutely! While I prefer using cooked or leftover roasted turkey for its texture and flavor, sliced deli turkey will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s good-quality and slice it into smaller pieces or shred it to blend well with the salad.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap out mayonnaise and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut cream or cashew cream. The salad will still taste delicious and creamy without the dairy!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Make the salad ahead of time and store it separately from any bread or wraps. Assemble sandwiches fresh each day to keep everything crisp and tasty.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?

Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Adding chopped apples, grapes, or toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans can add beautiful textures and flavors. Just keep the proportions balanced so the dressing complements everything.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Cranberry Salad Sandwiches Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s helped me turn simple leftovers into something everyone raves about. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether you’re packing lunch for work, feeding hungry family members, or just treating yourself. It’s that kind of recipe you can count on to brighten up any mealtime — give it a try and see why it’s a keeper!