This healthy deli turkey salad recipe is light, protein-packed, and full of crunch! It’s a satisfying salad that’s perfect as a stand-alone meal, or to serve along with another main dish. Filled with deli turkey, crunch chickpeas, cucumber, and romaine lettuce, it’s crunchy and quite filling thanks to the protein and fiber! Use your favorite go-to dressing, or check out my top 3 recommendations below!
Healthy Deli Turkey Salad Recipe (Or Leftover Turkey)
Right now I’m coming at you in the summertime when thanksgiving is likely not on your mind. But hear me out – remember this healthy turkey salad for when you have leftover thanksgiving turkey! It’s the perfect way to use it up in a way that doesn’t involve cranberry sauce and a classic turkey salad sandwich.
I often reach for deli turkey for this salad, but you could definitely use your own cooked turkey breast and dice it up.
Turkey is a fantastic lean protein to add to salad. It reminds me of chicken breast, so go ahead and use that as a substitute if you already have that on hand as another option.
Three great salad dressing options
My easy recipe is the base salad, and you get to pick the salad dressing to pair with it!
Here are 3 tasty make-at-home favorite salad dressings to use with it.
Of course, if you have a favorite bottled salad dressing, go for it! Make this salad even easier to whip up.
Simple ingredients you need for this healthy turkey salad recipe
Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions.
- romaine lettuce
- deli turkey
- english cucumber
- crispy chickpeas
- salad dressing
How to make a homemade turkey salad
In a large bowl add the lettuce, turkey, cucumber, and chickpeas. Top with 3-4 tbsp dressing (see suggestions above), and mix turkey salad to fully combine. Divide into 2 servings and enjoy!
How to meal prep this
This is a good salad to meal prep! You can chop all the vegetables and then in an individual airtight container, add a bed of lettuce, fresh veggies, turkey meat, and crispy chickpeas.
Add the salad dressing into a small container. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, add all the salad ingredients along with the dressing into a bowl, toss to combine, and then enjoy!
A great way to have a high protein meal prep salad whenever you need it!
Substitutions
Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this flavorful turkey salad recipe.
If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!
Lettuce – Any amazing salad needs a base of greens – try making this with green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, or spring salad mix. Use what you have or enjoy!
Deli turkey – You can use any of your favorite deli meats for this salad, turkey thanksgiving leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or homemade cooked chicken breast.
English cucumber – Cucumber is a great crunchy veggie option, but let this be where you get creative and use what you have – try swapping in or adding red onion or green onions, dill or sweet pickles, or chopped green pepper.
Crispy chickpeas.– Instead of crispy chickpeas, you can also add your favorite canned beans into this salad. Or if you want to make your own crispy chickpeas at home by roasted with a little olive oil, sea salt, pepper and garlic powder for 15-25 minutes.
More healthy salad recipes you’ll love
Healthy Turkey Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 8 oz deli turkey, diced
- ½ english cucumber, diced
- ½ cup crispy chickpeas
Instructions
- In a bowl add the lettuce, turkey, cucumber and chickpeas. Top with 3-4 tbsp dressing (see suggestions above), and toss to fully combine. Divide into 2 servings and enjoy!
Nutrition
If you try this best leftover turkey salad recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!
XO
Heather
Originally published August 2021. Updated October 2023.
