Irresistible Turkey Cranberry Salad: Your Go-To Kneader’s Copycat Recipe

Indulge in the vibrant flavors and delightful textures of this exquisite Turkey Cranberry Salad, a perfect copycat of a beloved bakery classic. This recipe masterfully combines the sweetness of cranberries, the savory tenderness of turkey, the creamy richness of mozzarella cheese, the subtle bite of red onion, and the satisfying crunch of sunflower seeds. Whether you’re looking for an innovative way to utilize your holiday leftovers or simply craving a quick, gourmet-level meal with shredded chicken, this salad promises a refreshingly delicious experience.

Discover the Magic of Turkey Cranberry Salad

There’s something uniquely comforting and satisfying about a well-crafted salad, and this Turkey Cranberry Salad is no exception. Inspired by Kneader’s, a local favorite renowned for its fresh bread, delectable soups, hearty salads, gourmet sandwiches, and tempting desserts, this recipe brings that signature taste right into your kitchen. While my family often gravitates towards their famous French Toast, my heart has always belonged to their exquisite salads and sandwiches. This particular turkey cranberry creation is a standout, boasting a harmonious blend of ingredients that simply sing on the palate.

The secret to its irresistible appeal lies in the symphony of textures and flavors: the succulent, tender turkey perfectly complements the bursts of sweet and tart cranberries, while crunchy sunflower seeds add a delightful contrast. The subtle tang of red onion and the creamy richness of mozzarella tie it all together, uplifted by the star of the show: a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. My homemade rendition of this dressing, while perhaps not the leanest option, captures the authentic flavor profile of the original, making this copycat recipe truly shine.

Why This Turkey Cranberry Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience designed to delight your senses and simplify your meal planning. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again:

• **Unforgettable Flavor Profile**: The unique combination of sweet, savory, and tangy notes creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying taste that is both refreshing and comforting.
• **Textural Delight**: From the crisp mixed greens and crunchy sunflower seeds to the tender turkey and chewy cranberries, every bite offers an exciting interplay of textures.
• **Incredibly Versatile**: Whether you need a quick weekday lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish for a potluck, this salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping.
• **Perfect for Leftovers**: Say goodbye to boring post-holiday meals! This salad transforms leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a vibrant, exciting dish that tastes far from “leftovers.”
• **Customizable to Your Liking**: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t have turkey? Shredded chicken works beautifully. Prefer different nuts? Go for it!

Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey Cranberry Salad

Crafting this fantastic salad starts with selecting fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the signature taste and texture:

• Mixed Greens: A foundational element that provides a crisp, fresh base. Opt for a vibrant spring mix or baby spinach for a tender texture and mild flavor. Freshness is key here, so choose a high-quality container.
• Pulled or Shredded Turkey (or Chicken): The protein powerhouse of this salad. This recipe is an ideal vehicle for holiday leftovers. However, if turkey isn’t available, roasted or grilled chicken breast, shredded for easy incorporation, makes an excellent substitute. Ensure your protein is tender and seasoned well.
• Dried Cranberries: These jewel-toned gems are crucial for the salad’s signature sweet-tart flavor. They add a chewy texture and a vibrant color pop that elevates the entire dish.
• Sunflower Seeds: Don’t underestimate the power of these small seeds! They contribute a satisfying crunch and a nutty, slightly salty flavor that beautifully contrasts with the other ingredients. Toasted sunflower seeds can further enhance their flavor.
• Thinly Sliced Red Onion: A small amount of red onion adds a mild, piquant flavor and a beautiful splash of color. Slicing it very thinly is essential to ensure its flavor isn’t overpowering and blends seamlessly with the other components.
• Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese: For the best flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, always choose freshly grated mozzarella over pre-shredded. It offers a creamy, mild counterpoint to the cranberries and dressing. Other mild, creamy cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack could also work.

Crafting the Delectable Poppy Seed Dressing

The homemade poppy seed dressing is truly what ties this Turkey Cranberry Salad together, infusing it with its signature sweet and tangy zest. While store-bought options exist, making your own allows for perfect customization and unbeatable freshness. This dressing is creamy, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful, making it the perfect complement to the salad’s rich ingredients.

The dressing typically includes red wine vinegar for tang, granulated sugar for sweetness (which you can adjust to your preference), ground mustard for a subtle savory depth, and canola oil to create a smooth, emulsified texture. The star, of course, is the poppy seeds, which add a distinctive visual appeal and a delicate, nutty crunch. Blending these ingredients until smooth before stirring in the poppy seeds ensures a perfectly uniform and luscious dressing. For optimal flavor, especially with homemade dressings, preparing it a day in advance and letting it chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Turkey Cranberry Salad

Creating this delicious salad is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a perfect Turkey Cranberry Salad every time:

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded turkey (or chicken), dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Gently toss these ingredients together until they are well distributed.
2. Whip Up the Poppyseed Dressing: In a small blender, combine all the dressing ingredients except the poppy seeds. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed (a good starting point is 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). Once blended, stir in the poppy seeds. For best results, transfer the dressing to a covered jar and chill until you’re ready to serve. Shaking the jar well before each use ensures the ingredients are perfectly combined. This dressing is even better when made a day in advance!
3. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared Poppy Seed Dressing over the Turkey Cranberry Salad. Add the dressing gradually, tossing gently, to your personal preference. You may not need or want to use all of it at once. If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s best to store the salad components and the dressing separately to maintain freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Turkey Cranberry Salad

Elevate your Turkey Cranberry Salad with these expert tips and customization ideas:

• Protein Flexibility: While leftover Thanksgiving turkey is ideal, feel free to use roasted or grilled turkey breast, or even rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient option. For a vegetarian twist, consider adding chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, or a hearty grain like quinoa.
• Taming the Red Onion: If you find the flavor of red onion too sharp, a simple trick can mellow its intensity. After thinly slicing, soak the red onion in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly before adding it to your salad. This technique significantly reduces its “bite.”
• Customize Your Poppy Seed Dressing: The sweetness of the poppy seed dressing can be adjusted to your liking. Add a bit more sugar for a sweeter profile or a dash more red wine vinegar for extra tang. For a lighter or lower-sugar alternative, you could explore other options like a lighter poppy seed dressing recipe or a classic balsamic vinaigrette.
• Endless Topping Possibilities: Make this Turkey Cranberry Salad truly your own by experimenting with additional toppings. Consider adding avocado for a creamy element, crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick, candied pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and sweetness, or even some crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor. Diced apples or pears can also add a delightful freshness and sweetness.
• Making it a Heartier Meal: To transform this salad into an even more substantial main course, consider adding cooked grains like farro, couscous, or quinoa. This will increase its filling power and add another layer of texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Cranberry Salad

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? While dried cranberries offer a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that works well with this salad, you can use fresh cranberries if preferred. You might want to lightly sweeten and cook them down slightly to soften them and balance their tartness, or simply chop them finely for a fresh, zesty bite.
• How long does the poppy seed dressing last? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the homemade poppy seed dressing can last for up to 5-7 days. Remember to give it a good shake before each use, as some separation is natural.
• Is this salad suitable for a potluck or gathering? Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic option for potlucks. Just remember the golden rule: keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to ensure the salad remains fresh and appealing for your guests.
• What are some other protein alternatives? Beyond turkey and chicken, this salad can be adapted with other proteins. Sautéed shrimp, grilled salmon flakes, or even crispy tofu can be delicious additions for a different flavor profile.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time for meal prep? Yes, you can! Prepare all the salad components (greens, turkey, cranberries, seeds, onion, cheese) and store them together in an airtight container. Keep the dressing in a separate container. When ready to eat, simply portion out your salad and drizzle with dressing. This method keeps your salad fresh for several days.

Explore More Delicious Salad Creations

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Turkey Cranberry Salad, you’ll love exploring other fresh and flavorful recipes from our collection:

• Coconut Shrimp Salad
• Blueberry Corn Salad
• Costco Kale Salad
• Applebee’s Chicken Salad
• Kale Cranberry Pecan Salad

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4.80 from 5 votes

Turkey Cranberry Salad (Kneader’s Copycat)

By

Chelsea Lords

Try this Turkey Cranberry Salad—a tasty blend of sweet cranberries, tender turkey, creamy cheese, tangy onion, and crunchy sunflower seeds. Inspired by a bakery favorite, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers or a quick meal with shredded chicken!

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Total Time:

15
minutes

Servings:

6
as a side

Equipment

• Small blender
• Wide-mouth Mason Jar or other sealable container

Ingredients

Salad

• 6
  cups
  
  mixed greens
  
• 1-1/2
  cups
  shredded turkey
  or chicken
• 1/2
  cup
  dried cranberries
• 1/2
  cup
  
  sunflower kernels
  
• 1/2
  cup
  thinly sliced red onion
  1/4th of 1 onion, see note 1
• 3/4
  cup
  Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  2.5 ounces

Poppyseed Dressing (see note 2)

• 2-1/2
  tablespoons
  red wine vinegar
• 1/2
  cup
  granulated sugar
• 1-1/2
  teaspoons
  
  ground mustard
  
• 1/2
  cup
  canola oil
• 1
  teaspoon
  
  poppy seeds
  
• 
  Salt and
  pepper
  

Instructions

• In a large bowl, toss together salad greens, turkey or chicken, sunflower kernels, dried cranberries, shredded mozzarella, and thinly sliced red onion.
• Combine all the dressing ingredients except poppy seeds in a small blender. Season to taste (I add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). Blend until smooth and fully emulsified. Stir through poppy seeds. Transfer to a covered jar and chill until ready to use. Shake before using. Best made a day in advance!
• Dress the salad with the Poppy Seed Dressing right before serving. If you anticipate having leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. Add dressing gradually to personal preference; you may not need/want to use it all at once.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: To remove the “bite” of red onion, soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and use as desired.

Note 2: While this dressing may not be the most nutritious option, it’s a perfect match for the original, especially if you prepare it a day ahead and let it chill overnight! If you notice some separation, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then give it a good shake to recombine. For a lower sugar dressing, try this Poppy Seed Dressing or a Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Storage: To keep your Turkey Cranberry Salad fresh, dress it just before serving. If you expect leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
494
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
30
g

|

Protein:
23
g

|

Fat:
33
g

|

Saturated Fat:
5
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
8
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
15
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.1
g

|

Cholesterol:
68
mg

|

Sodium:
306
mg

|

Potassium:
186
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
25
g

|

Vitamin A:
555
IU

|

Vitamin C:
11
mg

|

Calcium:
98
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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