Give your holiday leftovers a gourmet twist with this flavorful Curried Cardamom Turkey Salad. The blend of warm spices, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries makes it a versatile dish perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you're serving a crowd or preparing a smaller meal, this recipe is a delightful way to elevate leftover turkey—or even chicken. Pair it with homemade herbed croutons for an irresistible crunch!

 Serves: 8-12 (use half the recipe for 4-6)

Ingredients

Turkey Salad

• 2 lbs. roasted turkey breast and thigh meat, cut into ½-inch cubes
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon sundried cranberries
• 1 cup honey-roasted whole pecans (refer to the Candied Gourmet Mixed Nuts recipe), chopped into quarters
• ¼ cup Goldswarm Honey
• 2 cups mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Madras curry powder (or any curry powder)
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 8 oz. toasted herbed croutons (store-bought or homemade) 

Homemade Herbed Croutons

• Half a loaf of crusty artisan rosemary, white, or sourdough bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried herb seasoning blend (use only with white or sourdough bread)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Method 

Turkey Salad

1. Place the cubed turkey meat in a large mixing bowl. Evenly sprinkle with garlic powder, curry powder, and cardamom, and mix thoroughly to coat the turkey in the spices.
2. Add the mayonnaise and Goldswarm Honey, stirring until the turkey is generously coated.
3. Fold in the chopped pecans and cranberries, reserving 1 tablespoon of each for garnish.
4. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with the reserved cranberries and pecans.
5. Serve with toasted herbed croutons on the side.

Homemade Herbed Croutons

1. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the dried herb seasoning (if using white or sourdough bread), salt, and olive oil until well coated.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) convection.
3. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the bread cubes out in a single layer.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.
5. Serve alongside the turkey salad for a delightful crunch.

Created by Rashné – Culinary Alchemist and Chef, The Perfect Bite. A passionate foodie and product innovator, Rashné spent three decades at Whole Foods Market, including as Global VP of Culinary Operations, transforming its Culinary Program into a company hallmark.