Leftover Turkey Red Cabbage Salad with Peanuts
Use up leftover Christmas turkey in a crunchy red cabbage salad with lime, chile, and cilantro. A fresh, light meal that serves 8 in 45 minutes.
This salad turns leftover turkey into a bright, crunchy meal with sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. Red cabbage and radishes keep it light after a heavy holiday feast. It comes together in under an hour with no cooking.
Tips for Success
- Slice the cabbage as thin as you can. A sharp knife or mandoline works best.
- Do not skip the soaking times. They soften the raw onion and flavor the turkey.
- Wear gloves or wash your hands well after handling chiles.
- Taste before serving and add a squeeze of lime if it needs more brightness.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Mix the dressing and slice the vegetables up to a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Combine everything just before serving. Leftover salad should be eaten the same day, since the cabbage turns watery. Use turkey within 3 to 4 days of cooking it.
Variations
- Add a handful of fresh mint along with the cilantro.
- Serve in lettuce cups for a light starter.
- Swap the peanuts for toasted cashews.
Leftover Turkey Red Cabbage Salad with Peanuts
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the chiles in your largest bowl. Remove the seeds if you want less heat.
- Add the garlic, sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice, fish sauce, and oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sliced onion and some pepper. Push the onion under the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soften.
- Add the shredded turkey and stir to coat. Let it soak up the dressing for another 15 minutes.
- Add the red cabbage and the radishes. Toss well so everything is coated.
- Stir in about half the cilantro.
- Pile the salad onto a platter. Top with the remaining cilantro and the peanuts, and serve right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes. Shredded cooked chicken works the same way. Make sure it is cold and has been stored safely in the fridge.
How spicy is this salad?
It has a medium kick with the seeds left in. Remove the chile seeds for a milder salad.
Can I make turkey salad ahead?
It is best made just before serving, because the cabbage softens and releases water. You can prep the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead, then combine them at the end.
