When we’re looking for an alternative to the turkey sandwich or yet another plate of leftovers, this Southwest Turkey Chopped Salad is one of our favorite meals to make. Crisp vegetables, plenty of roasted turkey, black beans, pine nuts, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips are tossed with a spicy ranch dressing in this very flavorful and easy to make meal.
Often, when using the leftover turkey in different meals, the turkey flavor overpowers everything else in the dish. The turkey in this salad is mixed with so many other great flavors, the flavors balance nicely. This salad gets two thumbs up from Sean and all three kids every year.
Ingredients
- Salad Ingredients:
- 6 cups crisp lettuce sliced thin and chopped, about 2 small hearts of romaine
- 1 1/2 cups diced carrots 1/2 - 1/4"pieces
- 1 1/2 cups diced cucumber peeled, sliced thinly and chopped into 1/2 - 1/4" pieces
- 1 1/2 cups diced grape tomatoes about 1 pint tomatoes halved and then quartered
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper about 1 large pepper
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onion tops about 6--8 onions
- 3 cups cooked turkey chopped into 1/2" pieces
- 1 cup cooked black beans or canned beans, rinsed well and drained
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted if desired
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- optional: tortilla chips for serving
- Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing I used this Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1/4 cup spicy barbecue sauce I used this Tangy Memphis Barbecue Sauce with a couple extra shakes of cayenne
Instructions
- Stir together the ranch dressing and barbecue sauce. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until needed. Combine all the salad ingredients in a very large bowl. Toss well and then drizzle with salad dressing. Toss again to coat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!
{originally posted 11/12/12 – photos and recipe notes updated 11/26/14}
Angie's Recipes says
Such a colourful and flavourful salad! I love it.
Sue/the view from great island says
I'm starting to get turkey fever. I don't eat it all year long, and right about now I start craving it. I almost want to buy one of those small turkey breasts just to get a head start on leftovers like these.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
This is so beautiful. Love the dressing idea too. My husband would be all over that! The grapes, cucumbers, black beans – all of it sounds great together. The first picture just speaks to me – it is lovely.
Amanda says
This salad looks amazing, I love how colorful it is!
Anonymous says
Also great with Chipolte ranch dressing.