Are you tired of the same old leftover turkey sandwich? Get ready to elevate your post-Thanksgiving meal game with a sensational Curried Rice Salad that turns mundane leftovers into an extraordinary culinary experience! This vibrant, flavor-packed dish combines the comfort of holiday turkey with exotic curry spices, creating a refreshing and unexpected twist that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Cooked rice
- Turkey, shredded
- Curry powder
- Mayonnaise
- Celery, diced
- Cranberries
- Green onions
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: cooked rice, shredded turkey, curry powder, mayonnaise, diced celery, cranberries, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and shredded turkey. Make sure the rice is cooled to room temperature to avoid wilting the other ingredients.
- Add the diced celery to the bowl. This will add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Next, sprinkle in the curry powder. Start with a teaspoon and adjust according to your taste preference. Curry powder will give the salad a warm, spiced flavor.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the creaminess of the dressing.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the rice and turkey mixture. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking the rice grains.
- Fold in the cranberries and chopped green onions. The cranberries will add a sweet-tart flavor, while the green onions will contribute a mild onion taste and vibrant color.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or curry powder if needed.
- Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with extra green onions if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish for your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Tips
- Rice Temperature Matters: Always use completely cooled rice to prevent a mushy texture and maintain the integrity of each grain.
- Curry Powder Customization: Start with a small amount of curry powder and gradually increase to suit your spice tolerance. Different brands can vary in intensity.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to swap turkey with rotisserie chicken or add extra crunch with toasted nuts like almonds or cashews.
- Dressing Hack: For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for added tanginess and protein.
- Storage Tip: This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or picnics.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
