A Quick & Easy 15-Minute Boxing Day Turkey Salad

By Boxing Day, there's usually turkey left and very little enthusiasm for another roast dinner.

This fresh, crunchy turkey salad is a brilliant way to use it up. Think shredded roast turkey, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing with just enough heat to wake everything up.

Inspired by the flavours of bang bang chicken, it's everything you want after a few days of rich Christmas food. Fresh, colourful, a little spicy and completely different from another plate of leftovers.

The clever pantry shortcuts are Nutty Gal Peanut Butter with Sichuan Chilli Oil and Fruity Caribbean Hot Sauce. Together they make a wonderfully creamy, sweet and spicy dressing without needing a cupboard full of ingredients.

Pile it into lettuce leaves, serve it in a big bowl for sharing or scoop it up with prawn crackers.

Serves 2–4 | 15 minutes

You'll Need

From the pantry

• 75g crunchy peanut butter (I use Nutty Gal Peanut Butter with Sichuan Chilli Oil)

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp Fruity Caribbean Hot Sauce

• 2 tsp rice wine vinegar

• ½ tsp each grated garlic and ginger

• Warm water or stock, to loosen

Leftovers & fresh ingredients

• 200–300g leftover roast turkey, shredded

• ½ cucumber, cut into thin strips

• 1 carrot, grated or julienned

• A handful of sugar snap peas, finely sliced

• 2 spring onions, sliced

• Fresh coriander or Thai basil

• Chopped peanuts, sesame seeds and lime, to finish

To Make

1. Mix the peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, Fruity Caribbean Hot Sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic and ginger in a bowl.

2. Add warm water or stock, a tablespoon at a time, until smooth and the consistency of double cream. Taste and add a little more vinegar or lime for extra zing, or more chilli sauce for heat and sweetness.

3. Toss the shredded turkey, cucumber, carrot, sugar snap peas and spring onions with the sauce until everything is coated.

4. Finish with fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds and a generous squeeze of lime.

Why This Works

Christmas turkey is already cooked, so there's no need to spend another afternoon in the kitchen.

The crunchy vegetables bring freshness and texture, while the peanut dressing adds richness, spice and plenty of flavour.

The Fruity Caribbean Hot Sauce brings a little fruity sweetness and habanero warmth, balancing the savoury peanut butter, soy sauce and sharp vinegar.

It's a completely different meal from Christmas dinner, made with something you've already cooked.

Exactly what Roast Once, Eat Twice is all about.

Best Served With

Prawn crackers, crisp lettuce cups or a bowl of rice noodles.

It's also lovely piled into wraps for an easy Boxing Day lunch.

Easy Swaps

• Use leftover roast chicken instead of turkey for an easy year-round supper.

• Swap sugar snap peas for shredded cabbage or finely sliced leftover Brussels sprouts.

• Add rice noodles to turn it into a more substantial meal.

• Use smooth peanut butter if that's what you have.

• Add extra lime juice for a sharper dressing.

• Scatter over toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I make with leftover Christmas turkey besides sandwiches?

This quick bang bang turkey salad is a fresh alternative. It combines shredded cooked turkey with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, spicy peanut dressing in just 15 minutes.

Can I use cold leftover turkey in this salad?

Yes. Use properly refrigerated, cooked turkey that's still within its safe storage period. Keep the salad chilled until you're ready to serve.

Can I make bang bang turkey salad ahead?

You can prepare the dressing and slice the vegetables ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated separately and toss everything together just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use leftover roast chicken instead?

Absolutely. Roast chicken works just as well, making this a useful recipe throughout the year.

Is this turkey salad spicy?

It has a gentle-to-medium kick from the chilli sauce and Sichuan chilli oil. You can adjust the heat to suit your taste.

Can I make it without noodles?

Yes. It's delicious served on its own, in lettuce cups or with prawn crackers. Rice noodles are an optional addition if you'd like something more substantial.

A Little More From The Pantry

For quick dinners with real flavour, explore our pantry shortcuts, sauces and condiments at Peak & The Pantry.

Good food without the faff.