Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Cranberry Lettuce Wraps

• Effortless and Quick. If you have cooked turkey on hand, this comes together in about 15 minutes flat. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward lunch or light dinner that saves you from yet another round of sandwiches.
• A Perfect Flavor Symphony. The savory turkey, the sharp pop of red onion, the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and the creamy, herby dressing create a balance that’s just… chef’s kiss. Every bite is a little adventure.
• Incredibly Light and Fresh. Using crisp lettuce leaves instead of bread or tortillas makes these wraps feel wonderfully light. You get all the satisfaction of a handheld meal without any of the heaviness, leaving you feeling energized.
• Endlessly Customizable. Don’t have celery? Throw in some diced apple. Want more crunch? Toasted pecans are fantastic. This recipe is a fantastic template that you can adapt based on what’s in your pantry.

Ingredients & Tools

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine hearts
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tools: A medium mixing bowl, a small bowl for the dressing, a sharp knife, and a cutting board.

The quality of your ingredients really shines here, so use the best you have. A good, creamy mayonnaise makes the dressing luxurious, and a whole-berry cranberry sauce gives you those lovely little bursts of fruit. The lettuce is your vessel, so choose one with sturdy, cup-like leaves that can hold the filling without tearing.

Serves: 3-4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Turkey Texture is Key. You want your turkey to be in small, bite-sized pieces, but not mushy. Shredding it with two forks or a sharp dice works best. If it’s a bit dry, the dressing will help bring it back to life.
• The Cranberry Sauce Debate. Jellied or whole-berry? Honestly, whole-berry is the way to go for texture. But if jellied is all you have, it will still work—just give it a good stir to break it up before mixing.
• Don’t Skip the Dijon. That tablespoon of Dijon mustard might seem small, but it’s crucial. It cuts through the richness of the mayo and adds a subtle tang that ties all the other flavors together beautifully.
• Lettuce Selection Matters. Butter lettuce is my top choice because the leaves are soft, pliable, and cup-shaped. Romaine hearts are a great second option—use the inner, smaller leaves for the best wraps. Avoid iceberg if you can; it tends to be too brittle and can crack when you try to fold it.

How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Lettuce Wraps

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• A Simple Arugula Salad — The peppery bite of arugula dressed with just a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil provides a sharp, clean contrast to the sweet and savory wraps.
• Sweet Potato Fries — Bake up a batch of crispy sweet potato fries for a side that feels indulgent but still fits the wholesome theme. They’re fantastic for dipping.
• A Warm Bowl of Soup — If it’s a chilly day, a light broth-based soup like a chicken and vegetable soup makes this a heartier, complete meal.

Drinks

• A Crisp White Wine — A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with its bright acidity cuts through the creaminess of the dressing and complements the cranberry notes perfectly.
• Sparkling Water with Citrus — For a non-alcoholic option, nothing beats the refreshing fizz of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime. It cleanses the palate between bites.
• Iced Green Tea — The slight bitterness and earthy notes of green tea are a surprisingly great match for the turkey and cranberry flavors.

Something Sweet

• Pumpkin Bread — A small slice of moist, spiced pumpkin bread continues the cozy autumn vibe without being overly decadent.
• Dark Chocolate Almonds — A handful of these provides a rich, satisfying end to the meal. The bitterness of the dark chocolate is a nice counterpoint.
• Poached Pears — Light, elegant, and not too sweet, poached pears in a little cinnamon-spiced syrup feel like a special treat.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using wet lettuce leaves. This is the number one reason wraps fall apart. Any water clinging to the leaves will quickly make them limp and cause them to tear when you try to pick them up. Pat them dry thoroughly!
• Mistake: Over-mixing the salad. You’re folding, not mashing! Over-aggressive stirring can break down the turkey into a paste-like consistency. Gently fold the ingredients until just combined to maintain a pleasant texture.
• Mistake: Assembling too far in advance. The turkey salad can be made a few hours ahead, but assemble the wraps just before serving. If they sit for too long, the salt in the dressing will draw moisture out of the lettuce, creating a sad, soggy situation.
• Mistake: Chopping the veggies too large. A fine dice on the celery and onion ensures every bite has a little bit of everything. Large chunks can be overwhelming and make the wraps harder to eat neatly.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Toast your nuts. If you’re adding walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, toast them in a dry pan for a few minutes first. It deepens their flavor immensely and adds a wonderful aroma.
• Tip: Add a fresh herb twist. While parsley is classic, don’t be afraid to experiment. A little chopped fresh tarragon or thyme would add a lovely, sophisticated layer of flavor that pairs wonderfully with poultry.
• Tip: Let the salad rest. If you have the time, let the mixed turkey salad sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before assembling. This allows the flavors to meld together and become even more delicious.
• Tip: Make it a buffet. For a casual gathering, set up a “wrap bar.” Put the turkey salad in a bowl, the lettuce leaves on a platter, and offer extra toppings like chopped bacon, shredded cheese, or extra cranberry sauce so everyone can build their own.

FAQs

Can I make this with chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with cooked, shredded chicken. It’s a fantastic way to use up a rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal. The flavor profile is very similar, and you’ll get the same delightful result. It’s a great year-round option when you don’t have holiday leftovers on hand.

How far in advance can I prepare the turkey salad mixture?
You can prepare the salad (without assembling the wraps) up to two days in advance. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen and improve. Just give it a good stir before you’re ready to serve, as some liquid may have settled at the bottom.

My cranberry sauce is very thick. How can I make it easier to mix?
If your cranberry sauce is straight from the fridge and very firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften. You can also give it a quick stir or a light mash with a fork to loosen it up before adding it to the bowl. A little warmth makes it much more cooperative.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the turkey salad and the lettuce leaves separately. The salad will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. The lettuce is best used the same day, but you can store it wrapped in a paper towel inside a plastic bag in the crisper drawer for a day or two. Assemble fresh wraps when you’re ready to eat again.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or healthier?
Easily! For a dairy-free version, just ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free (most are). To lighten it up, swapping the mayo for plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic option—it adds protein and tang. You could also add in other healthy mix-ins like diced apple or grated carrot for extra nutrients and crunch.