Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty salad blending split peas, smoky turkey, and sharp cheddar, dressed with a tangy dijon vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs split peas, smoked turkey breast, red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cooked split peas, 4 oz diced smoked turkey breast, 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup diced celery. Mix well.
  2. Step 2: In a small jar, combine 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Shake until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss until the ingredients are evenly coated and the split peas absorb some of the flavors.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with 1/2 cup grated cheddar. Gently fold in the cheese until incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep split peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Salad?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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