Split Pea and Smoked Turkey Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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