Turkey Jarlsberg Salad
A bridal shower for my nephew’s fiance brought this family favorite back to the table. My sister called after frantically searching my website and asked, “Where is your Turkey Jarlsberg Salad!?” Only to discover I had never posted it.
Whaaaaat? A favorite like Turkey Jarlsberg not posted? Sometimes I’m so entranced in creating and celebrating new recipes I forget the importance of my classic favorites. My children devoured this salad while growing up and when my daughter saw it at the shower she turned to me and said, “Turkey Jarlsberg Salad, Mom?!” It warmed my heart….even as adults they remember and cherish dishes of old. Food brings back a nostalgic memory like none other; a warm embrace of home.
I’m happy to share this deliciously special salad. Fresh lean chunks of white turkey breast share a creamy raspberry-tinted dressing with plump red sweet grapes and Jarlsberg Cheese. The star ingredient, Jarlsberg Cheese, is a mild, nutty, slightly sweet cheese made from cow’s-milk with large Swiss-like holes and it originates from Jarlsberg, Norway. There’s no substitute….you’ll see.
- 4 cups cooked turkey breast (can use smoked as well) (check GF) julienned ¼" thick by 1" long
- 1 cup julienned Jarlsberg Cheese
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1½ cups red seedless grapes cut in half
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (I use olive oil based for less fat) (not miracle whip)
- 2 Tbsp Raspberry Vinegar (Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar is good too...start with a little less)
- 1-2 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon
- 1 tsp of Lemon Pepper
- Fresh black pepper
- Toss the first five ingredients together in a large bowl and set aside.
- Make the dressing in a small bowl adding all ingredients and mixing well. Taste for seasonings to your liking adding more honey or lemon pepper as needed.
- Add the dressing to the salad ingredients and lightly toss together until blended. Refrigerate at least two hours. Can also be made the day ahead.
- Serve with a dusting of fresh black pepper and a few sliced grapes.
