Irresistible Turkey Spring Rolls Recipe Perfect for Holidays

The holidays are a time for indulging in comforting and delicious food, but what if you could combine festive flavors with a light, fresh twist? Enter my irresistible turkey and cranberry spring rolls! These beauties are packed with tender turkey, tart cranberry sauce, crisp veggies, and wrapped in delicate rice paper for a dish that’s as stunning as it is satisfying. Whether you’re looking to repurpose holiday leftovers or impress your guests with a unique appetizer, this recipe is a must-try.

I first fell in love with these spring rolls during a post-Thanksgiving experiment. Left with an abundance of turkey and cranberry sauce, I decided to swap the usual sandwiches for something lighter. The result? A burst of flavor in every bite that quickly became a holiday tradition in my home. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this every year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Holiday Leftovers: If you’re wondering what to do with that leftover turkey or cranberry sauce, this recipe is the perfect solution.
• Light and Healthy: Unlike heavy casseroles, these spring rolls offer a light, refreshing way to enjoy holiday flavors without feeling weighed down.
• Easy to Make: With a little prep, you can have these rolled up and ready in no time. Minimal cooking, maximum flavor!
• Great for Gatherings: These rolls are perfect for sharing. Serve them as an appetizer or snack at holiday parties, or pair them with a bowl of soup for a cozy meal.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce complements the savory turkey, while the crisp veggies add a delightful crunch.
• Customizable: Swap in different veggies, proteins, or even a vegan substitute to suit your taste.

These turkey and cranberry spring rolls are not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of the season’s best flavors. Plus, they’re simple enough to make even if you’re busy entertaining. When you serve these, expect everyone to ask for the recipe!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses fresh ingredients that are easy to find, along with holiday staples that might already be in your fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked turkey: Shredded or sliced into thin strips (leftover roasted turkey works perfectly).
• Cranberry sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety.
• Rice paper wrappers: These can be found in the international aisle of most grocery stores.
• Carrots: Peeled and julienned for a fresh crunch.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced for a refreshing bite.
• Fresh herbs: Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add a burst of flavor.
• Lettuce: Butter or romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces to add texture.
• Optional dipping sauce: A mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey or hoisin for a savory-sweet pairing.

Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! Add avocado for creaminess, or toss in some shredded cabbage for extra crunch.

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl: Used for soaking the rice paper wrappers. A shallow dish works well too.
• Cutting board: Ideal for slicing and dicing your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For precise vegetable julienning and turkey slicing.
• Clean kitchen towel or plate: Use this to assemble the spring rolls without them sticking.

If you don’t have a julienne slicer, simply use your knife to create thin strips of veggies. And if rice paper is new to you, don’t worry—just follow the instructions below for perfect rolling every time!

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by shredding your cooked turkey into thin, bite-sized strips and set it aside. Then julienne your carrots and cucumber into matchstick pieces. Tear your lettuce into smaller pieces and rinse your herbs. Have all your ingredients ready for easy assembly.
2. Set up your rolling station: Fill a large bowl or shallow dish with warm water. Lay a clean kitchen towel or non-stick plate nearby for rolling the spring rolls.
3. Soak the rice paper: Submerge one rice paper wrapper in the warm water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes soft and pliable. Be careful not to over-soak, as it can tear.
4. Assemble the spring rolls: Place the softened rice paper wrapper on your towel or plate. Add a small piece of lettuce in the center, followed by a scoop of shredded turkey, a spoonful of cranberry sauce, and your julienned vegetables. Top with mint, cilantro, and Thai basil for added freshness.
5. Roll it up: Fold the sides of the wrapper inward, then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top like a burrito. Repeat until all your ingredients are used up.
6. Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey or hoisin sauce. Adjust the flavors to your liking.

And there you have it—your turkey and cranberry spring rolls are ready to enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Want to make sure your spring rolls turn out perfectly? Here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Don’t over-soak the wrappers: They only need a few seconds in warm water to become pliable. Too much soaking will make them tear.
• Work quickly: Once your rice paper is soft, assemble your roll right away before it becomes sticky.
• Use fresh herbs generously: Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add incredible flavor. Don’t hold back!
• Keep it neat: Use a small amount of each ingredient to avoid overstuffing your rolls—it’ll be easier to roll and eat.
• Experiment with dipping sauces: While the soy-honey blend is delicious, you can also serve these with a peanut sauce for a different flavor profile.

Trust me, once you get the hang of rolling these, they’re a breeze to make. Plus, they look so elegant that everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Variations & Adaptations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the turkey and use tofu or tempeh as your protein. Add some sliced avocado for creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for the dipping sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or sriracha to the filling for a fiery twist.
• Seasonal Swap: In summer, replace cranberry sauce with a mango or peach chutney for a lighter, fruity flavor.
• Different Cooking Methods: If you prefer a crispy texture, lightly pan-fry the rolled spring rolls in a bit of oil.

One of my favorite variations is swapping the cranberry sauce for a tangy orange marmalade—it’s amazing how much it transforms the flavor for a citrusy twist.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

When it comes to serving your turkey and cranberry spring rolls, presentation is everything. Arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with extra herbs for a pop of color. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh at room temperature, but they can also be served slightly chilled.

For leftovers, store the spring rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Place a damp paper towel over them to prevent the wrappers from drying out. To reheat, gently steam them for a few seconds to soften the rice paper, but keep in mind that they’re best eaten fresh.

Over time, the flavors of the filling blend together even more, making these rolls taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These turkey and cranberry spring rolls are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• Protein-Packed: Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Low-Calorie Option: Using rice paper instead of bread makes these rolls lighter and lower in calories.
• Vitamins and Fiber: Fresh veggies like carrots and cucumber provide vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
• Health Benefits of Cranberries: Cranberries are high in antioxidants and support urinary tract health.
• Diet-Friendly: These rolls are naturally low-carb and can easily be made gluten-free.

Whether you’re watching your waistline or just looking for a healthier holiday snack, these spring rolls have you covered!

Conclusion

There’s a reason these turkey and cranberry spring rolls are my go-to holiday recipe—they’re easy, versatile, and bursting with flavor. They take everything you love about festive meals and turn it into something light, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.

I hope you give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Experiment with different fillings and dipping sauces, and share your creations with me in the comments below. Let’s spread the joy of festive flavors together!

So, grab some rice paper wrappers and your holiday leftovers, and start rolling. You deserve a little deliciousness, and I’m sure these spring rolls will become a staple in your holiday traditions. Happy rolling!

FAQs

Can I make these spring rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them a few hours ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to keep the wrappers from drying out.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Shredded or sliced cooked chicken works just as well in these spring rolls.

What dipping sauce pairs best with these spring rolls?

A soy sauce and honey mixture works wonderfully, but you could also try peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for a fun variation.

Are rice paper wrappers gluten-free?

Yes, rice paper wrappers are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the packaging to be sure there are no added ingredients.

Can I freeze the spring rolls?

While freezing isn’t recommended for these spring rolls since the rice paper can become soggy, you can freeze the turkey filling and use it later to make fresh spring rolls.

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