Sometimes you want something fresh and healthy—but you’re also craving something bold, warm, and a little smoky.
If you’re tired of basic green salads or cold sandwiches, this BBQ turkey salad with roasted pumpkin might just be your next dinner obsession.
It’s colorful, hearty, and full of texture, with just the right hit of barbecue flavor to keep things exciting. And the best part? It’s just as good for lunch the next day.
This dish isn’t just a salad—it’s a meal that hits all the right notes: protein-packed, vibrant, and full of satisfying bites.
Think smoky grilled turkey, sweet roasted pumpkin, crisp veggies, and a tangy homemade BBQ sauce pulling it all together.
What You’ll Need to Make This BBQ Turkey Salad
Here’s a quick rundown of what goes into this delicious dinner idea:
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200 g of pumpkin
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500 g of turkey breast fillet
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1 whole head of iceberg lettuce (roughly 350 g)
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1 sweet bell pepper (about 100 g)
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1 red onion (around 75 g)
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2 teaspoons of pumpkin seeds (for crunch!)
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Barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade, your call)
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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Salt, spices, and a pinch of sugar
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Fresh parsley for that final fresh touch
Let’s Cook This Up: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Get Your Ingredients Ready
First, remove the tough outer leaves of the iceberg lettuce, give it a good wash, and pat it dry.
Then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Dice the turkey and pumpkin into cubes—around the same size so everything cooks evenly and looks great in the bowl.
2. Roast the Pumpkin
Toss your pumpkin cubes in olive oil, season with salt and your favorite spice mix (paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of cinnamon works great here), then spread them out on a baking tray.
Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for around 20 minutes until golden and soft.
Let them cool slightly after roasting so they don’t wilt the lettuce.
3. Cook the Turkey
While the pumpkin is in the oven, heat a grill pan or skillet.
Cook the turkey cubes with a little oil, seasoning, and a few spoonfuls of barbecue sauce until they’re golden, juicy, and coated in flavor.
Time to Assemble Your Power Salad
In a big bowl, layer the iceberg lettuce, sliced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, roasted pumpkin, and grilled BBQ turkey.
Sprinkle on the pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch and drizzle with more BBQ sauce if you like it saucy.
Finish it off with a bit of chopped fresh parsley.
Why This Salad Will Become a Regular in Your Meal Rotation
This salad is the definition of balance—it’s warm and cool, fresh and smoky, crisp and tender.
It’s hearty enough to be dinner but light enough to leave you feeling energized.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more veggies while still feeling like you’re treating yourself.