Bright, tart and subtly sweet cranberry sauce is perfectly paired with savory turkey and fresh basil.
It’s a little embarrassing that I only recently discovered homemade cranberry sauce but let me tell you, I am loving every single ruby-red bite! In fact, I’m having just as much fun using it to add a bright, tart and subtly sweet flavor to everything from oatmeal to pork tenderloin.
Since I already shared my kid-friendly Orange Cranberry Smoothie, I decided to give lunch some love with a Cranberry Basil Turkey Sandwich. The natural choice is leftover Thanksgiving turkey but I plan to enjoy this beauty year-round with shredded rotisserie chicken or shaved beef tenderloin.
For color and a healthy dose of iron, I added baby spinach and fresh basil. Added bonus: the vitamin c-packed cranberry sauce will help boost iron absorption. We used artisan cranberry walnut bread from my favorite local bakery but use whatever you have on hand (or check out this amazing recipe from Rachel Cooks to make your own!)
Your leftovers are waiting.
- 2 slices crusty bread (such as cranberry walnut)
- 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 2 oz turkey breast or shredded chicken
- handful baby spinach
- several basil leaves
- fresh cracked black pepper
- Lightly toast the bread then spread one piece with cranberry sauce and the other with mayo.
- Top cranberry sauce slice with turkey, spinach and basil leaves.
- Crack fresh pepper on the mayo slice and place on top of the other slice. Slice and enjoy!
Brilliant sandwich and one I make after every Thanksgiving but I’ve never added spinach – great idea
I had to add a little color – couldn’t stop myself! And the iron helps absorb the cranberry’s vitamin C – bonus!
I’m pretty much craving this for breakfast right now..
Gorgeous photo! We started making a cranberry-apple sauce a couple years okay and I’m hooked too! I actually stock up on fresh cranberries this time of year and then store them in my freezer when the craving hits! Love your blog. We share very similar food values!
Thanks so much for saying hi – can’t wait to check out your blog!! I hope you get to try this sandwich – it was killer!!
This looks deliciO So! MMMmm sadly we have not leftovers…only pie. Might need to head over to my sisters for lunch today ; D
It’s funny – we normally don’t either but this year my aunt brought a ton of tupperware containers so everyone could pack up leftovers!! I’m busy with wedding festivities all weekend so I’m glad hubby and the little one have leftovers to eat when mama is busy.
Can I have one? Please? I don’t know if I can go on with life much longer without one!
Yes!! Ill ship it now!!
Oooh – love the idea of the basil in this!!! Looks perfect for leftovers!
Thanks friend – I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!!
this sandwich looks delicious! all these ingredients look great
Thanks Addie- it was the perfect sandwich!
Wow, does that ever look good! I simply can’t resist a good leftover turkey sandwich and yours is so pretty!
Thank you Dara- I couldn’t resist adding a touch of color, you know me.
Hope you had a great weekend!
Liz! This is a home rn! I want to be neighbors and come over to share a sandwich with you!! YUMM!
I wish you could have shared it with me too!! So glad you finally have your appetite back and are feeling better!
I saw this sandwich and was like – ok. I could get down on a turkey sandwich. Then I saw basil. You got me. Want. (even though I should be eying up the home made cranberry sauce)
It is so dang good, I promise it won’t disappoint!!
Finally saw this—thanks for the link
Where is your bread from…Wealthy St? They have a great Cran Walnut. I think I remember you saying you got yours somewhere else though.
My pleasure!! Thank you for the awesome bread recipe. Ours is from Nantucket Bakery – so good! I fell in love with it when a friend brought it to me at the hospital when I went into labor. It was our favorite food to eat at 3AM when we were exhausted and starving and hospital room service was closed!!