Recreating a Classic: Marshall Field’s Turkey Salad Oriental

The best recipes are often tied to memories, and this one transports me straight back to childhood shopping trips. While my mother explored the latest fashions at Marshall Field’s, I would make a beeline for the restaurant, specifically for their famed Turkey Salad Oriental. That blend of savory turkey, crunchy vegetables, and tangy-sweet dressing was the ultimate reward for good behavior – or at least, tolerable behavior – during those long shopping excursions. It was a bright spot, a culinary oasis in a world of department store browsing. Recreating this at home feels like unlocking a delicious time capsule.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: About 8 cups of salad
• Dietary Type: Varies (Can be gluten-free with gluten-free soy sauce and pasta)

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb turkey breast, julienned or bite-sized
• 1/4 lb green onion, sliced
• 1/4 lb carrot, julienned and lightly steamed
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 3/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is recommended)
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil also work well)
• 1/8 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth is best)
• 1/8 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger (fresh is preferable)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk or spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes, but follow the package instructions.

2. Once the spaghetti is cooked, immediately drain it in a colander. Then, rinse the spaghetti under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Allow it to cool completely. This is crucial for the salad’s texture.

3. While the spaghetti is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Make sure the turkey breast is julienned or cut into bite-sized pieces. The green onions should be sliced thinly. The carrots need to be julienned as well, and then lightly steamed until they are tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking the carrots, as you want them to retain some crunch.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled spaghetti, turkey, green onions, carrots, and toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

5. Now, it’s time to prepare the dressing. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, vegetable oil, white vinegar, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.

6. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture until it is just about to boil, stirring constantly to ensure that the peanut butter is completely melted and incorporated into the dressing. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and emulsified dressing.

7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dressing to cool completely. It’s essential that the dressing is cool before you add it to the salad, otherwise it will wilt the vegetables and make the pasta mushy.

8. Once the dressing is cool, pour it over the salad in the large mixing bowl. Toss well to combine, making sure that all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.

9. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat.

10. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can serve it at room temperature.

11. Before serving, garnish with sliced green onions if desired. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the presentation.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and adds a nutty aroma. Simply spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the salad. Cook the spaghetti al dente and rinse it immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Make-Ahead Dressing: The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This is a great way to save time when preparing the salad. Just be sure to whisk it well before using, as it may separate slightly.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you like a spicier salad, add more.
• Peanut Butter Tip: If your peanut butter is particularly thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of warm water to the dressing to thin it out.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Turkey Salad Oriental is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish at a potluck, or a refreshing picnic option. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly drier over time, so you can add a little extra dressing before serving if needed. While freezing is not recommended due to the pasta’s texture, the salad holds up very well in the refrigerator for a few days.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	788 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	368 kcal	47%
Total Fat	40.9 g	62%
Saturated Fat	6.6 g	33%
Cholesterol	49.1 mg	16%
Sodium	2127.2 mg	88%
Total Carbohydrate	71.4 g	23%
Dietary Fiber	5.9 g	23%
Sugars	9.2 g	36%
Protein	35.2 g	70%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the turkey with marinated and baked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan option.
• Protein Variation: Use shredded chicken or leftover roast pork instead of turkey.
• Nut Allergy: Substitute the peanut butter with tahini (sesame seed paste) or sunflower seed butter.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can use other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together even more beautifully.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
A: Rinsing the pasta with cold water immediately after cooking is crucial. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch.

Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A: While white vinegar is traditional, rice vinegar can also be used for a slightly milder flavor.

Q: Is there a substitute for sesame seeds?
A: If you have a sesame allergy, sunflower seeds can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Final Thoughts

Recreating this Marshall Field’s Turkey Salad Oriental recipe has been a delightful journey back in time, reminding me of cherished childhood memories. I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own delicious memories. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process of cooking and sharing this delightful salad with your loved ones. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for the perfect meal! I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience! I am eager to hear your feedback and any creative twists you add to this classic dish. Happy cooking!