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Barbecue Pulled-Turkey Sandwiches

These barbecue pulled turkey sandwiches offer a delicious way to reinvent leftovers into a satisfying, high-protein meal. By simmering shredded turkey in a tangy, homemade sauce of tomato puree, dark brown sugar and smoked bacon, the meat stays succulent and absorbs deep, savoury flavours. The addition of a quick, vinegar-based cabbage slaw provides a refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the barbecue glaze.

Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use a mix of light and dark meat for the best texture, served inside your favourite soft rolls. Whether you are using up a Sunday roast or looking for a lean alternative to pulled pork, these sandwiches are a healthy, homemade classic that the whole family will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Barbecue Pulled-Turkey Sandwiches

  • 45ml mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds

  • 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage

  • 2 slices applewood-smoked bacon, chopped

  • 240ml tomato puree

  • 60ml apple cider vinegar

  • 60ml water

  • 3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon chilli powder

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 350g shredded cooked turkey (light and dark meat)

  • 4 soft rolls (such as onion, egg, sesame, or whole wheat)

Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and celery seeds in small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add cabbage; toss to blend. Cover bowl and chill. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Sauté bacon in heavy small saucepan over medium heat until crisp and brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, 60ml water, dark brown sugar, chilli powder, and ground cumin. Bring sauce to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add shredded cooked turkey to barbecue sauce and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until turkey is heated through, stirring occasionally. Split and toast rolls. Divide turkey and slaw among rolls. Press tops down lightly to compress, then serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 29 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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