Harvest Cobb Salad

Harvest Cobb Salad is filled with roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, bacon, dried cranberries, and shredded turkey. It delivers a satisfying crunch with a touch of sweetness, all balanced by a rich maple vinaigrette.

This Harvest Cobb Salad is the perfect dish to showcase the cozy flavors of fall while offering a nutritious and delicious meal. Filled with roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and shredded turkey or chicken, this salad delivers a satisfying crunch with a touch of sweetness, all balanced by a rich maple vinaigrette. If you’re in search of a salad that’s satisfying and full of flavor, this Harvest Cobb Salad is the answer. With its combination of roasted vegetables, fresh greens, savory bacon, and sweet, crunchy toppings, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe this season.

HARVEST COBB SALAD

This amazing salad checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, packed with seasonal ingredients, and combines a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The addition of the homemade maple vinaigrette elevates the salad, bringing it all together in a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. This is not only a celebration of fall flavors but also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Serve it as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or as part of a festive fall spread. It’s perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared ahead of time and dressed right before serving, making it convenient for gatherings or busy weeknights.

SALAD INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• ½ cup chopped cooked bacon
• 8 cups mixed spring greens
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• ½ to 1 pound cooked shredded turkey or chicken
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, cored and diced
• ⅔ cup chopped pecans
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

MAPLE VINAIGRETTE

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

INSTRUCTIONS

Salad

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place the cubed sweet potatoes on a sheet pan. Pour the olive oil evenly over the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper then gently toss to coat. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer and roast until tender, about 25 minutes or so, tossing halfway through.

Add the mixed spring greens and romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl and gently toss. 

Place the roasted sweet potatoes, chopped bacon, turkey or chicken, apple, pecans, cranberries, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the salad. 

Maple Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour dressing over salad and toss together. Serve and enjoy!

SERVINGS

This salad serves approximately 4 people, making it the perfect dish for a small family meal or a cozy lunch with friends. However, it’s incredibly easy to double or even triple for larger gatherings or special events. The ingredients scale up effortlessly—simply roast more sweet potatoes, add extra greens, and increase the toppings accordingly. The same goes for the maple vinaigrette; just mix up a larger batch to ensure every bite is drizzled with that delicious dressing.

STORING LEFTOVERS

If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the ingredients separate and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad and add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh. The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in a jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before drizzling it over the salad. This is a great meal to make for a lighter lunch before a rich dinner with the family. You can also make this and serve as a side dish for that lavish dinner if you so desire.

MAGIC OF MEAL PREP

This is a fantastic recipe for meal prepping in the fall. The hearty ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, kale, turkey, and apples make it a satisfying and seasonal choice for lunches or dinners throughout the week. To ensure freshness, simply prepare all the salad components in advance and store them in an airtight container, keeping the maple vinaigrette separate. When you’re ready to eat, just toss the salad with the dressing, and you’ve got a vibrant, flavorful meal ready to enjoy in no time!

CREATIVE CUSTOMIZATION

One of the best things about this salad is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to make this salad your own:

Swap the Meat: While this recipe calls for shredded turkey or chicken, you can easily substitute ham, roast beef, or even smoked salmon. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely or add roasted chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based protein option.

Try Different Greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, feel free to use other greens like arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Add Cheese: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, try swapping it out for feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a bolder flavor profile.

Change the Nuts: Pecans are delicious, but other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts would work just as well. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the salad can enhance their flavor even more.

Extra Crunch: If you’re looking for even more crunch, add croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds. These toppings can add an extra layer of texture that makes the salad even more exciting.

ENJOY THIS RECIPE? HERE ARE A FEW MORE SATISFACTORY SALADS!

Strawberry Chicken Salad – A fresh and bright salad brought to life with raspberry vinaigrette and creamy poppyseed dressing! You’ll love this one!

BBQ Chicken Salad – Packed full of different flavors and textures to give you a salad that is unlike the rest! This is a great one to make for family BBQs!

Autumn Chopped Salad – Mixed fall flavors and textures all into one bowl. This salad is perfect for something that’s light in a season full of heavy dishes.

Asian Chicken Salad – The fresh taste of Asian cuisine comes together in a healthy way packed with flavor. Crisp, crunchy, savory, and oh so good!

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