Imagine an indulgent, protein-packed salad that seamlessly bridges holiday feasting and balanced nourishment. This Autumn Cobb Salad features roasted turkey, dried cranberries, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese—all atop crisp greens and dressed in a luscious maple-Dijon dressing. It’s hearty, festive, and full of autumn’s best flavors. Perfect for using Thanksgiving leftovers, elevating lunch prep, or serving as a standout salad main.
Why You’ll Love This Fall Staple
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Perfect blend of textures and tastes: Creamy avocado, chewy turkey, tangy cheese, soft egg, and crunchy cranberries—all harmonizing together.
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Nutritious balance: Rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and seasonal antioxidants.
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Meal-prep dream: Assembles easily and scales wonderfully for grab-and-go meals.
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Holiday elegant: Stylish enough for gatherings yet easy enough for weeknights.
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Custom-friendly: Adapt with your favorite greens, cheese, or dressings to suit your needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salad Foundation
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4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine
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2 cups cooked, shredded (or diced) roasted turkey
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½ cup dried cranberries
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2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped or quartered
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½ ripe avocado, sliced
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¼ to ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta or goat cheese for variations)
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Optional extras: halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, toasted pecans, or pumpkin seeds
Creamy Maple-Dijon Dressing
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¼ cup Greek yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
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1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for richness)
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1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Optional pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for depth
Step-by-Step Assembly
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Prepare the Base
Lay your mixed greens evenly in your serving bowl or platter. -
Layer the Toppings
Arrange the roasted turkey, hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, dried cranberries, and blue cheese over the greens in neat sections—like a classic Cobb salad. -
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl (or jar), whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo (if using), maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and vinegar or lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Adjust consistency with a touch of water if needed. -
Dress & Serve
Drizzle dressing over the assembled salad or serve on the side. Gently toss portions as needed to enjoy balanced bites. -
Meal Prep Tip
Store turkey, greens, and dressing separately in containers. Assemble just before serving for peak texture and flavor.
Tips & Customization Ideas
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Cheese swaps for preferences: Use feta for lighter tang or omit for dairy-free.
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Substitute proteins: Use shredded chicken or leftover ham (if desired) in place of turkey.
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Nut-free crunch: Add roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds if allergies are a concern.
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Vegan adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese, yogurt, and vegan mayo; replace turkey with roasted tofu or white beans.
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Flavor boosters: Add fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon before serving.
Serving Inspirations
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Thanksgiving reset: Elegant side for heavier mains or welcome leftover salad turned into entrée.
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Brunch standout: Pair with warm bread, fresh fruit, and coffee for a cozy morning spread.
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Lunch bowls: Portion into containers with separate dressing for a ready-to-go office meal.
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Dinner partner: Great alongside roasted root veggies, squash soup, or grain dishes for hearty autumn menus.
FAQ — Your Common Questions Answered
Can I use store-bought rotisserie turkey?
Yes—rotisserie or deli-sliced turkey works great here.
How long does it stay fresh?
If components are stored separately, the salad stays fresh for 3–4 days.
How do I keep avocado from browning?
Toss avocado slices in a small bit of lemon juice or drizzle avocado with some of the dressing before serving.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Absolutely—as long as all components like mayo or mustard are gluten-free certified.
Can I omit cranberries?
Yes, you can skip them or replace with sliced apples, pear, or pomegranate seeds for seasonal crunch.
Nutrition Highlights (Approximate per serving)
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High protein from turkey, Greek yogurt, and eggs
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Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil
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Nutrient-rich greens and cranberries for antioxidants and fiber
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Balanced flavor profile without refined sugars
Final Thoughts
The Autumn Cobb Salad with Turkey & Cranberries is a beautiful celebration of fall—packed with texture, flavor, and hearty nutrition. Whether it’s your holiday side star, lunch prep hero, or cozy dinner companion, this salad elevates everyday meals with seasonal elegance. Let me know if you’d like printable recipe cards, nutrition details, or styled layouts for blogs—it’s ready when you are!
