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Harvest Cobb Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Harvest Cobb Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
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Harvest Cobb Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a vibrant and nourishing fall-inspired salad combining fresh mixed greens, roasted chicken or turkey, seasonal fruits like apples or pears, crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy blue cheese or feta, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and toasted nuts. Topped with a luscious and slightly sweet homemade poppy seed dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying main course or colorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 apple or pear, chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 1 avocado, sliced

Protein and Toppings

  • 2 cups roasted chicken or turkey, sliced thinly
  • 4 slices crisp bacon, crumbled
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
  • 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans

Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the greens and base ingredients: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly to keep the salad crisp. Chop the apples or pears into bite-size pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Arrange these on a large platter or in a spacious bowl as the salad’s vibrant base.
  2. Cook and slice the protein: Roast or grill chicken or turkey until golden and cooked through, then slice into thin strips. Cook bacon until crispy, drain excess grease, and crumble it. Hard-boil eggs, peel them, and slice or quarter for topping.
  3. Add the creamy and crunchy elements: Evenly sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or feta over the salad. Fan out avocado slices. Lightly toast nuts in a dry pan to enhance their flavor and sprinkle on top for crunchiness.
  4. Make the poppy seed dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.
  5. Dress and toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. Toss gently to combine, ensuring every bite is coated with the delicious poppy seed flavor.

Notes

  • Use the freshest seasonal produce to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Keep the poppy seed dressing chilled until serving to maintain its creaminess.
  • Toast nuts carefully, removing them from heat as soon as they turn golden to avoid burning.
  • Slice proteins and vegetables uniformly for an even bite experience.
  • Toss the salad right before serving to prevent sogginess and preserve crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Harvest Cobb Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing, Fall Salad, Roasted Chicken Salad, Seasonal Salad, Gluten-Free Salad, Autumn Recipe

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/harvest-cobb-salad-with-poppy-seed-dressing/