Cajun Cobb Salad
This post is sponsored by Jennie-O. As always, all opinions and recipes are my own.
Lunchtime shouldn’t be a struggle, and this Cajun Cobb Salad makes a flavorful meal that will carry you through the afternoon! On a bed of shredded romaine, layer diced Jennie-O Hickory Smoked Cajun Style Turkey Breast, hardboiled eggs, bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. Drizzle with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette before tossing and enjoying. This Cajun Cobb Salad can be made ahead for a quick lunch, too!
The lunchtime struggle is REAL, y’all.
While Winston and I did splendidly on the Whole30 (because we had to prepare like crazy so we didn’t fall into temptation and hangry decisions), I’ve already fallen back into my old ways less than a week later.
My ‘I don’t know what I’m going to make for lunch because I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to do ALL THE THINGS, so I’ll nibble on a handful of almonds and maybe taste test those cupcakes I needed to photograph for the blog’ lunchtime ways.
Not. Good.
Knowing what I know now about my eating habits and how I do better when I’m prepared, I’ve been trying to prep lunch in advance.
Enter: This Cajun Cobb Salad.
Not only is it jam-packed with vegetables, but it’s crazy flavorful and filling. In fact, the days when I’ve eaten this salad, I haven’t needed an afternoon snack.
And that, my friends, is what I look in a lunch these days. 😉
The piece de resistance of the Cajun Cobb Salad is the Jennie-O Hickory Smoked Cajun Style Turkey Breast.
This turkey breast, which you slice yourself, is spicy and smoky with just a hint of sweetness.
It pairs beautifully with the creamy balsamic dressing, as well as the other salad toppings.
And it adds some heat to liven up this salad. Not that the heat is overwhelming or even necessary… but the kick it gives this salad makes me super happy.
Winston and I made a ton of jarred salads last month, and this salad could easily be made that way, layering with the tomatoes first, followed by the turkey, avocado, feta, bacon, egg and romaine.
You can also prep all the ingredients separately and store them in the fridge until it’s time to throw them together. Just be sure that you don’t let them sit in the fridge for too long. We had an unfortunate hardboiled egg incident a month ago that no one in this household will forget anytime soon.
Me? I’ve taken to prepping the ingredients separately on the weekend, then enjoying the salad throughout the week.
Easy peasy, oh-so-delicious and the best way to best the lunchtime struggle!
Simple and tasty, what’s not to love?
And how gorgeous are all those colors in this salad?
I’m a fan, and I think you will be, too!
Scroll on down to learn how I made this…
Cajun Cobb Salad
Ingredients
Cajun Cobb Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce shredded
- 1 cup Jennie-O Hickory Smoked Cajun Style Turkey Breast diced
- 3 hardboiled eggs halved
- 3 slices bacon crumbled
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese
Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons spicy mustard coarse ground
- 2 tablespoons apple juice
- ½ teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Salt-Free Creole Seasoning
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Instructions
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a mason jar, measure out the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, apple juice and Creole seasoning.
- Shake until combined, then set aside.
Make the Salad
- In a large bowl, add the romaine lettuce.
- Top with the diced turkey breast, hardboiled eggs, bacon, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.
- Using salad tongs, toss the ingredients until everything is coated in the vinaigrette.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Do you feel the struggle at lunchtime, too?
Do you like a bit of heat with your lunch?
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
I love the way all of the components of this salad come together to make one delicious dish! This looks perfect for a summer picnic … or any occasion, really!
Thank you! They really DO come together beautifully for a delicious meal for any time this summer!
Love any type of salad. This recipe would be great for a bbq gathering!
You and me both! And this really would be wonderful for a BBQ gathering!
You’re so right – the colors are gorgeous! And I love that the colors mean this salad is jam-crammed with great nutrition! Definitely the type of lunch that will keep you powered up all afternoon! Super tips about prepping ahead, too – that makes lunchtime so much more do-able! 🙂
Thank you, Shelly! I’m all about the colors, too, and getting in as much goodness as I possibly can in one bowl to power my afternoon. 🙂
What more do you need in a salad! This looks delish!
Thank you so much!
Oh, YUM! This looks like a fantastic salad! I love big salads for dinner!
Oh, YUM! This looks like a fantastic salad! I love big salads for dinner!
Oh, YUM! This looks like a fantastic salad! I love big salads for dinner!
Thank you, Jenni! I love big salads for both lunch and dinner! They’re hard to beat!
I love Cobb salad and this recipe looks fabulous! Great recipe!
I love Cobb salad, too! Thank you, Elaine!
This is the ultimate summer salad!
Yes, it most definitely is, Delaney!
I love the Cajun twist on the Cobb salad. This looks incredibly flavorful and filling. That’s a perfect salad in my book!
Thank you, Dorothy! The zing of the Cajun spices just adds a little somethin’ extra to this salad!
I love cobb salad – so feeling, delicious, and perfect for hot summer months. The photos with the sauce are soooo beautiful!
I love cobb salad – so feeling, delicious, and perfect for hot summer months. The photos with the sauce are soooo beautiful!
That ham sure makes lunches easier! And so delicious looking.
Yes, that turkey truly does make lunches easier! Thank you, Erin!
I love cobb salad – so feeling, delicious, and perfect for hot summer months. The photos with the sauce are soooo beautiful!
Thank you, Julia! I love Cobb Salad, too, and it makes me happy that you love these photos. 🙂
Perfect salad for the summer! I need to make this!
It TOTALLY is perfect for the summertime! Enjoy!
I am obsessed with Cajun flavors and we are trying to eat more salads for main meals. Will definitely have to try this!
I hope you and yours enjoy this salad! We’ve dug it since I developed it a little while ago, and it’s always so satisfying. 🙂
Such a great idea!! Loving the cajun flavor.
Thank you! Those Cajun flavors just add a little extra zing, and I adore that.
Oh man! All that flavor! Such a great salad!
Oh yes! ALL that flavor! Thank you!
Now this is something I would love to have to dinner or lunch!
It makes a fabulous dinner or lunch! Enjoy!
I love Cobb salad and this recipe looks fabulous! Great recipe!
I love Cobb salad and this recipe looks fabulous! Great recipe!