Cobb Salad with Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey

Did you overindulge in stuffing and pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving? If you have leftover turkey and want a meal that’s satisfying without feeling heavy, try this seasonal Leftover Turkey Harvest Cobb Salad. It combines roasted butternut squash, crisp greens, tangy feta, crunchy pecans and a warm-note Maple Dijon vinaigrette for a fresh, fall-inspired lunch or light dinner.

Leftover Turkey Harvest Cobb Salad

This turkey cobb salad is quick to assemble, easy to pack for work and a great way to use leftover roast turkey. The dressing is a simple Maple Dijon Vinaigrette that complements the roasted squash and turkey, bringing a gentle sweetness and bright acidity that ties all the ingredients together. The recipe yields a generous main-course salad for two, but it can easily serve three as a lighter meal.

Aside from this salad, common leftover turkey ideas include Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Empanadas, Turkey Santa Fe Lettuce Wraps, Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Soup, Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potato Frittata, Leftover Turkey Tacos with Brussels Sprout Slaw, Turkey Croquettes, Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup and Turkey Cuban Sandwiches. These options highlight how versatile cooked turkey can be — from warm soups to handheld sandwiches.

How many days can you eat cooked turkey leftovers?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, cooked turkey should be eaten within three to four days from the day it was cooked. After serving, refrigerate leftovers within two hours in shallow containers to cool quickly. If you plan to keep turkey longer than four days, freeze portions promptly to maintain safety and quality.

Try These Leftover Turkey Recipes:

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Empanadas
Turkey Santa Fe Lettuce Wraps
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Leftover Turkey and Sweet Potato Frittata
Leftover Turkey Tacos with Brussels Sprout Slaw
Turkey Croquettes
Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup
Turkey Cuban Sandwiches

Ingredients

3 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
6 oz cooked turkey breast, sliced or chopped
2 cups butternut squash, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
1/8 tsp kosher salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups spring mix or mixed greens
3/4 oz crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup pecan halves
2 tablespoons dried cranberries (craisins)

For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

1 tsp Dijon mustard
4 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp plus 1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp chopped red onion

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the cubed butternut squash on a nonstick or lined baking sheet, lightly spray or toss with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 15 minutes, turn the pieces, and roast another 10 minutes or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While the squash roasts, whisk together the vinaigrette: combine Dijon mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar (use the 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon as listed), maple syrup, kosher salt and chopped red onion in a small bowl and whisk until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
Place the spring mix on two plates or in two bowls. Divide the roasted butternut squash, cooked turkey, crumbled bacon, feta, pecans and dried cranberries evenly between the plates.
Drizzle the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the salads just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately. If you prefer, warm the turkey slightly before adding it to the salad for a contrast of warm and cool elements.

Notes and Tips

If you’re prepping this salad for lunch on the go, store the vinaigrette separately and pack the roasted squash and pecans in a container to preserve crunch. Add the dressing and cheese at the last moment to keep the greens crisp. Leftover assembled salad is best eaten the same day.

Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1/2 of the salad. Calories: 466 kcal; Carbohydrates: 37 g; Protein: 28 g; Fat: 26 g; Fiber: 9 g; Sugar: 9 g; Sodium: 660 mg; Potassium: 679 mg.

If you make this Leftover Turkey Harvest Cobb Salad, we’d love to hear how it turned out. Leaving a rating or short comment helps others find recipes they’ll enjoy and supports creators who share free, high-quality ideas. Enjoy your leftovers with fresh flavors and simple preparations that make seasonal ingredients shine.