If you’ve been craving a vibrant, hearty dish that celebrates the flavors of the season, then you’re going to love this Fall Cobb Salad Recipe. It brings together a perfect medley of roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and tangy blue cheese crumbles all tossed on a bed of fresh mixed greens. Every bite bursts with the cozy, comforting vibes of autumn, making it an ideal meal to share with friends or enjoy as a wholesome lunch any day. Trust me, once you try this Fall Cobb Salad Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients each play a key role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in this salad. From the sweetness of apples to the crunch of pepitas, every component comes together beautifully.
- ½ Butternut Squash: Peeled and diced to add a sweet, roasted bite that captures the essence of fall.
- 1 Apple: Diced for a fresh, crisp contrast that brightens the salad’s flavor profile.
- 4 Eggs: Hard boiled and sliced, they add protein and creamy richness.
- â…“ cup Blue Cheese Crumbles: Adds a tangy, bold touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweeter ingredients.
- 2 Chicken Breasts: Roasted to juicy perfection, the hearty protein base for the salad.
- 4 strips Bacon: Crisply cooked and chopped for smoky, savory notes.
- ½ cup Dried Cranberries: Introduces a chewy, tart pop to each bite.
- â…“ cup Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Toasted for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 8 oz Mixed Greens: A fresh, leafy foundation that ties all ingredients together.
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil: Used for roasting and the dressing, bringing richness and depth.
- 3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness to balance the salad.
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness aligning with the fall theme.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Brings a hint of sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt & Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Fall Cobb Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF to get everything ready for roasting. This heat level ensures the butternut squash will turn beautifully caramelized and the chicken cooks through without drying out. Preparing your ingredients first sets the stage for smooth cooking and assembly later on.
Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash and Chicken
Toss the diced butternut squash with half a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading it evenly on a sheet pan. Then, rub the chicken breasts with another half tablespoon of olive oil and season well. Arrange the chicken pieces in between the squash cubes on the pan. This clever layering lets the chicken infuse the squash with extra savory flavor while everything roasts.
Step 3: Add Bacon and Continue Roasting
After roasting for 10 minutes, carefully flip the chicken to ensure even cooking. Lay the bacon strips directly over the chicken breasts and pop everything back into the oven for 20 more minutes. This method crisps the bacon perfectly while allowing the chicken to reach the safe internal temperature of 165ºF, sealing in juicy goodness.
Step 4: Prepare Hard Boiled Eggs
While your protein and veggies roast, make the hard boiled eggs. Use either a pressure cooker or stovetop method depending on your preference. Cooling them in ice water makes peeling easier and prevents overcooking. Cut the eggs in halves or quarters, so they’re ready to top the salad later with creamy yolk perfection.
Step 5: Whip Up the Dressing
Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously in a bowl or shake well in a jar with a tight lid. This simple dressing binds the salad together, marrying sweet, tangy, and savory notes that bring out the best in each ingredient.
Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Assemble
Let your freshly roasted chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into pieces to lock in juices. Cut the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces as well. Finally, arrange the mixed greens on your serving dish, then layer pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, diced apple, blue cheese crumbles, bacon, chicken, roasted butternut squash, and hard boiled eggs. Drizzle with your homemade dressing and get ready to savor the flavors!
How to Serve Fall Cobb Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra touches like a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives can elevate your Fall Cobb Salad Recipe presentation. A few more pumpkin seeds right before serving add a fresh crunch, while extra crumbles of blue cheese provide bold flavor bursts.
Side Dishes
This salad stands beautifully on its own but pairs well with hearty, comforting sides like warm crusty bread or a mild soup like butternut squash bisque. These accompaniments complement the autumnal feel and make your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, assemble your salad ingredients in neat rows on a large platter following the classic Cobb style. This showcases the colorful ingredients in all their glory. Alternatively, serve in individual bowls for a personal touch, perfect for dinner parties or meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store the components separately. Keep roasted butternut squash, chicken, and bacon in airtight containers in the fridge, while the greens stay fresh if kept dry. Combine just before serving to maintain taste and texture.
Freezing
This Fall Cobb Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well once assembled because the greens and dressing can become soggy. However, you can freeze the roasted butternut squash and cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and assembly.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken, bacon, and butternut squash gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve juiciness, then add them fresh to crisp greens just prior to eating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese can be excellent substitutes if you prefer a milder or tangier option while keeping that creamy texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep if you keep components separate and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon. Consider adding more roasted squash, nuts, or even chickpeas to add protein.
What dressings pair well with this salad?
The maple-Dijon vinaigrette in the recipe is perfect, but alternatives like balsamic vinaigrette or citrus-based dressings also complement it beautifully.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, guaranteeing safety and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Fall Cobb Salad Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. Its mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors captures the spirit of fall beautifully, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this salad will brighten your table and satisfy your cravings for a wholesome, colorful meal. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Fall Cobb Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and colorful Fall Cobb Salad featuring roasted butternut squash, juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, fresh apple, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds on a bed of mixed greens, all tossed with a tangy maple Dijon dressing. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful autumn meal.
Ingredients
Salad Components
- ½ Butternut Squash, peeled and diced
- 1 Apple, diced
- 4 eggs
- â…“ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 chicken breasts
- 4 strips Bacon
- ½ cup dried Cranberries
- â…“ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 8 oz mixed greens
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to prepare for roasting the butternut squash, chicken, and bacon together.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: Toss the diced butternut squash with ½ tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a sheet pan for roasting.
- Prepare Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with ½ tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the chicken pieces on the sheet pan between the pieces of butternut squash.
- Roast and Add Bacon: Roast the chicken and squash in the oven for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken. Lay the bacon strips over the chicken breasts and roast for an additional 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the salad.
- Cook Hard-Boiled Eggs: Choose one method to make hard-boiled eggs: Pressure Cooker method or Stovetop method. After cooking, cool in ice water, peel, and cut into halves or quarters.
- Make Dressing: In a bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until fully emulsified.
- Rest and Slice Meat & Bacon: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble Salad: Place mixed greens on a serving dish. Top with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, diced apple, blue cheese, bacon pieces, sliced chicken, roasted butternut squash, and hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can make hard-boiled eggs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option or use different nuts/seeds as preferred.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity in dressing to taste depending on desired sweetness.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to reach 165ºF to guarantee safety.
- If you prefer, roast the squash separately to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
