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Harvest Cobb Salad

Harvest Cobb Salad
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Harvest Cobb Salad is a vibrant and nourishing fall-inspired salad combining crisp mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, juicy apples, smoky bacon, creamy hard-boiled eggs, buttery avocado, toasted nuts, and tangy goat or blue cheese, all tossed with a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon vinaigrette. This seasonal dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it ideal for a hearty lunch or cozy dinner with easy customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
  • 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese

Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Variations

  • Smoked tofu or roasted chickpeas (for vegetarian/vegan option)
  • Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese (for vegan cheese substitute)
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or farro (for grain addition)
  • Pear slices or pomegranate seeds (fruit swap)
  • Grilled chicken or turkey breast (protein swap)

Instructions

  1. Roast the butternut squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Cook bacon and eggs: Cook bacon slices in a skillet or oven until crispy, then drain on paper towels and chop. Hard boil eggs by simmering for 10-12 minutes, then cool, peel, and slice.
  4. Assemble the salad base: Lay a bed of mixed greens on a large platter or individual plates, arranging each component in rows or clusters for the classic Cobb salad look.
  5. Add the toppings: Neatly arrange roasted squash, apple slices, bacon, egg slices, avocado, toasted nuts, and crumbled cheese on top of the greens in visually distinct sections.
  6. Drizzle dressing and serve: Just before serving, pour the maple-Dijon vinaigrette evenly over the salad and garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh, seasonal produce to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Lightly toast pecans or walnuts to enhance their aroma and crunch.
  • Balance the dressing sweetness and acidity to complement but not overpower the salad.
  • Keep ingredients separate in rows or clusters to preserve the traditional Cobb salad presentation.
  • Prepare components such as roasted squash and hard-boiled eggs in advance to simplify assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Harvest Cobb Salad, autumn salad, fall salad, roasted butternut squash salad, seasonal salad, gluten free salad, healthy cobb salad

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/harvest-cobb-salad/