Experience the quintessential flavors of autumn with this stunning Harvest Cobb Salad. This vibrant, hearty salad takes the classic Cobb framework and infuses it with seasonal produce like crisp apples, tender butternut squash, and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a delightful maple-sweetened vinaigrette. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a complete entree salad, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the cooler months.

Overhead view of a beautifully arranged Harvest Cobb Salad in a white bowl, accompanied by a jar of maple-Dijon vinaigrette and slices of whole-grain bread.

Contents

Harvest Cobb Salad: A Seasonal Autumn Delight

The Cobb Salad holds a special place in my culinary memory, dating back to my college days in Richmond, VA. Between classes, my friends and I often ventured off-campus to explore the city’s charming cafes. Among my favorites were a savory chicken pita, a crispy calamari Caesar, and a particularly well-crafted classic Cobb salad from a cozy bistro I affectionately called “the Cobb place.”

One memorable afternoon, “the Cobb place” featured a “Harvest Cobb” as a seasonal special. The moment it arrived at my table, I knew it was something extraordinary. Piled high with glistening, crisp apple slices, toasted pecans, generous bits of savory bacon, and a wonderfully sweet-tart vinaigrette, it was an instant revelation. This was salad heaven, redefined by the rich tapestry of autumn flavors.

Fifteen years later, that memory continues to inspire. Recreating a seasonal twist on the classic Cobb has become one of my favorite at-home lunches, especially as the leaves begin to turn. Over the years, I’ve refined the original bistro version, adding a few delightful touches and perfecting a Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette that takes mere minutes to whisk together. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a complete meal, a vibrant celebration of fall produce that truly feels like an entree salad dream come true!

Why a Harvest Cobb Salad? Embracing the Flavors of Fall

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, our palates naturally crave heartier, more comforting dishes. Yet, there’s still a desire for fresh, vibrant flavors. The Harvest Cobb Salad bridges this gap beautifully, combining the beloved structure of a classic Cobb with the rich bounty of autumn. It’s an ode to the season, showcasing ingredients that are at their peak, offering a symphony of textures and tastes.

Unlike its summer counterpart, this fall rendition introduces earthy sweetness from roasted butternut squash, the refreshing crunch and mild tartness of apples, and the rich, buttery notes of pecans. These seasonal additions elevate the traditional components of chicken, bacon, eggs, and blue cheese, creating a salad that is both robust and invigorating. It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner, a delightful lunch, or even an impressive dish to bring to a fall gathering. Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients for Harvest Cobb Salad laid out on a wooden board, including diced apples, cooked chicken, roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, and blue cheese crumbles.

Essential Ingredients for Your Fully-Loaded Harvest Cobb

Crafting the perfect Harvest Cobb Salad involves a thoughtful blend of classic components and seasonal stars. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this incredibly satisfying and visually appealing dish:

Mixed Greens: A foundation of fresh, crisp greens is crucial. I prefer a 50/50 mix of torn romaine leaves for their crunch and baby spinach for its tender texture and slightly sweet, earthy flavor. This combination provides a delightful base that holds up well to the heavier ingredients.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Diced into cubes, cooked chicken breasts provide a lean, substantial protein. Feel free to use grilled, poached, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. Ensure it’s seasoned well for maximum flavor.
Crisp-Cooked Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds irresistible smoky, salty notes and a delightful crunch. Thick-cut bacon is particularly good here, as it offers a more substantial bite.
Crumbled Blue Cheese: The pungent, salty creaminess of blue cheese is a hallmark of any Cobb salad. It provides a sharp contrast to the other ingredients, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Roasted Butternut Squash: Cubed and roasted until tender and caramelized, butternut squash brings a natural sweetness and earthy depth, making this salad distinctly autumnal.
Diced Apples: For a refreshing crunch and a hint of tart-sweetness, diced apples are essential. Honeycrisp or Fuji are excellent choices, offering a firm texture and balanced flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Pomegranate Seeds (Arils): These ruby-red jewels add a burst of juicy, tart flavor and a vibrant pop of color, making the salad more visually appealing and texturally interesting.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Diced or wedged, hard-boiled eggs contribute a creamy texture and an additional layer of protein, making the salad even more filling.
Diced Avocado: Creamy, rich avocado adds a luxurious texture and healthy fats, balancing the crisp and crunchy elements.
Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a warm, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider making Caramelized Pecans.
Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette: This homemade dressing is the star that ties all the autumn flavors together. Its balance of sweet maple, tangy Dijon, and bright acidity perfectly complements every component of the Harvest Cobb Salad.

Elevate Your Salad: Creative Customization Tips for Your Fall Cobb

One of the best aspects of the Harvest Cobb Salad is its adaptability. You can easily tailor it to your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

Fruit Swaps: Instead of apples, try thinly sliced or diced pears. Pears offer a slightly different, often softer sweetness and can introduce another layer of seasonal elegance to your salad.
Cheese Alternatives: While blue cheese is traditional, other cheeses can offer equally delicious results. Crumbled goat cheese provides a tangy, creamy counterpoint, Feta adds a briny, salty punch, and a sharp clothbound cheddar can contribute a robust, nutty flavor.
Dried Fruit Options: If fresh pomegranate arils are not available or you prefer a more concentrated sweetness, swap them out for dried cranberries (craisins). They offer a chewy texture and a delightful tart-sweetness that pairs wonderfully with fall flavors.
Nutty Crunch Alternatives: For a different kind of crunch or if you have nut allergies, consider adding Spiced Pepitas (pumpkin seeds). These are incredibly easy to prepare and bring a unique savory, spicy, or sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender elements of the salad. You could also simply use plain toasted pumpkin seeds.
Explore Other Winter Squashes: Butternut squash is fantastic, but don’t limit yourself! Experiment with other varieties of winter squash like Honeynut (smaller, sweeter), Delicata (no need to peel!), Acorn, or even Kabocha pumpkin. Each offers subtle differences in texture and sweetness, allowing you to discover new favorite combinations.
Vegetarian Adaptation: To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas, seasoned baked tofu, or a plant-based chicken substitute. Consider adding more roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
Herbaceous Freshness: A sprinkling of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even a little sage can add a layer of aromatic freshness to the salad, enhancing its overall complexity.

Pro Tip: Want to add a little spice to the salad? My Spiced Pumpkin Seeds (pepitas) are a cinch to prepare and make a great crunchy, flavorful topping as an alternative to nuts.

Cubed butternut squash and strips of bacon arranged on a foil-lined baking sheet, ready for roasting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Harvest Cobb Salad

Creating this stunning Harvest Cobb Salad is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. The key to success lies in proper preparation and thoughtful assembly.

Step 1: Roasting for Flavor and Texture

Efficiency is key! Since both butternut squash cubes and bacon roast perfectly at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), you can prepare them together on a single large, rimmed baking sheet. Line the pan with foil for effortless cleanup. Drizzle the butternut squash cubes with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and season them generously with a few pinches of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances their natural sweetness during roasting.

Tip: To prevent the bacon fat from rendering and over-saturating the delicate squash cubes, create a simple “dam” on your baking sheet. Just fold or crumple an extra piece of foil and place it between the butternut squash and bacon sections. This keeps everything separate and ensures both ingredients crisp up beautifully without becoming greasy.

The butternut squash typically requires about 20-25 minutes to roast, becoming wonderfully tender and slightly caramelized. For this salad, I prefer using thick-cut bacon, which also takes approximately the same amount of time in the oven to achieve that perfect crispness. Keep an eye on the bacon, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on its thickness and your oven.

A collage demonstrating the process of making a Harvest Cobb Salad, showing various stages of preparation including dicing ingredients and arranging them.

Step 2: Precision Dicing for Perfect Bites

While your squash and bacon are roasting to perfection, take this time to prepare the remaining add-ins. This includes dicing your crisp apples, creamy avocado, cooked chicken breasts, and hard-boiled eggs. You’ll also want to crumble your blue cheese if it’s not already pre-crumbled. (Refer to Photo 01 in original content for visual)

I find that dicing everything to roughly a 3/4-inch to 1-inch size works best. While there are no strict rules – this is a rustic salad, after all – maintaining a similar proportion for all ingredients makes the salad much easier to serve and ensures that you get a harmonious blend of flavors and textures on your fork with every bite. This attention to detail elevates the eating experience from good to truly exceptional.

Tip: Apples and avocados are prone to browning when exposed to air. To slow down this natural oxidation process and keep them looking fresh, dip them in acidulated water immediately after dicing. To prepare acidulated water, simply combine 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons of vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar works well) or lemon juice for every 2 cups of cold water. A quick soak will help preserve their color.

A bowl filled with various diced ingredients for a Harvest Cobb Salad, showcasing colorful cubes of chicken, apples, avocado, and blue cheese.

Step 3: Artful Composition for a Stunning Presentation

Now comes the exciting part – salad time! Grab your largest, most beautiful serving bowl. Begin by tossing your mixed greens with just enough of the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette to lightly coat them. You want them dressed, but not soggy.

In true classic Cobb fashion, the visual presentation is almost as important as the taste. I like to anchor the bowl with the main protein, the cubed chicken, placing it directly down the center. Then, arrange each of the remaining ingredients in distinct, colorful rows extending outwards to the edges of the bowl. Aim to balance the crunchy textures (apples, pecans, bacon) with the softer elements (avocado, eggs, squash). This not only creates a stunning visual display but also allows each diner to customize their portion.

Once your masterpiece is composed, drizzle a little more vinaigrette over the top of the entire salad. Finish with a few grinds of fresh cracked black pepper to awaken the flavors. This Harvest Cobb is incredibly satisfying and filling on its own, easily serving as a complete meal. However, in the absence of traditional croutons, a slice of warm, crusty whole grain artisan bread on the side makes for a perfect accompaniment, ideal for soaking up any remaining dressing.

Side view of a vibrant Harvest Cobb Salad served on an ivory plate, featuring distinct rows of apples, pecans, butternut squash, and other ingredients, alongside a slice of whole grain bread.

Smart Meal Prep Strategies for Busy Weeks

This Harvest Cobb Salad is not only delicious but also remarkably meal-prep friendly, making it an excellent choice for easy, nutritious meals throughout the week. With a few smart guidelines, you can prep many components ahead of time for optimal freshness and convenience.

Ingredients that can be prepped a day or two in advance:

Chicken Breasts: Cook and cube the chicken. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp, drain it, and crumble it once cool. Keep it in an airtight container.
Roasted Butternut Squash: Roast the squash cubes until tender. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Gently re-warm them slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture, or enjoy them at room temperature.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Cook and peel the eggs. However, for the best presentation and texture, wait to dice or wedge them until just before you plan to assemble and serve the salad.
Crumbled Blue Cheese: Prepare or purchase crumbled blue cheese. Store it in an airtight container. Because of its pungent aroma, it’s often best to store it separately from other ingredients.
Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette: Whisk together or shake your vinaigrette. Store it in a jar or bottle in the refrigerator. Remember to re-shake or whisk thoroughly just before serving, as the ingredients may separate.

Ingredients you should prep within an hour of serving:

Apples and avocados are notorious for browning quickly once cut due to oxidation. Even with the acidulated water dip/soak mentioned earlier in the post, these ingredients will eventually start to discolor with enough time. For the freshest appearance and best flavor, it’s always best to prep them no more than an hour before you plan to eat your salad.

Wait to prep until just before serving:

The mixed greens, especially baby spinach, can become wilted and soggy when tossed with dressing too far in advance. To keep your greens crisp and vibrant, wait until just before you’re ready to eat to toss them with the vinaigrette. If you’re packing the salad for lunch, place the vinaigrette in a separate small container and add it to your greens right before you enjoy your meal.

Tip: For all meal-prepped components, ensure they are stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination. As mentioned, it’s particularly wise to package pungent ingredients like blue cheese separately to prevent its strong aroma from affecting other components.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Cobb Salad

Can I make this Harvest Cobb Salad vegetarian?: Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch, seasoned baked tofu, or even plant-based chicken strips. Increase the amount of roasted butternut squash or add other roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts for extra heartiness.
What are the best types of apples to use in this salad?: For the best texture and flavor balance, I recommend using crisp, firm apple varieties that offer a good balance of sweet and tart. Honeycrisp and Fuji are excellent choices. Granny Smith apples can also work well if you prefer a more tart profile, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the squash and maple dressing.
How long does this salad last?: When components are prepped and stored separately, most ingredients (cooked chicken, bacon, roasted squash, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, vinaigrette) can last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. However, for the freshest and most appealing salad, apples and avocado should be diced and added just before serving. Once fully assembled and dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to prevent the greens from wilting and the fresh ingredients from browning.
Can I substitute the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette with another dressing?: While the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette is specifically designed to complement the fall flavors of this salad, you can certainly use another dressing if preferred. A good balsamic vinaigrette, a creamy poppy seed dressing, or even a light apple cider vinaigrette would also pair well, though they will alter the overall flavor profile.

Nutrition Highlights: Enjoying a Wholesome Meal

Beyond its incredible flavor and visual appeal, the Harvest Cobb Salad is packed with beneficial nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal choice. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of healthy ingredients into your diet, especially during the fall season.

This salad offers a robust combination of lean protein from the chicken and eggs, healthy fats from the avocado and pecans, and a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the diverse range of vegetables and fruits. Butternut squash, for instance, is an excellent source of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), which is vital for vision and immune function, as well as Vitamin C and fiber. Apples contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants, while pomegranate seeds offer a boost of Vitamin C and K. The greens provide essential vitamins like K and folate, along with more fiber. Even the blue cheese and bacon, in moderation, add calcium and protein, contributing to a well-rounded nutritional profile.

Harvest Cobb Salad

Author: Amanda Biddle

This hearty salad puts a seasonal spin on the classic Cobb with fall produce and tangy maple vinaigrette. It’s an entree salad that’s perfect for sharing!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

3 cups fresh baby spinach (5-ounce package)
3 cups romaine leaves (5-ounce package), roughly torn
2 cooked chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), cut in 3/4 to 1-inch cubes
½ large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4 to 1-inch dice (about 2 cups cubes)
4-5 slices thick-cut bacon
1 large ripe avocado, cubed
⅓ cup pomegranate arils
3 large hard-cooked eggs, diced or wedged
2 apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
½ cup toasted pecans
Olive oil (for roasting the squash)
Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Divide the pan in half with a foil “dam” by folding or crumpling a second piece of foil and fitting it into the center. (This will keep the bacon fat from saturating the squash as they both roast.) Place butternut squash cubes on one half of the pan and bacon slices on the other half.
Drizzle the squash with a little bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the squash is tender and the bacon is crisp, flipping the bacon strips halfway through. (I like to start keeping an eye on the bacon after about 15 minutes, since different brands/thicknesses crisp at different rates.)
Drain the bacon on a double layer of paper towels and crumble when it’s cool enough to handle.
Compose the Salad: In a large bowl, toss baby spinach and romaine with just enough dressing to lightly coat. Place the chicken breast cubes in a line down the center of the bowl. Arrange the rest of the salad add-ins in rows extending to the edges of the bowl.
Drizzle the salad with more of the vinaigrette and serve immediately.

Notes

The ingredient quantities listed are guidelines. Tweak the salad/proportions to your own personal preferences and make it your own! For ingredient swap ideas, see the Variations section in the blog post above.

Meal Prep instructions can be found here.

Nutrition Estimate

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Our Recipes

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Fall Salad

The Harvest Cobb Salad is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor the distinct flavors and textures that define the autumn season. From the sweet and tender roasted butternut squash to the crisp, tart apples, the savory bacon, and the vibrant pomegranate, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and incredibly satisfying dish. Complemented by the zesty and subtly sweet Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette, this salad transforms humble produce into a culinary masterpiece.

Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner, a show-stopping dish for a holiday gathering, or a make-ahead lunch option, this Harvest Cobb Salad delivers on all fronts. Its versatility allows for endless customization, ensuring it can be adapted to any palate or dietary preference. So, embrace the spirit of fall in your kitchen and try this recipe. It’s bound to become a beloved staple in your autumn menu, bringing warmth, comfort, and vibrant flavor to your table.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and share your experience.