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Autumn Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

4.9 from 128 reviews

A vibrant and nutritious Autumn Chicken Cobb Salad featuring a fresh mix of baby spinach and arugula topped with grilled chicken, roasted butternut squash, hard-boiled eggs, dried cranberries, and blue cheese, all brought together with a sweet and tangy maple-balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a wholesome and flavorful meal celebrating fall flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups baby spinach & arugula mix
  • 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced (or rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash (½-inch cubes)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries (or pomegranate arils)
  • 2 tbsp blue cheese crumbles (or swap with feta, goat cheese, or walnuts)

Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes until they are golden and tender, stirring halfway through cooking for even roasting.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Shake or whisk well until fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
  3. Cook the Eggs: Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10–12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Remove from heat, cool in ice water, peel, and slice thinly.
  4. Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or salad bowl, spread the baby spinach and arugula mix evenly. Arrange the grilled chicken slices, roasted butternut squash, sliced hard-boiled eggs, dried cranberries, and blue cheese crumbles artfully over the greens.
  5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared maple-balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently if desired or serve as is for a composed presentation.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
  • Swap blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or walnuts based on preference or dietary needs.
  • Roasted butternut squash can be prepared ahead and reheated slightly before assembly.
  • For added crunch, consider adding crispy bacon or toasted nuts.
  • Adjust maple syrup quantity in the dressing to control sweetness.

Keywords: Autumn salad, chicken cobb salad, roasted butternut squash, maple balsamic dressing, fall salad, healthy chicken salad