Harvest Chicken Cobb Salad

Introduction

Looking for a hearty and delicious salad to welcome the vibrant flavors of the harvest season? The Harvest Chicken Cobb Salad is a satisfying combination of fresh ingredients, protein-packed chicken, and a delightful blend of seasonal produce. This recipe is perfect for a wholesome lunch, a light dinner, or even as a shareable dish for your next gathering. Bursting with color and flavor, it’s an easy way to embrace the best that fall ingredients have to offer.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken

Cooked and shredded or diced (about 2 cups)

Mixed greens

5–6 cups of your favorite blend

Crisp bacon

Cooked and crumbled (about 4 slices)

Apple

1 medium-sized, thinly sliced

Pear

1 medium-sized, thinly sliced

Roasted sweet potato

1 large, peeled, diced, roasted

Avocado

1, peeled, pitted, and diced

Dried cranberries

1/3 cup

Toasted pecans

1/4 cup

Goat cheese

1/4 cup, crumbled

Honey Dijon dressing

1/3 cup or homemade to taste

Prep Time

Preparation is quick and easy. Expect to spend around 20 minutes slicing, roasting, and prepping individual ingredients. This ensures a fresh and cohesive combination of textures and flavors.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The salad’s cook time largely involves roasting the sweet potato for about 25 minutes in the oven. Including prep time, the total time is approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe generously serves 4 as a main dish or around 6 as a side option, ideal for customization or doubling if hosting a crowd.

The Harvest Chicken Cobb Salad harmoniously combines sweetness, crunchiness, and creaminess in every bite. Whether for a seasonal celebration or simply to enjoy wholesome eating, this recipe couldn’t be more perfect!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

– Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.
– Place chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
– Roast the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F.
– Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Then slice or shred as desired.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

– Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add bacon slices to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping as needed.
– Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to cool. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Salad Dressing

– In a small bowl or jar, whisk together vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), salt, and pepper.
– Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

– Arrange a bed of mixed greens in a large serving bowl or on a platter.
– Top the greens with roasted chicken, bacon, diced apples, sliced cucumbers, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
– Add crumbled goat cheese evenly over the salad for extra creaminess.

Step 5: Toss or Drizzle Dressing

– Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
– Toss the salad gently if desired to evenly incorporate the dressing.

Notes

Chicken Cooking Tips

– To ensure juicy chicken, allow it to rest after cooking before slicing or shredding.
– You can substitute the roasted chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Bacon Substitutions

– Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be used as a leaner or vegetarian option.

Apple Selection

– Choose crisp and slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to balance the flavors.

Nut Alternatives

– Pecans or slivered almonds can be used in place of walnuts.

Make-Ahead Tips

– The salad components can be prepped ahead of time and stored separately in airtight containers.
– Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve this salad as a standalone meal or alongside a warm soup or freshly baked bread.

Storage

– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
– Keep the dressing separate to avoid the salad becoming soggy.
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Cook Techniques

How to Cook Perfectly Juicy Chicken

– Use high-quality chicken breasts or thighs for added flavor and moisture. Pat them dry before seasoning.
– Season generously with salt, pepper, and other spices of choice.
– Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil to get a lovely golden crust.
– Finish cooking the chicken in the oven to ensure it cooks through without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
– Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing to lock in the juices.

How to Cook Bacon for Maximum Flavor

– Cook bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat for an even, crispy texture.
– Frequently turn the bacon to prevent burning, draining excess fat as needed.
– Alternatively, bake the bacon in a single layer on a lined baking sheet at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Assembling the Salad

– Ensure all ingredients are prepped beforehand: roasted sweet potatoes, vinaigrette, chopped apples, and other toppings.
– Layer greens as the base, followed by the hearty toppings like chicken, bacon, and roasted sweet potatoes.
– Drizzle the salad evenly with vinaigrette for full coverage of flavor.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and use it as a substitute for the seared or baked chicken.

How can I make the salad vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken and bacon with roasted chickpeas, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add more hearty vegetables like roasted cauliflower or butternut squash.

What type of apple works best in this recipe?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji are ideal choices for this salad. Their firmness and sweetness balance well with the savory flavors in the dish.

What is the best way to roast sweet potatoes?

Dice sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking. Toss with olive oil, salt, and desired seasonings, then spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prep individual components like roasted sweet potatoes, cooked chicken, and dressing up to two days in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and assemble the salad right before serving.

Can I use a different dressing instead of a vinaigrette?

Certainly, a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese works well with the flavors of this salad. However, a tangy vinaigrette allows the freshness of the ingredients to shine. Experiment to see what you prefer.

Conclusion

This Harvest Chicken Cobb Salad is a wholesome and delicious take on a classic cobb salad, combining fresh, seasonal ingredients to deliver robust flavors and hearty textures in every bite. It’s versatile enough to serve as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for hosting, making it a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their salad game.

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