Classic Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken Recipe: Hearty and Healthy
Craving a hearty, satisfying salad that's a full meal on its own? This Classic Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken has it all: juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese crumbles on a bed of fresh greens. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
Why You'll Love This Classic Cobb Salad
- Complete, protein-rich meal in a single bowl
- Balanced with healthy fats, greens, and lean protein
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for meal prep or entertaining
Ingredients
Serves 2-3
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed salad greens
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Prepare the Salad Base: Arrange chopped greens evenly on a large platter or in individual bowls.
- Add Toppings: Neatly arrange sliced chicken, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese over the greens.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle with the dressing before serving. Season with extra salt and pepper if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese.
- Add sliced cucumbers or roasted corn for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: Lean protein for muscle health and satiety.
- Avocado: Healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber.
- Eggs: Complete protein and essential nutrients.
- Greens: Low-calorie base rich in vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve and store the components in airtight containers in the fridge.
Q2: How long does it keep?
Fully assembled (without dressing), it lasts about 2 days in the refrigerator. For best freshness, store ingredients separately.
Q3: Can I use different greens?
Absolutely. Romaine, butter lettuce, spinach, or a spring mix all work well.
Meal Prep Tips
- Grill extra chicken in advance for quick lunches.
- Store chopped salad greens in a container with a paper towel to keep them crisp.
- Keep dressing in a small jar for easy pouring at mealtime.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken is a filling, balanced, and visually stunning meal that's easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Packed with bold flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s the kind of salad that will have everyone asking for seconds.