Chicken Cobb Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish full of a variety of textures and flavors. From the tender grilled chicken to the creamy avocado and tangy blue cheese, this salad is packed with everything you need for a satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a healthy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cobb Salad is light yet hearty, making it the perfect go-to salad for any time of the day. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese creates a deliciously balanced salad. This salad offers that rich, satisfying taste without the added fat. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep or a refreshing dinner.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., Romaine, spinach, or arugula)
1 avocado, sliced
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta cheese if preferred)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or cubes.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, arrange the mixed greens. Add the sliced avocado, sliced hard-boiled eggs, crumbled blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad: Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, or serve the dressing on the side.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 2-3 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes.
Total Time: 25 minutes.

Variations

Grilled Chicken: For a smokier flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken, and add chickpeas or roasted vegetables for protein.
Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute with feta, goat cheese, or cheddar.
Additional Veggies: Add extra veggies such as cucumber, bell peppers, or corn to the salad for added crunch and color.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to avoid wilting the salad.
Reheating: If you have leftover chicken, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding it back to the salad.

FAQs

1. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply slice it when ready to assemble the salad.

2. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, if you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought dressing like ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette.

3. Can I add other proteins to this salad?

Yes, you can add other proteins like grilled shrimp, steak, or even crispy tofu to customize the salad to your liking.

4. Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, to make the salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and add roasted chickpeas or other plant-based protein sources.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, if you prefer, you can swap blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or shredded mozzarella for a different flavor.

6. Can I make this salad in advance?

You can prep the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Add the dressing and chicken just before serving to keep everything fresh.

7. How can I make the dressing spicier?

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

8. How do I store the leftover dressing?

Store the leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using.

9. How do I make the salad gluten-free?

This salad is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to use a gluten-free dressing and check the label for any potential gluten in other ingredients.

Conclusion

Chicken Cobb Salad is a healthy, satisfying meal packed with flavor and texture. With the tender chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese, this salad offers a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this version of the classic Cobb Salad is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.