What are the ingredients of a Cobb salad?

A traditional Cobb salad consists of chopped romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese , served with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing.

Are grilled chicken salads healthy?

Yes! A grilled chicken Cobb salad is high in protein, rich in fiber, and packed with healthy fats . Using fresh, unprocessed ingredients and a homemade dressing makes it even healthier.

Why do they call it a Cobb salad?

The dish was created by Robert Cobb , owner of the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant , in the 1930s. It quickly became a favorite and has remained a classic American salad .

What does "cob" mean in a salad?

It doesn’t stand for anything specific—it's simply named after Robert Cobb , the salad’s inventor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! To keep it fresh: Store ingredients separately in airtight containers. Add avocado and dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess .

How do I keep grilled chicken juicy for my salad?

To prevent dry chicken: Marinate it for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Cook at medium-high heat and avoid overcooking (use a meat thermometer). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.

What dressing pairs best with Cobb salad?

The most common options include classic vinaigrette, creamy blue cheese, or a homemade lemon-garlic dressing .

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad: A Nutritious & Delicious Meal Idea

Description

This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a hearty, protein-packed salad featuring juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables, all tossed together with a tangy homemade dressing. It’s a delicious, healthy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can be made in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1 avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup blue cheese crumbles (or feta for a milder option)
½ cup cucumber, diced (optional)
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat a grill (or stovetop grill pan) to medium-high heat.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

Arrange the mixed greens in a large salad bowl or platter.
Top with sliced grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, cucumber, and red onion.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently before serving.

Notes

Meal Prep Friendly: Store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
Dressing Swap: Try ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or blue cheese dressing for different flavors.
Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g