If you’re craving a salad that feels like a full, satisfying meal yet keeps things fresh and vibrant, you have to try this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of juicy, smoky grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a bright homemade vinaigrette that ties everything together beautifully. This salad bursts with colors and textures that make every bite exciting, and it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it an ideal lunch or light dinner that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture—from the tender grilled chicken to the crisp greens and the creamy, tangy accents.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that brings smokiness and juice when grilled just right.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to keep the chicken moist and add a smooth richness when grilled.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the grilled chicken.
- 4 cups mixed greens: A fresh and colorful base that offers crunch and vitamin-packed goodness.
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced: Juicy and slightly sweet, providing brightness and color contrast.
- 1 avocado, diced: Creamy texture that balances the salad’s crisp components.
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced: Adds protein and a subtle richness that’s a Cobb salad hallmark.
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled: Offers a tangy, creamy punch that lifts the whole dish.
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds irresistible smokiness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Sharpness and crunch to keep the salad lively.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: The acidic element to brighten the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle zing and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Smooth texture and richness that carries the dressing flavors.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar’s acidity.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill and Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, as this helps to lock in the juices while giving the chicken a beautiful char. Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper for that perfectly balanced flavor base.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Place the prepared chicken breasts on the hot grill. Let them cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. The goal is an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring the chicken is juicy and safe to eat. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest. Resting helps keep all the delicious juices locked in and guarantees tender bites.
Step 3: Prep the Salad Ingredients
While your chicken is resting, it’s time to prepare the fresh elements of the salad. Give the mixed greens a thorough rinse and dry them well so they stay crisp. Next, dice the ripe tomatoes and avocado, slice your hard-boiled eggs, crumble the blue cheese, and thinly slice the red onion. Each ingredient brings its own texture and flavor note, making every mouthful interesting.
Step 4: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
Fry the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they’re delightfully crispy. Once done, let them cool slightly before crumbling them into bite-sized pieces. This smoky crunch is key to the overall experience of the salad.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, toss together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and honey. Whisk or shake until everything is fully emulsified. This dressing is bright and slightly sweet, perfect to complement the rich ingredients in the salad.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
Slice your rested grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the prepared salad ingredients. Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the entire salad and toss gently, just enough to coat everything without bruising the greens or avocado.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of warm chicken and fresh, crisp veggies. You’ll love how every ingredient shines in this classic yet approachable dish.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, consider adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of color and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of extra crumbled blue cheese or chopped nuts like toasted pecans also adds texture and makes the salad feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a light soup, or a refreshing iced tea. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes or grilled corn on the cob to complement the smoky chicken notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the salad ingredients in neat rows or sections on a large platter before drizzling the dressing. Another fun idea is to serve it layered in a clear glass bowl so all those vibrant colors and textures are on full display invitingly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the salad components without the dressing to maintain freshness, and add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe because fresh vegetables and avocado don’t freeze well and can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy leftovers that include chicken, simply reheat the grilled chicken slices gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat. Reheat only the chicken, and then toss with fresh salad ingredients and dressing for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While blue cheese is traditional and adds a nice tang, you can substitute feta or goat cheese for a milder but flavorful option that still complements the other ingredients beautifully.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for this salad?
Cooking bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy is ideal because it renders the fat evenly and achieves that perfect crunch. You can also bake bacon in the oven on a foil-lined tray for easier clean-up if you prefer.
Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Is it possible to make this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. You can skip the chicken and bacon, then add hearty ingredients like grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted chickpeas to maintain a satisfying texture and protein content.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. It’s fresh, flavorful, and quick enough to whip up on any weeknight while still feeling special. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy all its vibrant, delicious layers just as much as I do!
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Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and hearty Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad featuring perfectly grilled chicken breasts, fresh mixed greens, diced tomatoes and avocado, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, blue cheese, and a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette. This salad is a balanced meal combining protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken.
- Brush Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with one tablespoon of olive oil to keep them moist during grilling.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of black pepper for basic but flavorful seasoning.
- Grill Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender.
- Prepare Salad Base: While the chicken is resting, wash and dry the mixed greens and place them into a large salad bowl.
- Add Vegetables: Dice the tomatoes and avocado, then add them to the greens in the bowl for fresh texture and flavor.
- Add Eggs: Peel and slice the hard-boiled eggs, then arrange the slices on top of the salad mixture.
- Add Cheese: Crumble the blue cheese and sprinkle it over the salad for a creamy and tangy element.
- Cook Bacon: Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess fat, crumble the bacon, and add it to the salad.
- Add Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad for a sharp, zesty contrast.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and honey in a small bowl or jar until well combined to create a balanced, flavorful vinaigrette.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the rested grilled chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and add them to the salad bowl.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken Cobb salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and textures.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if preferred.
- Hard-boil the eggs the day before to save time during meal prep.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to taste or serve on the side for guests.
- For a lower fat option, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
