Description
A Nutritious Recipe for Every Meal
This Classic Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken and Avocado is a flavorful and satisfying meal loaded with fresh greens, juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese. Topped with a light vinaigrette, it’s a protein-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- Grilled Chicken Breast – 1 large (about 6 oz), seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil
- Avocado – 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
- Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce – 2 cups, washed and chopped
- Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – 2 large, peeled and sliced
- Crispy Bacon – 2 slices, crumbled
- Blue Cheese – ¼ cup, crumbled (substitute with feta or goat cheese if desired)
- Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing – 3-4 tablespoons, or dressing of choice (ranch, blue cheese, balsamic)
- Optional Add-ons – Sliced cucumbers, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots for added crunch and color
Instructions
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken and Avocado
Step 1: Grill the Chicken
- Preparation: Season your chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil.
- Grilling: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Resting: We let the chicken rest for 5 – 10 minutes, then cut it into slices.
Step 2: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Boiling: Place the eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 10 minutes for a firm yolk.
- Cooling: In an ice bath, peel the eggs into rounds for the salad.
Step 3: Chop and Arrange the Vegetables
- Leafy Greens: Wash, dry, and chop your lettuce base, arranging it as the first layer.
- Tomatoes and Avocado: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and the avocado into cubes or slices. Arrange them in rows or clusters for a beautiful presentation.
4: Cheese
- Blue Cheese: Crumble blue cheese over the salad or substitute with your preferred cheese.
5: Add Dressing and Serve
- Dressing: Whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce for a homemade Cobb salad dressing. Drizzle just before serving.
- Serving: Toss the salad gently if you prefer a mixed presentation, or serve as is with toppings displayed in rows.
Notes
Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken and Avocado and Health Benefits
High in Protein
The combination of grilled chicken and hard-boiled eggs makes this Cobb salad an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy. Protein also plays a crucial role in satiety, helping you feel full and satisfied after your meal.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado and olive oil in the dressing provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which benefit heart health and reduce harmful cholesterol levels. Healthy fats are also crucial for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, making this salad balanced.
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals
leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and eggs, every ingredient in this salad contributes various vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes’ Vitamin C boosts immunity, while leafy greens offer iron and folate for improved energy levels and cellular function.
Good Source of Fiber
The leafy greens and avocado add fiber to the salad, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. A fibre-rich meal like this can be especially helpful in weight management and overall well-being.
Variations on Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken and Avocado
Vegetarian Cobb Salad
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken and bacon with chickpeas or tofu. Roasted chickpeas add crunch, while tofu provides plant-based protein, keeping the salad nutritious and satisfying.
Seafood Cobb Salad
Add shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Seafood provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-health benefits. Salmon, in particular, complements the creamy avocado and tangy dressing.
Spicy Cobb Salad
Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the dressing or salad for a spicy kick. Spicy food can boost metabolism and add a new layer of flavor to this classic salad.
Dairy-Free Cobb Salad
Substitute blue cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and opt for a vinaigrette without dairy ingredients. This version maintains the salad’s rich flavors while catering to those with lactose intolerance.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cobb Salad
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality produce for the best flavor and nutritional value.
- Season Well: Season the chicken and dressing well, as this brings out the ingredients’ flavours.
- Assemble Right Before Serving: To keep the ingredients crisp and the avocado fresh, assemble the salad before eating.
- Customize for Preferences: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences. The Cobb salad is highly versatile and works well with various substitutions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunche
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg