Looking for a satisfying salad that eats like a meal? The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is your perfect solution! Bursting with flavor, texture, and nutrition, this hearty salad combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, creamy avocado, crunchy bacon, and rich blue cheese. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing lunch, this salad delivers every time. Let’s dive into how to make the perfect Cobb!
Why Choose a Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad?
A Meal-Worthy Salad for Any Occasion
The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is far from your average side salad. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
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High in protein: Grilled chicken, eggs, and bacon provide satisfying protein.
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Balanced flavors: Creamy, tangy, salty, smoky, and crisp in every bite.
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Customizable: Swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
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Quick and easy: Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, or simply looking for a wholesome, filling meal, this salad checks all the boxes.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
What You’ll Need
Here’s a classic lineup of ingredients for a traditional Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or a mix)
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4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
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2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
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1 avocado, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (or feta for a milder option)
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1/2 cup cucumber slices (optional for extra crunch)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Olive oil or your favorite salad dressing
For a Simple Dressing (Optional):
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Chicken
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
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Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Cook the Bacon and Eggs
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Bacon: Cook until crispy, drain on paper towels, then crumble.
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Eggs: Hard-boil, peel, and slice.
Assemble the Salad
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Arrange mixed greens in a large bowl or platter.
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Neatly arrange sliced grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and blue cheese on top.
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Drizzle with olive oil or your prepared dressing.
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Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
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Use freshly grilled chicken: It adds warm, juicy flavor.
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Mix up the greens: Romaine provides crunch, while arugula or spinach adds a peppery or mild flavor.
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Add seasonal veggies: Corn, radishes, or roasted peppers add color and texture.
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Serve dressing on the side: This keeps ingredients crisp and lets everyone adjust to taste.
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Meal prep tip: Grill extra chicken and hard-boil eggs in advance for quick assembly during the week.
Variations
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Low-carb: Skip the tomatoes and opt for extra avocado or cheese.
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Keto: Add more bacon and cheese, and use a high-fat dressing like ranch or blue cheese.
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Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
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Vegetarian: Swap grilled chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Flavor Boosters
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Add roasted corn for a Southwest twist.
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Swap blue cheese for goat cheese or feta.
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Drizzle with honey mustard or creamy avocado dressing.
Why Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Is Great for Meal Prep
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Stay fresh ingredients: Chicken, eggs, and bacon can be prepped in advance.
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Easy to assemble: Store ingredients separately and build your bowl when ready to eat.
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Perfect for lunchboxes: Just pack dressing on the side to keep greens crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a traditional Cobb salad made of?
A classic Cobb salad typically includes greens, grilled or roasted chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese, all arranged beautifully and served with a vinaigrette or creamy dressing.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe and adds a delicious flavor. Just shred or slice and add to your salad.
3. How long does Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad last in the fridge?
When stored in separate containers (greens, toppings, dressing), the ingredients will last up to 3–4 days. Assemble just before serving for the freshest result.
4. What type of dressing goes best with Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad?
A red wine vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, blue cheese dressing, ranch, or even a lemony olive oil dressing all pair wonderfully with this salad.
5. Is Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad gluten-free?
Yes — all the classic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check store-bought dressings or bacon for hidden gluten if needed.
Conclusion: Repertoire!
The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is the ultimate meal-worthy salad — packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as an easy weeknight dinner, this satisfying dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
