Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Quick & Fresh Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Culinary magic happens when you toss a vibrant grilled chicken cobb salad onto your plate, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Crisp romaine leaves cradle tender chicken pieces, nestled alongside creamy avocado chunks.

Crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy punch that dances across your palate.

Crispy bacon bits provide a salty crunch that complements the grilled meat perfectly.

Fresh hard-boiled eggs scatter color and protein throughout this delightful dish.

Juicy cherry tomatoes burst with summer sweetness, making each bite a refreshing experience.

Discover why this salad isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients waiting to excite you.

Why Cobb Salad Gets a Grilled Chicken Upgrade

  • Boost Protein Power: Pack your plate with lean grilled chicken and crispy bacon, delivering a high-protein meal that keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
  • Master Easy Grilling: Achieve restaurant-quality chicken with simple seasoning and foolproof grilling technique, perfect for home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated steps.
  • Create Colorful Nutrition: Combine vibrant ingredients like red onions, cherry tomatoes, and green avocado for a visually stunning salad that delivers multiple nutrients in every colorful bite.
  • Quick Customizable Meal: Swap ingredients based on preferences, making this Cobb salad adaptable for different dietary needs and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

What You’ll Need for Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source for the salad.
  • Bacon: A crispy and flavorful protein that adds richness to the dish.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: A classic Cobb salad ingredient that provides additional protein and creamy texture.
Fresh Vegetables and Greens:
  • Mixed Greens: A nutritious base that creates a fresh foundation for the salad.
  • Avocado: A creamy and buttery ingredient that adds healthy fats and smooth texture.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Bright and juicy elements that provide a burst of freshness.
  • Cucumber: A crisp vegetable that adds light and refreshing crunch.
  • Red Onion: A sharp and tangy ingredient that introduces a zesty flavor.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy oil used to brush the chicken and enhance its flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a savory and aromatic seasoning for the chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley: A vibrant herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the salad.

How to Assemble Your Chicken Cobb Plate

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat to get ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

Lovingly coat chicken breasts with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Grill To Perfection

Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy results.

Step 4: Craft The Salad Base

While the chicken sizzles, create a colorful salad foundation using:
  • Mixed greens
  • Creamy avocado slices
  • Crisp cucumber
  • Tangy red onion
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Soft boiled eggs
  • Bright cherry tomatoes

Arrange these ingredients artfully on a large plate or in a spacious salad bowl.

Step 5: Slice And Top

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, let it rest for a moment, then slice it into thin, elegant strips.

Carefully place the warm chicken strips atop the prepared salad.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the salad for a burst of herbal freshness.

Drizzle with your favorite paleo-friendly dressing and serve immediately.

Smart Tips for Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Success

  • Marinate chicken for extra flavor by letting it sit in seasoning for 30 minutes before grilling, enhancing taste and tenderness.
  • Check chicken doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooked or dry meat.
  • Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for lower-fat version, making the salad more diet-friendly and adaptable.
  • Grill vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers alongside chicken for added smoky flavor and nutritional boost.
  • Prepare eggs in advance and store in refrigerator to save time during meal preparation, streamlining the cooking process.

Chicken Cobb Salad—Fresh Takes to Try

  • Mediterranean Fusion: Replace bacon with grilled halloumi cheese, add kalamata olives, and drizzle with lemon-herb vinaigrette for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Coat chicken with chili powder and cumin, top salad with roasted corn, black beans, and cilantro-lime dressing for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Asian Inspired Cobb: Marinate chicken in soy sauce and ginger, add mandarin orange segments, crispy wonton strips, and sesame-ginger dressing for an oriental flair.
  • Ranch Lovers Cobb: Season chicken with ranch seasoning mix, double the bacon, add extra hard-boiled eggs, and use homemade ranch dressing as the final touch.

What to Serve With Chicken Cobb Salad

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pairing Recommendations
  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the grilled chicken's smoky notes and cut through the salad's rich bacon and creamy avocado elements.
  • Refreshing Beverage Boost: Sparkling water with fresh lemon or cucumber slices offers a light, palate-cleansing option that enhances the salad's fresh ingredients without overwhelming delicate flavors.
  • Bold Herbal Cocktail Match: A gin-based cocktail with muddled herbs like basil or thyme creates an exciting flavor profile that mirrors the salad's fresh parsley garnish and grilled chicken seasonings.

Storing Chicken Cobb Salad the Smart Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled chicken Cobb salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
  • Separate Storage: Divide chicken, eggs, bacon, and vegetables into individual containers to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Microwave Reheating: Warm chicken separately for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add cold ingredients after heating to preserve texture and prevent wilting.
  • Cold Serving: Enjoy salad components straight from the refrigerator for a quick, refreshing meal without reheating, ideal for lunch or quick dinner.

Questions About Chicken Cobb Salad, Answered

  • What ingredients make this Cobb salad paleo-friendly?

This salad uses whole food ingredients like fresh vegetables, grilled chicken, and avocado without processed additives, following paleo diet principles of clean eating and nutrient-dense foods.

  • How can I ensure my chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat without being dry or undercooked.

  • Can I prepare the salad components in advance?

Yes, you can chop vegetables, cook bacon, and boil eggs ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator to quickly assemble the salad when ready to serve.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Loaded with crisp greens and succulent grilled chicken cobb salad, this hearty dish brings classic American flavors to your table. Creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and smoky bacon combine for a protein-packed meal that satisfies you completely.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 boiled eggs, sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (paleo-friendly)

Vegetables and Greens:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Seasoning and Oil:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) for optimal chicken cooking.
  2. Coat chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for robust flavor.
  3. Position chicken on preheated grill grates and cook approximately 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for complete doneness.
  4. During grilling, create a vibrant salad base by layering mixed greens across a large serving platter.
  5. Strategically arrange sliced avocado, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, crispy crumbled bacon, halved boiled eggs, and halved cherry tomatoes over the greens.
  6. Remove perfectly grilled chicken from heat and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing into thin, diagonal strips.
  7. Carefully distribute grilled chicken strips across the prepared salad.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added brightness and color.
  9. Drizzle with preferred paleo-friendly dressing just before serving to maintain salad’s crisp texture.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a delicious crispy exterior.
  • Experiment with different herb blends like thyme or rosemary for varied flavor profiles without changing core recipe.
  • Consider using a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness and prevent overcooking chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star