The Cobb Salad is an all-time favorite for anyone looking for a balanced, satisfying meal. It’s packed with protein from chicken, eggs, and bacon, healthy fats from avocado, and a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables like romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this salad brings together a variety of textures and flavors in one bowl. Plus, the honey Dijon dressing adds a delicious sweet-tangy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 romaine heart, chopped
- 1 cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (or soft-boiled for a runny yolk)
- 2 pieces cooked bacon (turkey bacon can also be used)
- ¼ cup feta, crumbled or cubed
- ½ avocado, cubed
- 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Start by boiling a few eggs. Once boiled, peel them and set them aside to cool. You can make the eggs hard-boiled or soft-boiled, depending on your preference.
- Chop the greens: Chop up the romaine heart and place it in a large salad bowl. You can substitute romaine with baby spinach or other leafy greens if desired.
- Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon using your preferred method. For a healthier option, use turkey bacon. I recommend cooking the bacon in the air-fryer on the bacon setting, but it can also be fried in a pan or baked in the oven until crispy. Once done, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the chicken: Cook one small chicken breast with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can use an air fryer for convenience or cook it on the stove, in the oven, or grill it. Once cooked through, cube the chicken and place it in the center of the salad on top of the romaine.
- Add the toppings: Arrange the rest of the toppings on top of the lettuce—sliced hard-boiled eggs, crumbled feta, cubed avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion (if using).
- Make the dressing: In a small mason jar, combine the white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Cobb Salad!
Cooking Tips
- Protein variations: Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of cooking a fresh chicken breast.
- Make it vegetarian: You can easily adapt this salad to be vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon and adding more plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu.
- Air fryer tips: If you have an air fryer, you can use it to quickly cook both the bacon and chicken, reducing your overall cooking time.
- Egg preferences: For a richer, creamier texture, go for soft-boiled eggs with a runny yolk. For a more classic salad, stick with hard-boiled eggs.
- Cheese substitutes: You can swap feta with blue cheese for a stronger flavor, or use goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken helps with muscle growth and repair.
- Eggs: Eggs are nutrient-dense and offer high-quality protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, B12, and selenium.
- Avocado: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocado also provides fiber, potassium, and several vitamins.
- Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health and may help protect against cancer.
- Romaine lettuce: Low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins A and C, romaine is excellent for digestive and immune health.
- Bacon (or turkey bacon): Adds a savory crunch and a boost of protein, though it’s best to consume in moderation due to its sodium content.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Nutrition: This salad has the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and carbs, making it a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
- Customizable: You can swap or add ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, making it ideal for different tastes.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal cooking involved, this recipe is easy to put together, especially if you have pre-cooked chicken or bacon on hand.
- Delicious Dressing: The honey Dijon mustard dressing is simple yet flavorful, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the salad perfectly.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat. Perfect for busy days!
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Low-Carb: With its high protein and fat content, this salad is a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- Paleo-Friendly: By omitting the feta cheese or using a dairy-free substitute, this salad can easily be made paleo-compliant.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it for a dairy-free version of this salad.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cobb Salad works because it combines a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The creamy avocado balances the crispy bacon, the juicy tomatoes provide a fresh bite, and the feta adds a salty tang that ties everything together. The homemade honey Dijon dressing complements the flavors of the salad without overpowering them. It’s a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, making it an ideal dish for both casual meals and special occasions.
Conclusion
This Cobb Salad recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for a meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious and customizable. With its variety of textures and flavors, it offers a satisfying and complete meal that can be whipped up quickly. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the perfect balance of fresh veggies, protein, and creamy dressing all in one beautiful bowl!
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Classic Cobb Salad Recipe: A Nutritious and Flavorful Meal
- Total Time: 30mins
Description
The Cobb Salad is an all-time favorite for anyone looking for a balanced, satisfying meal. It’s packed with protein from chicken, eggs, and bacon, healthy fats from avocado, and a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables like romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this salad brings together a variety of textures and flavors in one bowl. Plus, the honey Dijon dressing adds a delicious sweet-tangy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 romaine heart, chopped
- 1 cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (or soft-boiled for a runny yolk)
- 2 pieces cooked bacon (turkey bacon can also be used)
- 1/4 cup feta, crumbled or cubed
- 1/2 avocado, cubed
- 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the eggs: Start by boiling a few eggs. Once boiled, peel them and set them aside to cool. You can make the eggs hard-boiled or soft-boiled, depending on your preference.
- Chop the greens: Chop up the romaine heart and place it in a large salad bowl. You can substitute romaine with baby spinach or other leafy greens if desired.
- Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon using your preferred method. For a healthier option, use turkey bacon. I recommend cooking the bacon in the air-fryer on the bacon setting, but it can also be fried in a pan or baked in the oven until crispy. Once done, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the chicken: Cook one small chicken breast with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can use an air fryer for convenience or cook it on the stove, in the oven, or grill it. Once cooked through, cube the chicken and place it in the center of the salad on top of the romaine.
- Add the toppings: Arrange the rest of the toppings on top of the lettuce—sliced hard-boiled eggs, crumbled feta, cubed avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion (if using).
- Make the dressing: In a small mason jar, combine the white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Cobb Salad!
- Prep Time: 20mins
- Cook Time: 10mins