Classic Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken & Avocado

A protein-packed, restaurant-quality Cobb salad that’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Raw ingredients for cobb salad arranged in modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash, wooden utensils, and cream-colored ceramic bowls

Key Info

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Difficulty: Moderate
Diet: Gluten-free, Low-carb

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife and cutting board
Grill pan or skillet
Small saucepan

Alternative: Use rotisserie chicken to skip cooking equipment.

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
4 large eggs
6 bacon strips
3 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1-2 ripe avocados, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta)

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Grilled chicken with visible grill marks on a wooden cutting board, halved hard-boiled eggs with golden centers, and crispy bacon strips in a modern kitchen with white marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, green tile backsplash, and warm, earthy color grading

Method

1. Start with the Eggs

Place eggs in cold water, bring to boil, cook 10 minutes, then ice bath.

2. Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Grill or pan-fry until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 6-8 mins per side).

3. Prepare the Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy (6-8 minutes).

Drain on paper towels, then crumble.

Prep stage in modern kitchen with ingredients for a salad including sliced chicken, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, and avocado in clear bowls on a white marble countertop.

4. Make the Dressing

Whisk all dressing ingredients until emulsified.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Freshly made golden dressing in a glass jar being whisked in a modern kitchen with white marble countertops, stainless steel appliances and green subway tile backsplash

5. Assemble

Layer chopped lettuce as base.
Arrange in rows: sliced chicken, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, cheese.
Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

Modern kitchen with cobb salad in large white bowl on marble countertop, shot in natural daylight

Crucial Tips

Don’t Skip: Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Temperature Matters: Room temp ingredients blend better.
Prep Ahead: Cook chicken and eggs up to 2 days ahead.
Assembly Order: Add avocado last to prevent browning.

Storage & Scaling

Store components separately up to 3 days.
Double recipe easily for larger groups.
Keep dressing separate until serving.

Common Mistakes

Overcooking the eggs (avoid green yolks).
Not drying lettuce thoroughly.
Adding dressing too early.

Variations

Keto: Skip honey in dressing.
Dairy-free: Omit cheese.
Time-saver: Use rotisserie chicken.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled mushrooms.

Store assembled salad without dressing up to 24 hours. Quick-chill ingredients before assembly for best results.