Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

A Hearty and Flavorful Classic

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a delicious, protein-packed meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. It has everything you could want in a salad—juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, and tangy blue cheese. Tossed together with your favorite dressing, this salad is satisfying and full of flavor.

What makes this recipe special is how well-balanced it is. You get a mix of textures and tastes in every bite—crunchy lettuce, tender chicken, rich avocado, and smoky bacon.

It’s also a great option for meal prep since all the ingredients can be made ahead of time and assembled when you’re ready to eat. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be customized to fit your dietary needs.

I love making this salad because it’s quick and easy to put together. If I have leftover grilled chicken, it takes just a few minutes to chop everything and toss it in a bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want a healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

It also works well for entertaining—serve it on a big platter, and guests can build their plates with their favorite toppings.

Another reason this salad is a favorite in my home is that it’s filling enough to be a complete meal. Unlike some salads that leave you hungry an hour later, this one has enough protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied.

Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal after a workout, a light summer dinner, or a dish that everyone at the table will enjoy, this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a fantastic choice.

About Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Cobb salad is a classic American dish that dates back to the 1930s. It was originally made with chopped greens, cold chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, blue cheese, and avocado, all arranged in neat rows on a plate. What makes this version special is the grilled chicken—it adds a smoky, slightly charred flavor that takes the salad to the next level.

Unlike traditional Cobb salads, which often use rotisserie or roasted chicken, this version brings in a fresh, summery taste with grilled chicken. It’s also easy to adapt—swap out the blue cheese for feta, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, or drizzle with ranch dressing instead of a vinaigrette. No matter how you make it, this salad is always a hit!

Why You’ll Love It

1. Packed with Flavor – Every bite is a mix of smoky grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy cheese, making this salad anything but boring.
2. Super Filling – With a generous amount of protein and healthy fats, this salad will keep you full for hours—no mid-afternoon snack cravings!
3. Quick and Easy – If you have pre-cooked chicken, you can put this salad together in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something fresh and homemade.
4. Customizable for Everyone – Don’t like blue cheese? Swap it out. Want a different dressing? No problem! This salad is easy to adjust to your taste.
5. Great for Meal Prep – You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat, making it a great option for lunches or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

• Grilled Chicken – If you don’t have time to grill fresh chicken, rotisserie chicken works great too! But grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor that makes this salad extra delicious.
• Bacon – Thick-cut bacon gives the best crispy texture, but turkey bacon is a great lighter option.
• Dressing – Red wine vinegar gives a nice tang, but you can swap it for balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste.
• Cheese – Blue cheese is the classic choice, but if it’s too strong for your taste, feta or shredded cheddar work well too.
• Avocado – Make sure to use a ripe one! A perfectly soft avocado adds a creamy texture that ties everything together.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Grill or Grill Pan – For cooking the chicken and adding that delicious smoky flavor. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well!
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – Essential for chopping lettuce, slicing chicken, and dicing avocado. A good-quality knife makes prep so much easier!
• Mixing Bowl – For whisking together the dressing ingredients. A small bowl works best for easy mixing.
• Whisk or Fork – Helps blend the dressing smoothly so all the flavors combine perfectly.
• Tongs – Great for tossing the salad without crushing delicate ingredients like avocado.
• Salad Bowl or Large Platter – A wide bowl or platter makes it easy to arrange all the toppings beautifully before serving.

I love using my OXO Salad Spinner to wash and dry lettuce quickly—it keeps the greens crisp and fresh! If you’re grilling indoors, a Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan gives the best sear on chicken without needing an outdoor grill.

Instructions

Step 1: Grill the Chicken (10-12 minutes)

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
3. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest keeps the chicken juicy!

Pro Tip: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon (8-10 minutes)

1. While the chicken is grilling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
2. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble once cooled.

Pro Tip: For easy cleanup, bake the bacon at 400°F for 15 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Make the Dressing (5 minutes)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad (5 minutes)

1. In a large bowl or serving platter, arrange the chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
2. Neatly place the sliced grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, and red onions on top.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.

Pro Tip: If making this salad ahead of time, wait to add the avocado and dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Toss everything together gently or serve as a composed salad with toppings arranged beautifully.
• Pair with a slice of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Now dig in and enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Marinate for More Flavor – If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before grilling. It makes the chicken extra juicy and flavorful!
• Crispy Bacon Hack – Bake bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F. This keeps it crispy and evenly cooked without the mess of frying.
• Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs – For easy-to-peel eggs, add a splash of vinegar to the boiling water and let them sit in an ice bath immediately after cooking.
• Keep Avocados Fresh – If you’re meal-prepping, drizzle a little lemon juice over diced avocado to prevent it from browning.
• Make it a Meal Prep Winner – Store everything separately in airtight containers and assemble just before eating. This keeps the ingredients fresh and crisp!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Cheese Swap – Not a fan of blue cheese? Try feta, goat cheese, shredded cheddar, or even Parmesan!
• Protein Variations – Swap grilled chicken for shrimp, steak, tofu, or even canned tuna for a fun twist.
• Greens Mix-Up – Use spinach, kale, or arugula instead of romaine for a different flavor and texture.
• Dressing Options – Not feeling the vinaigrette? Ranch, honey mustard, or a creamy avocado dressing works perfectly too.
• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Skip the tomatoes and onions, and use a sugar-free dressing for a keto version.

This salad is easy to customize, so feel free to mix things up and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side of Crusty Bread – A warm slice of sourdough or a baguette pairs perfectly with this salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
• As a Wrap – Toss the salad ingredients in a large tortilla with extra dressing for a delicious grilled chicken Cobb wrap. Great for lunches on the go!
• Alongside a Soup – Serve with a light soup like tomato basil or chicken vegetable for a cozy and balanced meal.
• For Brunch – Pair with a mimosa and some roasted potatoes for a fun brunch twist!
• As a Party Platter – Arrange the ingredients on a large serving board and let guests build their salads—it’s a great interactive meal for gatherings.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storing Leftovers – Keep all ingredients stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and the ingredients from getting soggy.
• Avocado Trick – If you have leftover avocado, store it with the pit and brush the cut side with lemon juice before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to slow browning.
• Reheating the Chicken – Warm grilled chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds. I like to splash a little water on it before microwaving to keep it from drying out!
• Crisping Up Bacon – If your bacon has gone soft in the fridge, pop it in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two to bring back the crispiness.
• Assembling Later? – If prepping for later, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

This salad is just as delicious the next day, so feel free to prep ahead and enjoy it all week!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds a fresh, tangy flavor, a good-quality bottled dressing like ranch, Caesar, or balsamic vinaigrette works just fine for convenience.

How do I keep my salad from getting soggy?

The key is to store everything separately! Keep the dressing in a small container and add it just before serving. Also, pat the lettuce dry after washing to prevent excess moisture.

Can I grill the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Grilled chicken can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just slice it before serving and warm it slightly if desired.

What’s the best way to make this salad vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and bacon, and add grilled tofu, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs for protein. A sprinkle of toasted nuts also adds great crunch!

Can I make this for a crowd?

Yes! Arrange the ingredients on a large platter so guests can serve themselves. It’s a great make-ahead option for potlucks or family gatherings.

What’s the best way to meal prep this salad?

Chop everything ahead of time and store it in separate containers. Assemble when ready to eat, adding the avocado and dressing lastly for freshness.

---

I’d love to hear how this turns out for you! Let me know in the comments—do you stick to the classic Cobb ingredients, or do you like to switch things up? Happy cooking!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!