Homemade Cobb Salad

Short Description

A classic Cobb salad featuring seasoned chicken breast, crisp romaine, hard‑boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette—layered for visual appeal and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-protein and nutrient-rich, with chicken, eggs, and fresh produce
• Bold flavors from the simple seasoning blend—works great beyond just this recipe
• Creamy, balanced vinaigrette that ties everything together
• Beautiful presentation, whether on a platter or served family-style
• Versatile components—makes extra for meal prep or topping bowls

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad

• 10–12 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 avocados, sliced
• 4 boiled eggs, quartered
• 3 tablespoons sliced chives
• 4 oz blue cheese crumbles

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Set aside or refrigerate if making ahead.

Cook the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
2. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add seasoned chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Boil the Eggs (If Needed)

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water by about 1 inch.
2. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 9 minutes for softer yolks or 12 for fully set yolks.
3. Drain, cool in ice water or under cold water, peel, and quarter.

Assemble the Cobb Salad

1. Place chopped romaine in a large bowl or platter.
2. Lightly toss lettuce with a few spoonfuls of dressing.
3. Arrange rows across the top of the salad: sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, quartered eggs, blue cheese crumbles, and chives.
4. Drizzle more dressing on top or serve on the side.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: Serves about 4 people as a main salad
• Prep Time: ~15 minutes (includes chopping and boiling eggs)
• Cook Time: ~10–12 minutes to cook chicken
• Total Time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

• Substitute proteins: Use grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or tofu in place of chicken
• Greens variety: Mix romaine with baby spinach or butter lettuce for added texture
• Cheese alternatives: Try feta, goat cheese, or shaved Pecorino
• Add crunch: Toss in sliced almonds, pepitas, or crispy bacon
• Different dressings: Swap the honey mustard vinaigrette for balsamic vinaigrette or creamy ranch

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Keep salad components in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Assemble fresh before serving to preserve crunch and color.
• Leftover chicken and dressing can be saved for lunch bowls or sandwiches.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

Yes—you can use rotisserie chicken or leftovers. Slice or shred before assembling.

2. How Do I Keep Avocado From Browning?

Toss avocado slices with a little lemon or lime juice to slow oxidation.

3. Can I Make the Dressing Ahead?

Absolutely—make up to a week in advance and refrigerate in a jar with a tight lid.

4. Is This Gluten-Free?

Yes—ensure chicken seasoning and dressings are gluten-free, but all main ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I Skip the Eggs?

Yes—the salad will still be delicious without eggs if you prefer to omit them.

6. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Yes—feel free to use feta, goat, or grated Parmesan instead of blue cheese.

7. How Can I Portion This for Meal Prep?

Store ingredients separately in jars or containers and assemble the day you plan to eat it.

8. What If I Don’t Like Blue Cheese?

You can replace it with shredded Cheddar, goat cheese, or omit cheese altogether.

9. Can I Use Other Lettuce Types?

Yes—iceberg, romaine hearts, or baby greens can work well in place of chopped romaine.

10. What Goes Well with This Salad?

Serve with crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or soups—especially tomato or roasted squash soup.

Conclusion

This Homemade Cobb Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare yet luxuriously layered. From seasoned chicken and creamy avocado to tangy dressing and colorful produce, every bite offers texture and flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches, it’s a beautiful and wholesome way to eat well.

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