Ultimate Cobb Salad Supreme Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate meal salad that delivers on flavor, crunch, and color, you’re about to fall in love with this Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken. Packed with crisp greens, savory bacon, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, blue cheese, and more, it’s a hearty classic that’s always a hit at lunch or dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of a Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken is that it relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. Every component brings its own texture and taste, creating that irresistible combination we can’t get enough of!

• Bacon: Cooked until crispy, it adds rich, smoky flavor and irresistible crunch.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Grilled to juicy perfection, this is the unbeatable heart of the salad.
• Iceberg lettuce (or salad greens blend): Crisp, refreshing lettuce forms the perfect base and gives incredible crunch in every bite.
• Grape tomatoes: Sweet, juicy pops of color that brighten up the plate and balance the savoriness.
• Avocado: Perfectly ripe avocado lends creamy, buttery richness that ties everything together.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Sliced eggs add satisfying protein and a silky, tender texture.
• Blue cheese, crumbled: Tangy, sharp blue cheese offers a burst of flavor in every crumble; use more or less to taste!
• Ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing): Creamy dressing pulls the whole dish together—choose whichever matches your mood.

Variations

This Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to play with the toppings and dressings, or tweak it for your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Make it truly your own with these scrumptious twists!

• Swap the Protein: Try grilled shrimp or turkey breast for a fresh take—both are delicious and cook up in minutes.
• Go Meatless: Skip the chicken and bacon, and add chickpeas or grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian Cobb.
• Cheese Choices: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, substitute feta, sharp cheddar, or even goat cheese for a completely new flavor profile.
• Dress It Up: Change out the ranch or blue cheese dressing for honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a zippy green goddess sauce.

How to Make Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by baking your bacon strips on a foil-lined sheet pan at 425°F. It’s super simple and yields ultra-crispy slices without splatters on the stove! About 10–12 minutes is all you need, then drain them on a paper towel for that addictively crunchy finish we love in every Cobb salad.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

While the bacon crisps, season your chicken breast with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Grill it (or cook in a hot skillet) for 3–4 minutes per side until it’s lightly charred and the internal temp hits 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing—juicy chicken every time!

Step 3: Prep the Salad Base

Give your lettuce a good rinse, dry it thoroughly, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the greens on a large platter or bowl so you have plenty of space for all those toppings to shine.

Step 4: Assemble the Toppings

Slice the grape tomatoes in half, peel and slice the hard-boiled eggs, and cut your avocado into chunks. Then, slice or dice the rested chicken. Arrange everything in neat rows or sections across the lettuce you’ve just prepped—don’t forget the crumbled bacon and a generous sprinkle of blue cheese!

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Serve your Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side so everyone can pour just as much as they like. With all those flavors and textures, every bowl is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!

How to Serve Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle on some snipped fresh chives, a grind of black pepper, or extra blue cheese crumbles. A few radish slices or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds can add extra crunch and color to your Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken, making every plate absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad is a meal on its own, but it’s wonderful paired with a warm baguette, garlic bread, or crisp flatbread crackers. For something lighter, serve it alongside a cup of tomato soup or a smoothie for a complete, satisfying lunch or dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken in a shallow platter with each topping in colorful stripes or sections—a showstopping centerpiece for any gathering. For parties or meal prep, layer ingredients in mason jars for beautiful single-servings that travel well and look gorgeous at lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The undressed greens and toppings will stay crisp for up to 2 days, so your next meal will still taste fresh and delicious.

Freezing

Salads with fresh greens and avocado are best enjoyed fresh, so freezing isn’t recommended. However, you can freeze extra grilled chicken or cooked bacon for up to 2 months—just thaw and add to a new salad whenever you want a speedy meal.

Reheating

While you won’t reheat the full salad, you can gently rewarm the chicken and bacon in the microwave or a skillet before adding to your chilled greens. This contrast of warm and cool makes every bite of your Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken extra satisfying.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken is truly a celebration of great ingredients and big flavors. Whether you’re sharing it at your dinner table or prepping a vibrant lunch just for you, I promise it’ll leave you feeling satisfied and happy. Go ahead—give it a try, and let every bite brighten your day!

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