Healthy Summer Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

This healthy chicken cobb salad is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a fresh, satisfying, and clean-eating meal.

It’s packed with vibrant ingredients and offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

Whether you follow a paleo diet or simply want a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare, this recipe delivers. It’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce and lean protein, keeping you fueled and feeling great without sacrificing taste.

Healthy Chicken Cobb Salad with Paleo Vinaigrette

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• Total Time: 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This healthy chicken cobb salad is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a fresh, satisfying, and clean-eating meal. It’s packed with vibrant ingredients and offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. Whether you follow a paleo diet or simply want a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare, this recipe delivers. It’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce and lean protein, keeping you fueled and feeling great without sacrificing taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, butter lettuce, or spring mix)

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

1 avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (ensure it’s paleo-friendly, without added sugar)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. Set aside. The dressing should look slightly creamy and uniform.

2. Arrange the Greens: Divide the mixed greens evenly among two large plates or shallow bowls. This forms the base of your salad.

3. Layer the Chicken: Neatly arrange the shredded or diced cooked chicken breast over the mixed greens on each plate. You want an even distribution so every bite gets some protein.

4. Add the Bacon and Eggs: Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon over the chicken. Then, carefully place the quartered hard-boiled eggs around the edges of the salad, creating a nice visual border.

5. Distribute the Vegetables: Artfully arrange the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion in distinct rows or sections on top of the greens, chicken, bacon, and eggs. The goal is to create a colorful and appealing presentation, much like a traditional cobb salad.

6. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared paleo vinaigrette generously over each salad just before serving. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: no cook
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad

Keywords: cobb salad, chicken salad, paleo, healthy, clean eating, lunch, dinner, salad, easy, meal prep

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This healthy chicken cobb salad is a true winner for busy individuals and families alike. It’s incredibly quick to assemble, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution when you’re short on time but still want something nutritious. It’s also perfect for meal prepping, as many of the components can be prepared in advance. This recipe caters to those who appreciate fresh, whole ingredients and are looking for a satisfying meal that aligns with a paleo or clean-eating lifestyle. It’s versatile enough for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a beautiful addition to a potluck or picnic spread. The combination of tender chicken, crisp greens, creamy avocado, and savory bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this healthy chicken cobb salad is straightforward, focusing on fresh produce and lean protein. Most items are readily available at any grocery store, ensuring a stress-free shopping experience. The beauty of a salad like this is its flexibility, allowing for simple substitutions if you have dietary preferences or simply want to use what you have on hand.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, butter lettuce, or spring mix)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (ensure it’s paleo-friendly, without added sugar)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap out the chicken for other cooked proteins like turkey breast or even grilled salmon if you prefer. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, any ripe tomato diced will work just as well. For the greens, feel free to use your favorite blend or whatever is freshest at the market. When choosing Dijon mustard, always check the label to ensure it aligns with paleo guidelines, as some brands contain added sugars or non-paleo ingredients. If you can’t find paleo-friendly Dijon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a nice tang to the vinaigrette.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, dicing avocado, and preparing the dressing. If your chicken and hard-boiled eggs are already cooked, this time will be closer to 15 minutes.)
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken and bacon are pre-cooked; if cooking fresh, add 10-15 minutes for chicken and 8-10 minutes for bacon)
• Total Time: 15-20 minutes

The total time is wonderfully short, especially if you’ve done a bit of meal prep beforehand, such as cooking your chicken and bacon earlier in the week. This makes it a genuinely fast and family-friendly meal.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this healthy chicken cobb salad is a breeze, and following these steps will ensure a delicious and beautifully presented meal.

1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. Set aside. The dressing should look slightly creamy and uniform.
2. Arrange the Greens: Divide the mixed greens evenly among two large plates or shallow bowls. This forms the base of your salad.
3. Layer the Chicken: Neatly arrange the shredded or diced cooked chicken breast over the mixed greens on each plate. You want an even distribution so every bite gets some protein.
4. Add the Bacon and Eggs: Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon over the chicken. Then, carefully place the quartered hard-boiled eggs around the edges of the salad, creating a nice visual border.
5. Distribute the Vegetables: Artfully arrange the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion in distinct rows or sections on top of the greens, chicken, bacon, and eggs. The goal is to create a colorful and appealing presentation, much like a traditional cobb salad.
6. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared paleo vinaigrette generously over each salad just before serving. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This healthy chicken cobb salad is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous adaptations to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you might serve the components deconstructed on a plate, letting them pick and choose what they want to eat. Small bowls of diced chicken, avocado, cucumber, and a few cherry tomatoes can be very appealing to younger eaters. You can also offer a milder dressing or simply a squeeze of lemon juice for them.

If you’re looking to bulk up the salad for a heartier meal, consider adding some roasted sweet potato cubes or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrients (ensure they fit your dietary needs). For a different flavor profile, try swapping the chicken for grilled steak or even shrimp. You could also introduce other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, corn (if not strictly paleo), or blanched green beans.

This salad is fantastic for parties or buffets. Instead of individual plates, arrange all the components beautifully on a large platter, allowing guests to build their own salads. Offer the dressing on the side in a small pitcher. Optional toppings that can elevate the experience include a sprinkle of fresh dill, a dash of smoked paprika on the chicken, or even a few olives if you enjoy them. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the vinaigrette.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a seemingly simple salad, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Being aware of these can help you achieve a perfect healthy chicken cobb salad every time.

One frequent slip-up is over-dressing the salad. While the paleo vinaigrette is delicious, too much can make the greens soggy and overpower the fresh flavors of the other ingredients. Always start with a light drizzle and add more if needed. It’s better to have too little than too much.

Another mistake is dressing the salad too far in advance. If you dress the salad more than 15-20 minutes before serving, especially if it contains delicate greens like butter lettuce, it will become wilted and unappetizing. Always add the dressing just before you plan to eat.

Using under-ripe or over-ripe avocados can also detract from the salad. An under-ripe avocado will be hard and flavorless, while an over-ripe one can be mushy and brown. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed.

Finally, not properly seasoning your chicken or bacon can lead to a bland salad. Ensure your cooked chicken is seasoned well, and the bacon is cooked until perfectly crisp, not chewy or burnt. These components contribute significantly to the overall flavor profile.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This healthy chicken cobb salad is excellent for meal prep, but proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and texture. The best approach for making it ahead is to store the components separately.

• Greens: Wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. Store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the refrigerator. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture, keeping the greens crisp for 3-5 days.
• Cooked Chicken and Bacon: Store cooked and cooled chicken and crumbled bacon in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Peeled hard-boiled eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Chopped Vegetables: Dice your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion and store them in separate airtight containers. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
• Avocado: Avocado is best diced just before serving to prevent browning. If you must prep it, toss the diced avocado with a little lemon or lime juice

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.