Name: Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 cups mixed greens; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese; For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:; 1 ripe avocado; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise; 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk; 1 tablespoon fresh dill; 1 clove garlic, minced; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch 🥗🥑🍗 — A Healthy and Flavorful Classic American Salad for Any Occasion

1. Introduction

If you’re seeking a healthy lunch option that combines fresh ingredients with irresistible flavors, look no further than the Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch. This classic American salad offers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and crisp vegetables, making it a popular choice for both nutritious dieting and satisfying meals. Ideal for those who want a cobb salad recipe that delivers on taste and health, this dish is easy to customize and quick to prepare. Whether you’re planning a outdoor picnic, a quick lunch, or a hearty dinner, this cobb salad recipe will be your new go-to.

2. Ingredients for the Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups mixed greens
1 ripe avocado, sliced
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
1 tablespoon fresh dill
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

3. How to Prepare the Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch

Bold>1. Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-fry them until fully cooked and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes per side. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or cubes. For additional flavor options, check out our slow cooker chicken recipe.

2. Prepare the Avocado Ranch Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings to taste. This avocado ranch dressing perfectly complements the salad’s flavors and adds a healthy, creamy touch.

3. Assemble the Salad

Lay a bed of mixed greens on a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange slices of cooked chicken, avocado, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and cheese over the greens. Drizzle generously with the rich avocado ranch dressing and toss lightly if desired, or serve with the dressing on the side for a customizable experience.

4. Tips for Making the Perfect Cobb Salad

Use fresh, ripe ingredients to enhance flavor
Alter the salad toppings based on your preferences or availability
Prep ingredients in advance for quick assembly
Pair with a crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal

5. Variations and Substitutions

This cobb salad makes an excellent canvas for customization. Swap the chicken for turkey or shrimp, replace blue cheese with feta, or add colorful bell peppers. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables or plant-based protein options like chickpeas.

6. Storage Tips for Your Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch

Keep the assembled salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for freshness. To prevent the avocado from browning, add the dressing just before serving or store the dressing separately. For leftover cooked chicken, store it in airtight containers for up to 3 days and reheat as needed.

7. Serving Suggestions for the Classic American Salad

This salad is perfect for a quick healthy lunch, picnic, or light dinner. Serve with a side of crusty bread, crunchy chips, or fresh fruit to round out your meal. For a more filling option, add quinoa or cooked grains for extra fiber and nutrition.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About the Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch

Q1: Can I make the avocado ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk well before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Q2: Is this healthy lunch suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare the dressing and cooked chicken in advance, and assemble the salad fresh when ready to eat. Store components separately to keep ingredients crisp and fresh.

Q3: Can I substitute the bacon with a vegetarian option?

Yes, replace the bacon with smoked almonds, crispy chickpeas, or omit it entirely for a more vegetarian-friendly cobb salad.

9. Conclusion

The Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch is a vibrant, nutritious, and versatile classic American salad that makes a perfect healthy lunch. Easy to prepare and customizable, this cobb salad recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal repertoire. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the creamy touch of the avocado ranch dressing in every bite. For more delicious salad ideas and healthy recipes, visit our salad tag page. Elevate your next meal with this wholesome and delightful cobb salad.

Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch