Summer Cobb Salad with Chicken is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines crisp greens, juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables, all topped with a tangy dressing. This easy-to-make salad is the perfect meal for warm weather, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh flavors. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering, it’s a delicious way to enjoy the best of summer produce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Summer Cobb Salad is light, nutritious, and packed with flavor. While the creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and rich dressing bring everything together. The colorful ingredients and protein-packed chicken make this salad filling and satisfying without being too heavy. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and highly customizable based on your tastes, making it a perfect dish for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, grilled or rotisserie, chopped

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, diced

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

• 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

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

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side for chicken breast), then let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Prepare the Salad:

2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is resting, chop the vegetables—halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, slice the cucumber and red onion, and chop the hard-boiled eggs.

3. Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or in a salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base. Then, add the chopped chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, crumbled blue cheese (if using), cucumber, red onion, and any fresh herbs you’re using.

Make the Dressing:

4. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar if desired.

Serve:

5. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. You can also serve the dressing on the side for guests to add their own.

6. Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs or more crumbled blue cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or quinoa for protein and texture.

• Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu for a plant-based option.

• Dressing Variations: Use a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese instead of the vinaigrette for a richer flavor.

• Add Fruit: For a sweet contrast, try adding fresh berries (like strawberries or blueberries) or apple slices to the salad.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. You can also refrigerate any leftover grilled chicken for later use in sandwiches or wraps.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! You can use rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken for convenience. Just chop it up and add it to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time (chop vegetables, cook chicken), but don’t toss the salad with the dressing until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How do I make the dressing vegan?

To make the dressing vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and ensure you use a plant-based Dijon mustard.

Can I use other cheeses instead of blue cheese?

Yes! Feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar would all be great substitutes for blue cheese.

How can I make this salad spicier?

If you like some heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad or dressing.

Conclusion

Summer Cobb Salad with Chicken is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together all the best ingredients of summer in a single bowl. The combination of protein-packed chicken, creamy avocado, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing makes this salad both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a summer gathering, this Cobb salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the bright, delicious flavors of summer in every bite!