This Cobb salad recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of fresh ingredients, wholesome flavors, and a unique, creamy, zesty dressing – a perfect, healthy meal for lunch or dinner. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this salad is both delicious and nutritious.
What’s a Cobb Salad?
A Cobb salad is a classic American main dish known for its hearty mix of greens, meats, eggs and vegetables, all brought together with a refreshing dressing.
Traditionally, a Cobb salad has all ingredients chopped and arranged in layers over a bed of greens and served with a tangy vinaigrette. I have a similar fall harvest salad you could try.
My version focuses on a simpler, fresher approach with no cheese, featuring a creamy yet zesty dressing like this healthy honey mustard – perfect for this type of salad. When assembled, all creates a wholesome, healthy, simple, fresh and filling “main dish” salad or meal.
Ingredients for a Wholesome Cobb Salad
- Greens: Fresh lettuce, romaine, frisee, or mixed greens, as the base of your salad. These greens provide a crisp and refreshing foundation, full of vitamins and fiber. Feel free to mix and match to suit your preference and add variety to the texture and flavor.
- Protein: Opt for pan-seared, grilled, or even poached chicken breast to keep things light and healthy. Grilling or poaching helps to avoid excess oil, making your salad lower in fat. Add some crispy bacon for a savory crunch, and don’t forget hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost and creamy texture.
- Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color. Avocado provides creamy richness and healthy fats, while chives or green onions provide a mild, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Creamy Zesty Dressing For Cobb Salad
A creamy, zesty dressing can enrich your Cobb salad even more. Here is what I used:
Ingredients:
- Lemon juice or vinegar, (apple cider or white wine): for a tangy kick that balances the richness of other ingredients.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall zestiness of the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy texture and rich taste, helping to emulsify the dressing for a smooth consistency, just enough for texture and flavor so it doesn’t make it overly-heavy.
- Greek Yogurt: Offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture. Opt for dairy-free yogurt if needed.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy and savory ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the dressing.
- Herbs (Optional): Add dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
Instructions
Tips for a Healthier Cobb Salad
- Swap the Bacon: Use turkey bacon or omit it for a lower-fat option.
- Chicken Preparation: Grill or bake the chicken instead of frying. For a smoky flavor, use smoked chicken breast or add a bit of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- Greens: Mix in baby spinach, kale and herbs like parsley or basil for added nutrients and flavor.
- Dressing Variations: Try a light vinaigrette with balsamic or a lemon herb dressing for a lower-calorie option. My smoky honey mustard dressing or these 7 homemade creamy dressings are also a great alternative.
Assembly Tips
- Layered Look: Arrange the ingredients in rows or sections on a large platter for a visually appealing presentation. Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving.
- For even distribution of the creamy dressing make sure that after you arrange the “green bed” you drizzle some dressing over and then one more time after you finish adding all ingredients.
- Chopped and Tossed: For a quicker assembly, chop all the ingredients into bite-sized pieces and toss them together in a large bowl with the dressing.
Additional Tips:
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds.
- To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon and add more avocado or a boiled egg.
Serving Suggestions
This Cobb salad is versatile and easy to prepare, and can be served as a hearty lunch or dinner, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
It’s packed with wholesome ingredients: protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and vibrant flavors. The creamy, zesty dressing complements the fresh ingredients without being too heavy, making it an ideal choice for any meal where is minimal cooking needed. Enjoy and let me know how you like it in the comments below!
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
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Cobb Salad Recipe With Creamy Zesty Dressing
Ingredients
For Chicken
- 2 small chicken breasts - 5 ounces each
- 1 tbsp grilling seasoning for chicken - mix
- 1 tsp paprika
Vegetables
- 5-6 leaves butter lettuce - romain lettuce or other mixed greens
- 10-12 cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped chives - or scallions
- 1 avocado - cubed
The rest of ingredients
- 2-3 large boiled eggs
- 4 strips bacon
Salad Dressing
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice - or apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp mayo
- 1 Tbsp Greek yogurt - or opt for a dairy free version
- 1.5 Tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp honey - or maple syrup
- 1/3 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp dry dill - or add fresh herbs of your choice
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then cut into pieces.
Prepare the Eggs:
- Boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 9-12 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel and cut into quarters or slices.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with the grilling seasoning mix and paprika.
- Grill or pan sear the chicken over medium-high heat, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Use the same pan and grease where you cooked the bacon. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, black pepper, and dry dill (or fresh herbs).
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves or geens. Tear them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl or platter.
- Add the sliced or cubed chicken.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Or use whole.
- Add the cubed avocado, quartered boiled eggs, and crumbled bacon.
- Finish with chopped chives or scallions.
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad just before serving, or serve on the side for individual preference.
Serve:
- Toss the salad lightly to distribute the dressing evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome, healthy, and delicious Chicken Cobb Salad!
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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