Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a fresh and colorful meal that brings together juicy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, ripe avocado, tangy blue cheese, crunchy bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a…

By Megan • October 12, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a fresh and colorful meal that brings together juicy grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, ripe avocado, tangy blue cheese, crunchy bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a classic salad with a mix of textures and flavors that make every bite interesting and satisfying.

I love making this salad for a quick lunch or a light dinner because it’s packed with protein and feels really filling without being heavy. The grilled chicken adds a smoky touch that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and salty bacon. When I toss it all with a simple vinaigrette, it’s just the right balance of flavors.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this salad is to serve it on a big platter and let everyone dig in family-style. It’s fun to mix all the ingredients together or keep them in neat little sections for a more traditional look. Either way, it’s a meal that always makes me feel good and is perfect for warm days when you want something fresh but still hearty.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken breasts: These give the salad its hearty protein. If you prefer, use grilled chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

Bacon: Adds crunch and a smoky note. For a vegetarian version, try smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas instead.

Blue cheese: Its tangy and crumbly texture is classic here. You can swap it for feta or goat cheese if preferred.

Avocado: Creamy avocado balances the sharper flavors. If you’re avoiding avocado, sliced cucumber or roasted sweet potatoes are great alternatives.

Hard-boiled eggs: Eggs add richness and texture. For vegan diets, try tofu cubes or chickpeas for extra protein.

Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, but you can mix in other greens like kale or spinach to vary texture and nutrition.

How Do You Perfectly Grill Chicken for a Tender, Juicy Salad?

Grilling chicken can be tricky—overcooked means dry, undercooked is unsafe. Here’s how I make it easy and tasty:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high for a good sear.
• Brush chicken with olive oil and season simply with salt and pepper.
• Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side without moving it around too much.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) internal temperature.
• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling. This keeps juices inside and makes slicing easier.

Resting is a key step I never skip—it helps keep the chicken moist for your salad every time!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Grill or grill pan – gives the chicken those tasty grill marks and smoky flavor.
• Large serving platter – perfect for arranging the salad ingredients in sections.
• Sharp knife – lets you slice chicken, avocado, and eggs cleanly.
• Mixing bowl – for whisking together the dressing smoothly.
• Skillet – handy for cooking crispy bacon evenly without burning.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon for a different protein that pairs well with the fresh veggies.
• Use feta or goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder taste.
• Add roasted corn or grilled bell peppers to boost sweetness and color.
• Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten up the salad’s flavor.

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning (for avocado or garnish)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This salad takes approximately 30 minutes in total. About 10 minutes for prep including chopping and boiling eggs, 12-14 minutes to grill the chicken and cook bacon, plus a few minutes for assembling and dressing the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season well with salt and black pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

2. Cook the Bacon and Prepare Toppings:

While the chicken grills, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble or chop it. Slice your hard-boiled eggs, halve cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado and red onion, and crumble the blue cheese.

3. Assemble the Salad:

Spread the chopped romaine lettuce on a large platter. Arrange the grilled chicken strips, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, red onion, and corn kernels (if using) in separate sections over the lettuce. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the avocado for a little extra flavor.

4. Make and Add the Dressing:

Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving or serve on the side so everyone can add as much as they like. Toss gently if preferred.

Enjoy your fresh, colorful, and protein-packed Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Salad?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for better grilling results.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to keep everything fresh. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can grill the chicken and cook the bacon earlier, then refrigerate. Assemble the salad and add avocado and dressing right before serving to avoid browning and sogginess.

What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?

If you don’t like blue cheese, feta or goat cheese make great alternatives—they offer tangy creaminess without the strong flavor.