If you’re looking for a cobb salad that’s hearty, satisfying, and actually keeps you full, this one checks every box. Loaded with juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and a quick honey dijon dressing, this classic chicken cobb salad turns simple ingredients into a meal-worthy dish you’ll crave again and again.
Whether you need a healthy dinner salad recipe, a clean eating lunch, or a cobb salad for dinner that doesn’t feel boring, this recipe fits perfectly into real life. No complicated steps. No fancy equipment. Just a fresh, flavorful salad that works for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike.
Table of Contents
What Is a Cobb Salad?
A traditional cobb salad is a classic American salad made with:
- Chicken
- Bacon
- Eggs
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
It’s known for being high-protein, filling, and perfect as a main dish. This version keeps everything people love while adding a light, flavorful honey dijon dressing that pulls it all together.
Why This Chicken Cobb Salad Works
This recipe isn’t just popular — it’s practical.
- ✔️ High-protein meal that keeps you full
- ✔️ Works as a healthy dinner salad recipe
- ✔️ Easy to customize for paleo or clean eating
- ✔️ Great for cobb salad recipes for dinner or meal prep
- ✔️ Crowd-pleasing flavors even picky eaters enjoy
It’s the kind of salad that feels like real food, not “diet food.”
Ingredients for a Healthy Cobb Salad
For the Salad
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Avocado
- Crispy bacon
- Hard-boiled eggs
For the Honey Dijon Dressing
- Dijon mustard
- Raw honey
- Fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
- Avocado oil
- Sea salt
Simple ingredients = bold flavor.
How to Make Chicken Cobb Salad
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Eggs
Cook bacon until crispy and hard-boil the eggs ahead of time so everything comes together fast.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Grill until cooked through and juicy, then slice.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies
Chop lettuce, slice tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and avocado.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobb Salad
Layer greens, veggies, eggs, bacon, and grilled chicken in a large bowl. Drizzle with honey dijon dressing or serve it on the side.
Honey Dijon Dressing (Ready in 1 Minute)
This dressing is the secret weapon. Just whisk (or blend):
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Avocado oil
- Salt
It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for healthy paleo cobb salad lovers.
Easy Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled and sliced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cucumber sliced
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced
- 4 slices bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs halved or sliced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt to taste
Method
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside. Hard-boil the eggs and peel them.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Grill until cooked through. Slice and set aside.
- Chop the lettuce or greens. Slice tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and avocado.
- Arrange the lettuce in a large bowl or on a platter. Layer on the vegetables, bacon, eggs, and grilled chicken.
- To make the dressing: whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice (or vinegar), avocado oil, and salt.
- Drizzle dressing over salad or serve on the side. Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!If you loved this cobb salad, you’ll probably also enjoy a lighter, sweet-and-savory option for busy nights. Head over to my Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe here — it’s quick, fresh, and perfect when you want a healthy dinner salad without extra prep.
Is Cobb Salad Healthy? Calories & Nutrition Facts
Calories in Cobb Salad
A chicken cobb salad can be calorie-dense, but it’s also nutrient-dense. Portion size and dressing amount matter.
Protein Content
Thanks to chicken, eggs, and bacon, this is a high-protein meal that supports fullness and muscle maintenance.
Is Cobb Salad Good for Weight Loss?
When balanced properly, cobb salad can be weight loss friendly:
- High protein
- Healthy fats
- Low added sugar
- Customizable carbs
Focus on lean protein and moderate dressing.
Cobb Salad vs Chopped Salad vs Chef Salad
Cobb Salad vs Chopped Salad
- Cobb salad has structured toppings
- Chopped salad mixes everything together
Cobb Salad vs Chef Salad
- Cobb salad uses avocado and bacon
- Chef salad focuses more on deli meats and cheese
Cobb salad wins for flavor and balance.
Paleo, Clean Eating & Dinner Salad Ideas
This recipe fits beautifully into:
- Paleo diet lunch ideas
- Clean eating lunch recipes
- Healthy dinner salad recipes
- Healthy cobb salad recipes
Swap honey for date paste for Whole30 or adjust dressing sweetness for low-carb.
FAQ: Cobb Salad Questions Answered
What dressing is best for cobb salad?
Classic vinaigrettes, ranch, or honey dijon all work beautifully.
Can I make cobb salad ahead of time?
Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble before serving.
Is cobb salad served hot or cold?
Usually cold, but warm chicken adds great contrast.
What protein can replace chicken?
Turkey, shrimp, or salmon all work well.
Can cobb salad be dairy-free?
Absolutely — this version is naturally dairy-free.
Conclusion
This easy chicken cobb salad proves that salads can be satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for dinner. Whether you’re planning a healthy weeknight meal or a fresh lunch, this cobb salad delivers every time.
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