Cobb Salad Bowl with Chicken (Printable)

Fresh greens topped with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, eggs, and tomatoes

# What You Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 4 slices bacon

→ Vegetables & Greens

03 - 6 cups mixed salad greens
04 - 1 large avocado, diced
05 - 2 medium tomatoes, diced
06 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Dairy & Eggs

07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 3 oz blue cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing

→ Seasonings & Oil

10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Allow to rest, then slice thinly.
02 - Place bacon slices in skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
03 - Place eggs in saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 8-9 minutes. Transfer eggs to ice water bath, peel, and quarter.
04 - Distribute mixed salad greens evenly among 4 bowls or arrange in large serving bowl.
05 - Neatly arrange sliced grilled chicken, chopped bacon, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, crumbled blue cheese, and egg quarters in organized rows or sections over greens.
06 - Drizzle ranch dressing over salad immediately before serving, or offer dressing on the side for individual preference.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in about 40 minutes, and most of that is just waiting for things to cook while you're doing something else.
  • It's hearty enough to be a full meal, pretty enough to feel special, and forgiving enough that small substitutions won't derail you.
02 -
  • Timing is everything here—if you dress it too early, the greens wilt and the avocado gets dark. Prep everything ahead, but do the final assembly just before serving.
  • Cold chicken is fine and actually easier to slice neatly, but it shouldn't be straight from the fridge or it'll taste like rubber. Let it cool on the counter first.
03 -
  • Make your hard-boiled eggs in a deviled egg pan or muffin tin placed in boiling water for perfectly cooked eggs every time—it distributes heat evenly and prevents those gray rings around the yolk.
  • Buy pre-crumbled bacon if you're short on time, but splurge on the cheese and greens because those are where quality actually matters to your palate.
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