Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

This Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it brings together tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables. The creamy avocado and tangy blue cheese elevate the dish, making it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a nutritious meal prep option, this salad fits the bill beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Ingredients: Each component adds its unique taste, creating a delicious balance that delights the palate.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or potlucks, this salad is adaptable to your preferences.
• Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a wholesome choice that keeps you satisfied.
• Homemade Vinaigrette: The red wine vinaigrette enhances the flavors without any preservatives.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Cobb Salad easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Grill or grill pan
• Baking sheet
• Small pot
• Jar with lid (for vinaigrette)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing ingredients and serving the salad.
• Grill or grill pan: Provides even cooking for the chicken, adding smoky flavor.
• Baking sheet: Essential for baking bacon evenly to achieve that perfect crispness.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 (12 oz.) package Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged Bacon
• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups mixed lettuce
• 2 small heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Vinaigrette

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl or a jar with a lid. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk or shake to combine until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add half the vinaigrette to a large bowl.
1. Place chicken in the bowl.
2. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat grill to high heat.
1. Cook chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Bake the Bacon

Arrange strips of bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
1. Place tray in a cold oven.
2. Turn heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
4. Transfer bacon to paper towel to cool.

Step 5: Prepare the Eggs

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot.
1. Carefully place eggs in boiling water using a large spoon.
2. Cook for 7 minutes.
3. Rinse under cold water; peel immediately and slice in half.

Step 6: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl:
1. Add mixed lettuce as your base.
2. Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top.
3. Add avocado slices, heirloom tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and egg halves.
4. Top with crispy bacon strips.
5. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette before serving immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon!

How to Serve Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

Serving a Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon is all about presentation and complementing flavors. This salad is hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, yet it pairs well with various sides and drinks.

Classic Presentation

• Arrange the salad ingredients in sections on a large platter for visual appeal.
• Use a clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.

Pairing Suggestions

• Consider serving with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for added texture.
• Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water to enhance the meal.

Garnishing Ideas

• Sprinkle extra blue cheese on top for a richer flavor.
• Add chopped herbs, like chives or parsley, for freshness.

How to Perfect Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

To elevate your Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon, follow these simple tips for a delicious outcome.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture in your salad.
• Marinate chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in vinaigrette adds depth to its flavor.
• Cook bacon perfectly: Crispy bacon adds crunch; bake it until golden brown for the best results.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add or substitute other ingredients like grilled corn or chickpeas.
• Serve immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after assembling it.
• Adjust dressing quantity: Use more or less dressing based on your preference for creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

To round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with your Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted slices of bread brushed with garlic butter make a perfect crunchy companion.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender add warmth and earthiness.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit mix balances the richness of the salad while adding sweetness.
4. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad offers protein alongside fresh veggies.
5. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a nice contrast in texture while being tangy and refreshing.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs enhance the heartiness of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Bold Ingredients Selection: Using low-quality or stale ingredients can ruin the flavor of your salad. Always opt for fresh produce and quality bacon for the best taste.
• Bold Skipping the Marinade: Neglecting to marinate the chicken can lead to bland meat. Marinate it for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
• Bold Overcooking the Eggs: Cooking the eggs too long will make them rubbery. Aim for a perfect soft-boiled egg by cooking for exactly 7 minutes and cooling immediately.
• Bold Ignoring Presentation: A well-arranged salad is more appealing. Take time to layer each ingredient beautifully for an inviting dish.
• Bold Forgetting the Vinaigrette Balance: Not seasoning your vinaigrette properly can leave it tasting flat. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• item Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• item Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

• item This salad is not recommended for freezing due to its fresh ingredients.
• item If necessary, freeze chicken separately after cooking.

Reheating Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm chicken gently without cooking further.
• Bold Microwave: Heat in short bursts on medium power to avoid overcooking.
• Bold Stovetop: Sauté chicken briefly in a skillet if you prefer stovetop reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon special?

This Cobb Salad stands out due to its combination of flavors from grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese, all enhanced by a homemade vinaigrette.

Can I customize this Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute ingredients like different cheeses, veggies, or proteins based on your preferences.

How do I make a vegetarian version of this Cobb Salad?

To create a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon. Consider adding chickpeas or grilled vegetables for protein.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

While you can prep components like the chicken and vinaigrette in advance, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.

What can I serve with my Cobb Salad?

This hearty salad pairs well with crusty bread or as a side dish alongside grilled meats.

Final Thoughts

The Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try today; you’ll love how fresh ingredients come together into such a satisfying meal!

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Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon

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• Author: Leslie
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

Print Recipe

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken and Bacon, a delightful medley of tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese. This salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and appeals to both health-conscious eaters and flavor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or in need of a nutritious meal prep option, this salad is versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoy a satisfying dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged Bacon
• 1 lb chicken breasts
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups mixed lettuce
• 2 small heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken in half of the vinaigrette for at least 30 minutes.
3. Grill chicken until cooked through (about 8-10 minutes per side) and let rest.
4. Bake bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) until crispy (about 15 minutes).
5. Boil eggs for 7 minutes; cool under cold water and slice.
6. Assemble the salad by layering mixed lettuce, sliced chicken, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, egg halves, and bacon. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling/Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (about 300g)
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Customize your salad by adding grilled corn or chickpeas for extra flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste; store leftovers separately for best quality.