Cobb Salad Bowl (Printable)

Hearty American salad with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, and eggs over fresh greens with ranch dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

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

→ Vegetables & Greens

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

→ Dairy & Eggs

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

→ Dressing

09 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing

→ Other

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

# Directions:

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 fully cooked. Rest for 2 minutes, then slice thinly.
02 - While chicken cooks, place bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
03 - Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-9 minutes. Cool under cold running water, peel carefully, and quarter each egg.
04 - Place mixed salad greens in a large serving bowl or divide evenly among 4 individual bowls.
05 - Neatly arrange sliced chicken, bacon pieces, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese, and egg quarters in distinct rows or sections over the greens for visual appeal.
06 - Drizzle with ranch dressing immediately before serving or present dressing on the side for individual preference.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything can be prepped ahead and assembled in minutes when hunger strikes.
  • It feels indulgent with bacon and blue cheese but somehow still counts as eating your greens.
  • You can swap proteins or toppings based on what's already in your fridge without losing the magic.
  • The presentation makes it look like you tried harder than you did.
02 -
  • Don't skip resting the chicken after grilling, those few minutes make the difference between juicy slices and dry ones.
  • If your avocado isn't ripe, leave it out entirely rather than serving hard, flavorless chunks.
  • Cold eggs are easier to peel, so that ice bath after boiling isn't just for show.
03 -
  • Chill your serving bowls in the fridge for ten minutes before assembling so the greens stay crisp longer.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the avocado and dressing separate until the last possible moment.
  • A mandoline makes slicing the red onion paper-thin and saves you from crying over the cutting board.
Return