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Fresh Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Easy Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing

Fresh Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad - featured image
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A quick and satisfying Cobb salad featuring smoky grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy avocado ranch dressing that balances indulgence with freshness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, quartered
  • 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 medium ripe avocado (for dressing)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60 ml)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dill weed (dried or fresh)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade by mixing olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub over chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side (12-14 minutes total) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the dressing by blending or whisking together avocado, buttermilk, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. Thin with extra buttermilk or water if needed.
  4. Prepare the salad base by chopping romaine lettuce, halving cherry tomatoes, dicing cucumber, slicing avocado, quartering hard-boiled eggs, and crumbling bacon. Arrange on a platter or plates in colorful sections.
  5. Top the salad base with grilled chicken pieces. Drizzle creamy avocado ranch dressing over the salad or serve on the side. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles last if using.
  6. Serve immediately for best freshness. If preparing ahead, keep salad components and dressing separate until ready to serve.

Notes

Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Use ripe avocados for the creamiest dressing. If avocado is not ripe, mash first before blending. Avoid overdressing salad to prevent sogginess. Dressing can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored airtight with plastic wrap on surface to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, Cobb salad, avocado ranch dressing, healthy salad, easy dinner, quick meal, creamy dressing, protein-packed salad

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-grilled-chicken-cobb-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-avocado-ranch-dressing/