Summer Cobb Salad Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a bright, fresh, and absolutely satisfying meal, look no further than the Summer Cobb Salad Recipe. This vibrant salad blends crisp Romaine lettuce with juicy blackberries and raspberries, creamy avocado, savory grilled chicken, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought to life with a zesty Italian dressing. It’s like summer on a plate—bursting with color, texture, and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad delivers a perfect balance of protein, fruits, and greens in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Summer Cobb Salad Recipe is a breeze, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Each component plays an essential role, from the crunch of fresh Romaine to the tangy blue cheese, adding complexity to every bite.
- 1 1/4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped: A crisp, refreshing base that keeps the salad light and crunchy.
- 6 ounces Tyson Grilled & Ready Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Strips, chopped: Tender and smoky protein to make the salad hearty and satisfying.
- 2 diced hardboiled eggs: Creamy texture with rich flavor and an additional protein boost.
- 1/2 cup diced avocado: Adds buttery smoothness and healthy fats to balance the salad.
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese: A punch of tangy creaminess for an elevated taste experience.
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds: Crunchy and nutty, they deliver texture contrast and a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries: Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart berries to brighten up each bite.
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries: Adds sweetness and vivid color that make the salad look as good as it tastes.
- 1/2 cup Wish-Bone Italian dressing: Zesty and herbaceous dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Summer Cobb Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce
Start by taking your freshly chopped Romaine lettuce and spreading it evenly on a large serving platter or plate. This base will hold all your delicious toppings and provide that fresh, crisp bite that is essential in a Cobb salad.
Step 2: Add the Toppings
Next, arrange the chopped grilled chicken, diced hardboiled eggs, and creamy avocado in neat rows over the lettuce. Follow these by placing the crumbled blue cheese and toasted almonds alongside. Finally, scatter the fresh blackberries and raspberries to inject bursts of fruity sweetness and vibrant colors. The contrast between the textures and flavors at this stage is what makes this salad unforgettable.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle your Wish-Bone Italian dressing generously over the entire salad. This touch of zesty, herb-infused dressing elevates every ingredient, ensuring that each bite is deliciously coated without overwhelming the fresh flavors. Be sure to serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of textures and taste.
How to Serve Summer Cobb Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh herb sprigs like basil or parsley can enhance the aroma and presentation of your Summer Cobb Salad Recipe. A light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper also adds an inviting hint of spice without overshadowing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast for dipping into the dressing. If you want something heartier, a bowl of chilled gazpacho or a light vegetable soup complements the freshness of the salad beautifully for a well-rounded summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning display, try layering the ingredients in a clear glass trifle bowl or a wide Mason jar, creating beautiful layers that show off all the vibrant colors and textures before tossing it together. You can also serve the salad as individual portions in colorful bowls to make it feel extra special for guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Summer Cobb Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible, as adding it later helps prevent the salad ingredients from becoming soggy and preserves their fresh flavors and textures.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended due to the delicate texture of the lettuce, berries, and avocado. The ingredients are all designed to shine in their fresh state, especially for the Summer Cobb Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you want to enjoy the grilled chicken warm again, simply take out the portion you want and warm it separately on the stove or in the microwave before adding it back to the fresh salad.
FAQs
Can I substitute the blue cheese if I don’t like it?
Absolutely! You can swap blue cheese for feta, goat cheese, or even a mild shredded cheddar. Each will give a different flavor profile but will still add that creamy, cheesy element that rounds out the salad.
How long can I prepare this Summer Cobb Salad Recipe in advance?
It’s best to prepare and assemble the salad right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. You can chop ingredients the day before, but wait to toss and dress to avoid sogginess.
Are there any good alternatives to the Tyson grilled chicken strips?
Yes! You can use any pre-cooked grilled chicken breast or even rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just be sure it’s well-seasoned to maintain the salad’s robust flavor.
Can this recipe be doubled for more servings?
Definitely. Simply multiply each ingredient by two to serve four people. Just ensure your serving bowl or platter is large enough to spread out the toppings beautifully for the classic Cobb salad look.
What makes this a “Summer” Cobb Salad Recipe?
The inclusion of fresh summer fruits like blackberries and raspberries brings a sweet, seasonal twist that brightens the traditional Cobb salad. Combined with fresh greens and a light Italian dressing, it’s truly a celebration of summer flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Cobb Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a sunny day. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, bold flavors that celebrate the best of summer’s bounty. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for a casual lunch or a light dinner, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for effortless and delicious eating.
Print
Summer Cobb Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Summer Cobb Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for warm weather. Packed with protein from grilled chicken and hardboiled eggs, combined with fresh berries, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and tangy blue cheese, all drizzled with a zesty Italian dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy, nutritious salad that makes a perfect light lunch or dinner for two.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 1/4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped (from a 10 oz bag)
Proteins and Toppings
- 6 ounces Tyson Grilled & Ready Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Strips, chopped
- 2 diced hardboiled eggs
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds
Fruits
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Wish-Bone Italian dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Place the chopped Romaine lettuce evenly on a large serving platter or plate, spreading it out as the base for the salad.
- Add the Toppings: Arrange the chopped grilled chicken, toasted almonds, blackberries, raspberries, diced hardboiled eggs, diced avocado, and crumbled blue cheese in visually appealing rows over the lettuce.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the Wish-Bone Italian dressing over the salad to coat all the toppings and enhance the flavors. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh and ripe berries and avocado.
- You can substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if preferred.
- To make this salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra nuts or beans.
- Hardboil eggs ahead of time to save preparation time.
- Serve immediately after dressing to prevent the lettuce and toppings from getting soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
