Healthy Cobb Salad (Easy, Protein-Packed Meal)
Published Apr 04, 2022 Updated Jan 06, 2026
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This healthy cobb salad is a fresh, satisfying take on the classic that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for an easy family dinner. It’s loaded with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, creamy avocado, feta, and my favorite homemade ranch dressing, all coming together in about 30 minutes without feeling heavy or complicated!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cobb Salad Recipe
This healthy Cobb salad keeps everything you love about a traditional Cobb while making it feel more balanced and approachable for everyday meals! It’s lighter than the classic version thanks to grilled chicken instead of fried, a homemade ranch dressing without added sugar, and flexible ingredients that let you control carbs without sacrificing flavor.
Because it’s built around lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats, this lighter Cobb salad is naturally lower in calories than most restaurant versions while still being filling and satisfying. It’s a protein-packed salad that truly eats like a meal, delivering both comfort and freshness without leaving you hungry an hour later.
It works beautifully for weeknight dinners, weekend lunches, and even casual entertaining. If you love hearty salads that don’t skimp on flavor, you’ll also enjoy my Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad, another go-to option for quick lunches or dinners!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast keeps this homemade cobb salad lean and filling. Grilling or stovetop cooking gives it great flavor in minimal time.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Eggs add richness and extra protein. They’re a classic Cobb ingredient and help make this salad more satisfying.
- Mixed Greens: Spring mix works well here, but romaine or any mixed greens you enjoy will work.
- Cooked Corn: Corn adds sweetness and texture. It’s optional and easy to adjust depending on your dietary needs.
- Blueberries: Blueberries bring a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ingredients and are naturally low carb.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add brightness and freshness.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a little bite without overpowering the salad.
- Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats that make the salad feel more filling.
- Feta Cheese: A small amount of feta adds big flavor. This can easily be omitted or swapped for blue cheese, goat cheese, or your favorite cheese if desired.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing: A healthy salad dressing makes all the difference. I love using it for a creamy option without added sugar!
Ingredient Swaps & Simple Customizations
This healthy cobb salad is easy to adjust based on how you eat or what you have on hand:
- Swap in another healthy salad dressing if ranch isn’t your thing
- Leave out the feta for a dairy-free cobb salad or Whole30 option
- Skip the corn to keep it lower carb or keto-friendly
- Use rotisserie chicken if you need or want a shortcut
How to Make This Healthy Cobb Salad
Step 1: Grill the chicken breasts on the stovetop or grill for about 7 minutes per side using olive or avocado oil until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
Step 2: While the chicken cooks, boil the eggs. Bring water to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10-11 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, peel, and quarter.
Step 3: Add the mixed greens to a large platter or bowl. Arrange the ingredients in sections, placing the chicken in the center and surrounding it with eggs, tomatoes, corn, blueberries, avocado, red onion, and feta.
Step 4: Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss just before serving and enjoy!
Mac’s Pro Tip
Keto, Whole30 & Dairy-Free Options
- This healthy chicken Cobb salad is naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for different eating styles. For a paleo cobb salad or whole30 cobb salad, simply skip the corn and feta and use a compliant ranch dressing.
- Without the corn and using Whole30 ranch, one serving of this Cobb salad comes in just under 7 net carbs, including about two tablespoons of dressing.
Meal Prep, Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- This is a perfect meal prep salad when the ingredients are stored separately. Divide the chicken, eggs, veggies, and greens into containers and keep the dressing in small jars or baggies until ready to eat.
- If the salad has already been tossed with dressing, it’s best enjoyed right away. When stored undressed in an airtight container, leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 72 hours.
- For extra flavor, try squeezing fresh lemon juice and sprinkling a little kosher salt directly onto the greens before building the salad. It makes a noticeable difference. You can also serve this buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowl based on preference.
For more easy and delicious salads try my No Egg Potato Salad for a balanced, make-ahead meal. If you’re planning meals ahead, my Greek Chicken Bowls are another great option to add into your weekly rotation!
Recipe FAQs
A healthy Cobb salad focuses on grilled protein, fresh vegetables, and a homemade dressing rather than processed ingredients or added sugars.
Yes. Store the components separately and add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
Yes, it’s one of the easiest salads to prep ahead because the ingredients hold up well when stored separately.
A creamy ranch-style dressing pairs best. Homemade versions give you better control over ingredients and flavor.
This healthy cobb salad proves that salads don’t have to be boring or skimpy to be satisfying. It’s fresh, filling, and flexible enough for busy weeks, family dinners, or meal prep days. If you make this salad, let me know how you customize it – whether you keep it keto, swap the dressing, or change up the protein. I love seeing how y’all make it your own!
More Fresh, Filling Salad Recipes
If you love this healthy cobb salad recipe, please give it a star rating and leave a comment below! Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more!
Healthy Cobb Salad (Easy, Protein-Packed Meal)
Ingredients
- 2-3 grilled chicken breast
- 4 large eggs quartered
- 1/2 cup cooked corn
- 5-6 cups mixed greens of choice
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 red onion sliced
- 1 small avocado diced
- Homemade Ranch Dressing
Instructions
- Grill the chicken breasts on the stovetop or the grill for about 7 minutes on each side. Use 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil.
- Boil the eggs while the chicken is cooking. Place water into a pot and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat and let simmer for about 10-11 minutes. Place the eggs into an ice bath for 3-4 minutes. Peel and slice into quarters.
- Place the greens in a platter or large bowl of choice. Begin building the salad, by adding all the ingredients in groups. Start with the chicken in the middle, then on the outside add the cheese, tomatoes, corn, blueberries, eggs, avocado, and red onion.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the entire salad and give it a good toss until mixed together.
- You can also build this like a buffet and have all the ingredients out and build individual salads based on preference
Notes
- This healthy chicken Cobb salad is naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for different eating styles. For a paleo cobb salad or whole30 cobb salad, simply skip the corn and feta and use a compliant ranch dressing.
- Without the corn and using Whole30 ranch, one serving of this Cobb salad comes in just under 7 net carbs, including about two tablespoons of dressing.
- This is a perfect meal prep salad when the ingredients are stored separately. Divide the chicken, eggs, veggies, and greens into containers and keep the dressing in small jars or baggies until ready to eat.
- If the salad has already been tossed with dressing, it’s best enjoyed right away. When stored undressed in an airtight container, leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 72 hours.
- For extra flavor, try squeezing fresh lemon juice and sprinkling a little kosher salt directly onto the greens before building the salad. It makes a noticeable difference. You can also serve this buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowl based on preference.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Such a great salad for spring. So much flavor and crunch!