Refreshing crunchy bursts with a savory dressing this dairy-free cobb salad makes a tasty lunch or light dinner. Made with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine lettuce, and tangy dressing this cobb salad will win over everyone at the table.
Reduce unhealthy ingredients, boost your veggie intake, and enjoy what you eat with this dairy-free cobb salad recipe.
Packed with flavorful ingredients, fueling protein, and creamy avocado.
You won't be sacrificing any taste for healthy choices with this dairy-free tweak on an American classic.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I know you'll fall in love with it because it's:
- Super easy to make
- A great meal prep recipe
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo
Ingredients You Need
Though a traditional chicken cobb salad recipe is topped with ranch dressing, blue cheese, and crispy bacon, this isn't what you'll find here.
Instead, you'll get the same fresh flavor but with a healthier twist.
Romain lettuce: make sure to use fresh romaine so that the base of the salad is extra crisp!
Cherry tomatoes: this is a great way to use up extra cherry or grape tomatoes from the garden.
Avocado: opt for an avocado that's slightly soft but firm enough it won't be mush (and good luck hehe).
Hard boiled eggs: these should be ready to go in the fridge to make this salad easy to whip up.
Grilled chicken breast: you'll want to have this cooked and prepped in advance to make the salad faster to whip up!
Apple cider vinegar: the base of the cobb salad dressing that gives it a tangy, refreshing twist.
Bold mustard: you can technically use any mustard you like but opting for bold mustard brings out the best flavor.
Honey: you can make this chicken cobb salad recipe without the honey to make it whole30 approved. However, the blend of tangy and sweet is wonderful if you just need a healthier version.
Bacon bits aren't listed in the ingredients but are always a delicious addition.
Step By Step Photos
Step 1: Peel and slice the veggies, chop the chicken, and prep the hard boiled eggs.
Step 2: Whisk together the salad dressing ingredients.
Step 3: Divide the salad between two bowls and top each with some dressing.
Step 4: Enjoy your chicken cobb salad!
Additional Toppings
One of the reasons a chicken cobb salad recipe is so popular is because it's the perfect balance of nutrients. There are veggies, protein, and healthy fats (avocados for the win).
These ingredients help keep the salad light but filling.
However, if you want to ramp it up, the salad also tastes great with a few:
- hemp hearts
- pumpkin seeds
- nutritional yeast
- green onions
Expert Tips
The cobb salad is just as delicious when freshly topped with the salad dressing as it is if the dressing sits for 15-20 minutes.
Store it: if you know you're making it in advance to make meal prep easier, prep the salad and store it in an airtight container but leave the salad dressing off.
When stored like this, the dairy-free cobb salad will last up to three days.
If you have sectioned meal prep containers, you can leave the cooked chicken and hard boiled egg off to the side making it even more fresh tasting.
Eating Secrets To Gain Energy and Enjoy Food
The ultimate solution for busy moms striving for health and wellness: The Protein Power Pack For Everyday Moms.
Eight years ago I started using carb cycling in my diet with myself and my clients and I’ve never looked back. It’s easily become the most sustainable way to stay full, look good, and enjoy what I eat.
Carb cycling means that some days you eat less carbs and some days you eat more and every day you keep protein high.
If you want to skyrocket your energy while achieving your goals, this bundle was crafted to give you the blueprint.
Practical, everyday mom recipes built around improving your health. Oh… and did I mention that you still get to enjoy things like donuts and other dessert-like snacks?
Prioritize your health without sacrificing everything you love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cobb Salad
Because chicken cobb salad is a high protein salad it can be used in a weight loss plan. On top of that, cobb salads are easy to make ahead and meal prep which makes them even better for weight loss.
Like any salad, once the dressing is on it becomes a bit soggy. Which means that if you know you'll be storing the salad, it's best to wait to put the dressing on until just before serving.
Other Dairy-Free Recipes You'll Love
- Dairy-free macaroni salad
- Quinoa veggie wrap
- Grilled veggie wrap
- Sheet pan steak fajitas
- Dairy-free chicken alfredo
- Baked teriyaki chicken thighs
- One pot sausage and tomato pasta
- 30 minute teriyaki meatballs
- Slow cooker teriyaki chicken
- Chicken fajita bowls
- Creamy slow cooker Tuscan chicken
- Thai quinoa stir fry
- 30-minute meals
Dairy-Free Chicken Cobb Salad
Video
Equipment
- Salad tongs
Ingredients
- 3 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes chopped
- ¾ cup cucumber sliced
- 1 avocado peeled, pitted and sliced
- 2 hard boiled eggs
- 1 chicken breast grilled
- ¼ cup Crumbled bacon optional but amazing
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon bold mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by prepping and cutting the veggies.
- Peel and slice the hard boiled eggs and cut the chicken.
- In two bowls divide up the ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl , whisk together the vinegar, oil, mustard, honey and salt and pepper.
- Divide the salads into bowls and pour on the dressing.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Shelby S says
Is it dinner? Lunch? Literally the best no-cook summer meal to throw together.
SenSaishaNal says
I honestly haven't had many Cobb salads but this looks so fresh and light it could easily be a winner!
fitasamamabear says
I haven't made too many either but I love them. I just don't love the processed bacon & ranch dressing part from most restaurants. This one is a bit lighter 🙂
Celine says
That looks really good ! I gotta to try it ! xxx
fitasamamabear says
It's a super tasty one- enjoy!
Bianca says
I love salads for summer time! I am determined not to turn on the stove during the months of June through August.
fitasamamabear says
I love it! Honestly there are so many light meals you can rock on he bbq or raw/fresh that it's nice to take the break for a couple of months and nejoy them!
Moe says
Oh yeah! This is a salad I can get behind! Loving all the colors & textures, that's what makes salads so interesting.
fitasamamabear says
I'm a color freak! It looks so pretty and appetizing when it's brightly colored (and nutrient wise it's better)
Nicole says
This looks and sounds so amazing and I love the ingredients in the dressing! Will be trying this dish very soon! Thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear says
The dressing is definitely the best part- really light! Enjoy!
Hanka says
This seems a super easy and delicious recipe! I have to try it soon!
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty one- enjoy!
Samantha says
Perfect salad for the hot summer evenings here in Northern California. The dressing sounds amazing!
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty dressing- I'm currently addicted to it lol
Clair says
This salad looks and sounds delicious! Pinned and can't wait to make one (and to devour it 😉 )
fitasamamabear says
Haha I totally devoured it after too! Glad it looks good- enjoy!
Latasha Peterson says
Oh! This is the perfect salad! Quick question. Your chicken looks great! Do you use a special cooking device to cook it in?? I normally cook my chicken in my oven.
fitasamamabear says
This salad definitely has some of everything! I grilled the chicken on the bbq but nothing special on it 🙂
Jody says
Salads are my favorite summer time meal I am definitely going make this one.
fitasamamabear says
They're mine too! They're light, colorful and filling- enjoy!
Stephanie says
I can totally relate to the first sentence of this post!!! A Cobb Salad always sounded good and fresh...but I never order one when I go out! I love your ingredients and that dressing sounds like it will totally make the salad. I also love your use of the yellow and red tomatoes; it gives it some extra color and I'm sure a few new flavors too!
fitasamamabear says
Ahh Thanks Stephanie! I think it's the dressing in restaurants that gets me.. or the fake bacon lol I always try to add as much color as I have on hand so I'm glad the yellows and reds come through!
Clearissa Coward says
I love a good cobb salad. They are the best at Red Robin. Although probably not as healthy as yours. I will try this. Thanks for sharing.
fitasamamabear says
I haven't had red robins but I'm definitely a sucker for these salads!
Dalal says
You're right this salad screams summer ❤️ It's fresh and filling ?
fitasamamabear says
And definitely tasty!