Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad is a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Why Make Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad
Choosing to make Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad brings together the best of both worlds: health and taste. This salad is filling without being heavy, making it ideal for those warm days. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh avocados, and a flavorful dressing makes it a favorite for family dinners or potlucks.
How to Make Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad
Making Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad is simple and requires just a few steps. You’ll need to marinate the chicken, grill it, cook the pasta, and then chop everything to assemble.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups dry rotini pasta
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cups chopped mixed green lettuce
- 2 peeled and sliced avocados
- 3 peeled and sliced hard boiled eggs
- 6 slices cooked and chopped bacon
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
- In a resealable zip-top bag, add chicken breasts, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare rotini pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse under cool water and set aside.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then slice or chop.
- To make the dressing, whisk together white balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, olive oil, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle over pasta and avocado to prevent browning.
- In a large bowl, add mixed greens. Top with cooked pasta, hard boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta. Drizzle with dressing right before serving.
How to Serve Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad
Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad is best served fresh. Place the salad in a large bowl and mix gently to combine all the ingredients while ensuring the dressing evenly coats everything. For added freshness, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or whole-grain rolls.
How to Store Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid soggy salad. Before serving leftovers, give the salad a gentle toss to refresh its look and flavors.
Tips to Make Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken longer than 30 minutes.
- Use a grill pan if you don’t have outdoor grilling facilities.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Variation
You can customize Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad by adding different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version. You might also introduce seasonal vegetables to change things up.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta for this salad?
Yes, you can replace rotini with any pasta shape you prefer.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta available at most grocery stores.
Where can I buy ingredients for Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad?
Buy it here for convenience!
Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of healthy ingredients bursting with flavor! Enjoy each bite as you explore different variations.
