Chicken Cobb Salad

The Chicken Cobb Salad is a classic American dish known for its colorful presentation and delightful combination of flavors and textures. Originating from the famed Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, this salad has become a favorite for its balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, spinach, and arugula)
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   • Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • While the chicken is grilling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
   • Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.
   • Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Boil the Eggs:
   • Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water.
   • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 9-12 minutes.
   • Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool, then peel and chop them.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
   • Adjust the seasoning to taste and set aside.
5. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large salad bowl or platter, arrange the mixed salad greens as the base.
   • Neatly arrange the grilled chicken slices, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, red onion, and cucumber on top of the greens in rows or sections.
   • This visually appealing presentation showcases the variety of ingredients and makes for a stunning dish.
6. Serve:
   • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side to let everyone add their desired amount.
   • Toss the salad gently if preferred, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.