Description
Hearty cobb salad provides a protein-packed lunch solution for busy professionals seeking balanced nutrition. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and zesty dressing combine effortlessly to deliver a satisfying midweek meal you can enjoy with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked, diced chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4 cups (960 ml) chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled blue cheese (or feta cheese, optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (120 ml) diced cucumber
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until thoroughly blended into a smooth, unified dressing.
- Foundation Preparation: Distribute chopped romaine lettuce evenly across four meal prep containers, creating a crisp green base for the salad.
- Protein and Savory Elements: Layer grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, and hard-boiled eggs strategically across the lettuce, ensuring balanced distribution of protein and texture.
- Vegetable Incorporation: Intersperse cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and blue cheese crumbles throughout the containers, adding vibrant colors and complementary flavors.
- Storage and Preservation: Seal vinaigrette in separate small containers to maintain salad integrity. Refrigerate prepared meal prep containers for up to four days.
- Serving Recommendation: Before consuming, drizzle reserved dressing over the salad, gently toss ingredients, and garnish with fresh avocado slices for a luxurious finishing touch.
Notes
- Maintain Vinaigrette Separation: Store dressing separately to prevent lettuce from becoming soggy and preserve crisp texture during meal prep.
- Control Protein Quality: Use freshly grilled, cooled chicken and ensure uniform cubing for consistent protein distribution and even flavor absorption.
- Optimize Ingredient Layering: Place heavier ingredients like eggs and proteins at bottom, lighter ingredients on top to prevent crushing delicate components during storage.
- Enhance Freshness Strategy: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain vibrant green color and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg