The Santa Barbara Cobb Salad bursts with vibrant flavors and textures that make every bite a delight. Crisp lettuce mingles with creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and tangy blue cheese for a perfect balance. Packed with 20 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber, this salad is as nutritious as it is satisfying, making it an ideal meal for busy days. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a fresh, wholesome dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.
Each forkful offers a symphony of tastes, from the savory grilled chicken to the bright pop of cherry tomatoes. The homemade avocado lime dressing adds a zesty finish that ties everything together beautifully. With its low-carb profile and nutrient-dense ingredients, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence. Whether for lunch or dinner, this recipe is a quick, flavorful way to elevate your everyday meals without sacrificing time or taste.
Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients
- 6 ounces iceberg lettuce (about half of a 12-ounce bag)
- 5 ounces romaine lettuce (about half of a 10-ounce bag)
- 3 tomatoes, diced (use Roma or vine-ripened for best flavor)
- 2 avocados, diced (choose ripe but firm avocados)
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (substitute feta or goat cheese if preferred)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and diced (or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled (turkey bacon works as a lighter option)
- 3 eggs, hard-boiled and diced (cook for 9-10 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs)
- 1 cup favorite salad dressing (optional; try red wine vinaigrette, balsamic, or olive oil dressing)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the greens: In a large bowl, toss together the iceberg and romaine lettuce until evenly mixed.
- Add the toppings: Layer the diced tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese crumbles, grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, and hard-boiled eggs over the lettuce.
- Serve and enjoy: Drizzle with your favorite dressing just before serving. (The Habit Grill uses red wine vinaigrette, but balsamic and olive oil dressing is a delicious alternative!)
Dressing and Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Salad
While the recipe suggests a red wine vinaigrette or balsamic and olive oil dressing, feel free to get creative! Try a creamy ranch or a tangy honey mustard for a different flavor profile. For toppings, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch, or swap blue cheese for feta if you prefer a milder cheese. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, can also add a vibrant touch.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Santa Barbara Cobb Salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a warm bowl of soup. For a lighter option, serve it with a chilled gazpacho or a slice of crusty sourdough. If you’re hosting, consider adding a charcuterie board or a fruit platter to round out the meal.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To cut down on prep time, use pre-washed lettuce mixes and pre-cooked bacon or rotisserie chicken. Hard-boil eggs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also dice tomatoes and avocados the night before and keep them in airtight containers. These small steps can make assembling your salad a breeze!
Storage and Reheating Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the components separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado in one container, and the chicken, bacon, and eggs in another. Add the dressing just before serving. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to retain its juiciness.
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and bacon and add grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try goat cheese or shredded cheddar instead. You can also swap the iceberg and romaine for kale or spinach for a nutrient boost. The possibilities are endless—make it your own!
Santa Barbara Cobb Salad (Habit Grill Copycat) Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 ounces iceberg lettuce ½ of a 12 ounce bag
- 5 ounces romaine lettuce ½ of a 10 ounce bag
- 3 tomatoes diced
- 2 avocados diced
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts grilled and diced
- 6 bacon strips cooked and crumbled
- 3 eggs hard boiled and diced
- 1 cup favorite salad dressing optional topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together iceberg and Romaine lettuce.
- Top with tomatoes, avocado, bleu cheese, chicken, bacon, and egg.
- Serve with your favorite dressing (the Habit uses a red wine vinaigrette, but I like it with balsamic and olive oil dressing better!).