California Cobb Salad

 Here’s a fresh and vibrant recipe for California Cobb Salad:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or baked)

4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cucumber, sliced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled

1/4 cup roasted or grilled corn (optional for extra sweetness)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or basil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning of your choice (such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs). Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side for grilling or 25 minutes in a 375°F oven). Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), minced garlic, and oregano (or basil). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors according to your preference, adding more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.

3. Prepare the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, blue cheese (if using), and roasted corn (if using).

4. Assemble the salad: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad, then drizzle the dressing over everything. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly or serve the dressing on the side for individual servings.

5. Serve: Serve the salad immediately as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner.

Tips:

Make it dairy-free: Skip the blue cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Add more veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or even grilled zucchini for more texture and flavor.

Make ahead: You can grill the chicken and hard-boil the eggs ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad.

This California Cobb Salad is a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal with fresh ingredients and a tangy dressing, perfect for a light but filling lunch or dinner!