Cobb Salad with Balsamic Shallot Vinaigrette
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This classic chicken Cobb salad offers a vibrant mix of textures and fresh flavours, making it a sophisticated choice for a nutritious lunch or light dinner. Traditionally a favourite in American bistros, our version features pan-seared chicken breast, creamy avocado, and salty blue cheese, all brought together by a sharp and savoury balsamic shallot vinaigrette. The combination of protein-rich turkey bacon and hard-boiled eggs ensures a satisfying meal without the need for heavy carbohydrates.
As a diabetes-friendly recipe, this salad focuses on high-quality proteins and heart-healthy fats, which help to maintain steady energy levels. The colourful arrangement of tomatoes and crisp romaine lettuce adds plenty of essential vitamins and fibre. It is an ideal dish for summer entertaining or meal prep, serving as a complete, homemade meal that is both naturally gluten-free and incredibly simple to assemble on a busy weekday.
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Ingredients for Cobb Salad with Balsamic Shallot Vinaigrette
60ml balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
180ml extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons minced shallots
60g skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
60g cos hearts, washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and diced
8 strips turkey bacon, cooked and coarsely chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
120g (110g) crumbled reduced-fat blue cheese
How to make Cobb Salad with Balsamic Shallot Vinaigrette
1 To make the vinaigrette, combine the vinegar, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually add the oil. Add the shallots and pulse briefly to combine. Pour into a serving bowl and set aside.
900g each chicken breast half between 2 heavy duty plastic bags with a flat meat pounder to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning halfway through cooking, until golden brown on both sides, about 6 minutes. Add 60ml water, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Simmer until the chicken feels firm when pressed in the centre, about 8 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat to high, and cook until the liquid is evaporated and the chicken is sizzling, about 1 minute. Transfer chicken to a carving board and let cool. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3 Spread the lettuce on a large platter. Top with the chicken, tomatoes, avocados, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and blue cheese arranged in rows. Serve immediately, with the vinaigrette passed on the side.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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