Flavorful Grilled Romaine Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad: A Perfect Mashup for Any Meal

Experience the best of both worlds with this incredible Grilled Romaine Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad! It masterfully combines all the beloved elements of a classic Caesar with the hearty, satisfying additions of a Cobb. Featuring succulent garlic grilled chicken, this vibrant salad transforms ordinary meals into something truly special, making it an ideal choice for refreshing lunches or a light yet fulfilling dinner.

Hello there! I’m Marzia, and if you’ve ever found yourself behind someone at a salad bar who seems to be requesting every single topping available, chances are, that person was me. My philosophy is simple: when it comes to salads, more is definitely more. I truly believe that every component adds to a symphony of flavors and textures, making each bite an adventure.

This unwavering passion for loaded, diverse salads is precisely how I conceived the Grilled Romaine Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad. Why choose between the creamy, garlicky goodness of a Caesar and the rich, wholesome layers of a Cobb when you can have both? This creation marries the iconic elements of these two beloved salads into one harmonious dish, elevating the humble salad to new heights.

One of the standout features of this unique salad is the grilled romaine. If you’ve never tried grilling your lettuce, prepare to be amazed. I’ll admit, I’m not usually a fan of soft salad greens. However, a quick turn on the grill transforms crisp romaine hearts into something extraordinary. The grill marks impart a subtle char and a beautifully smoky flavor that fresh romaine simply can’t offer straight from the fridge. This adds an unexpected depth and warmth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Much like many recipes I share on this blog, this incredible salad was born out of a common culinary dilemma: needing to clear out the refrigerator before a grocery run. There’s something immensely satisfying about using up every last bit of fresh produce, making way for new exciting ingredients. And honestly, isn’t grocery shopping far more enjoyable when you return to an empty, organized fridge, ready to be stocked with all your latest culinary treasures? This particular instance, fuelled by a desire for a clean fridge and a medley of leftover ingredients, unexpectedly led to the creation of this delightful Caesar Cobb fusion. While I wish I had a more glamorous origin story, perhaps from a high-end restaurant, the truth is simpler and more relatable: it was pure kitchen ingenuity and a love for avoiding food waste that sparked this delicious mishmash.

Let’s delve into the components of this fabulous Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad. It all begins with a foundation of lightly grilled romaine. If grilled greens aren’t quite your style, a bed of crisp, raw romaine works perfectly too. From there, we build the salad with an abundance of vibrant toppings inspired by both classics. Imagine tender, quick-marinated grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, perfectly boiled eggs (sliced or diced), juicy cherry or grape tomatoes bursting with freshness, finely chopped chives, creamy slices of avocado, and a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. To complete this masterpiece, a handful of crunchy croutons and a drizzle of my homemade 2-minute Caesar dressing tie all the incredible flavors together.

The star protein in this salad is the garlic grilled chicken. This isn’t just any grilled chicken; it’s designed to be incredibly easy to prepare yet exceptionally flavorful, making it a versatile addition to virtually any salad you can imagine. The marinade is minimalist but potent: a touch of olive oil, fragrant garlic powder, earthy dried thyme, and simple salt and pepper. That’s all it takes! Allow the chicken to marinate for a mere 5-10 minutes while you prep the rest of your salad components. Then, whether you’re firing up an outdoor grill for that authentic smoky char or opting for the convenience of an indoor grill pan (especially if you live in a perpetually hot climate like I do), the result will be perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.

While I strongly advocate for including the chicken, as it truly makes the salad a complete meal, this recipe is incredibly flexible. If you happen to have some leftover cooked chicken in your fridge, feel free to dice it up and toss it in—it’ll work just as beautifully. The beauty of this Grilled Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad lies in its forgiving nature; it encourages creativity and adapting to what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding or subtracting ingredients based on your personal preferences or what’s seasonal.

Imagine that first glorious bite: a perfect medley of textures and tastes. You get the subtle smokiness of the grilled romaine, the rich, savory crunch of bacon, the creamy coolness of avocado, the bright sweetness of tomatoes, and the satisfying chew of the garlic-infused chicken. All of this is wonderfully coated in a salty, parmesan-kissed Caesar dressing, punctuated by the delightful crunch of croutons. It’s a complete culinary experience in every forkful, offering a balance of hearty and fresh that is simply unmatched. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will have you reaching for it again and again. It’s perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have a delicious, satisfying lunch ready to go, or as a vibrant centerpiece for a casual dinner.

Prepare for an explosion of flavor and texture that will undoubtedly earn this Grilled Romaine Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s truly a standout dish!

Yield: 4 large salads

Grilled Romaine Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

This Grilled Romaine Chicken Caesar Cobb Salad is a fantastic fusion that brings together the best qualities of two classic salads. It’s bursting with flavor, from the quick garlic grilled chicken to the smoky grilled romaine, making it a perfect hearty meal or an elevated bagged lunch.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Salad:

• 4 romaine hearts (sliced down the center, stem intact)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomato halves
• 6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup diced red onions
• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• Caesar dressing (homemade or your favorite store-bought brand)
• Croutons, crumbled cooked bacon, and fresh chopped chives (as desired)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture. Let the chicken marinate for 5-10 minutes while you gather and prepare the other salad ingredients. This brief marination infuses the chicken with wonderful flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken and Romaine: Preheat your grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan) and lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking, if desired. Since different ingredients require varying cooking times, begin with the chicken. Grill the chicken for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or dicing. Next, lightly spray the cut romaine hearts with cooking spray and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of salt. Grill the romaine for 2-3 minutes total, or slightly longer if you prefer it more tender and charred.
3. Assemble the Salad: Carefully remove the tough stem ends from the grilled romaine hearts and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped grilled romaine, the sliced or diced grilled chicken, and all the remaining salad ingredients: cherry tomatoes, sliced hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, diced red onions, shaved Parmesan, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives. Drizzle generously with your preferred Caesar dressing. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and textures.

Have you made this recipe?

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Please note: Nutritional facts are not provided for this recipe as they can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients used, the amount of dressing, and whether components like dressing and croutons are homemade or store-bought. We encourage you to calculate your own based on the products you use.