Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad Recipe with Avocado Dressing
If you’re anything like me and find yourself obsessed with Chick-fil-A salads but not so obsessed with the price (or the mystery ingredients), you’re going to love this Copycat Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad. Making it at home means I get to control exactly what goes in — think high-quality, organic ingredients that actually fit my nutritional goals and taste amazing.
I’m walking you through how to throw together this delicious, crave-worthy Cobb Salad with my own little twist. We’re talking air-fried chicken nuggets (yes, nuggets), charred corn, and a mix of greens that take it to the next level. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner that feels a little fancy, this copycat Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad has you covered — all the flavor, way more freedom!
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What’s in a Cobb Salad, anyway?
Traditionally, a Cobb salad is loaded up with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, grape tomatoes, and blue cheese — basically, all the good stuff. But let’s be real, recipes are made to be customized, right? In my version, I’ve taken things up a notch with some fun twists: charred corn, a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and crispy turkey bacon for that perfect salty crunch.
And if you’re feeling extra creative (or just want to clean out the fridge), there are so many ways to make this salad your own. Here are some tasty add-ins to mix things up:
Sliced radish and cucumber
Red cabbage
Crispy fried onions or shallots
Grilled or roasted veggies, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini
Goat cheese or crumbled feta
Nuts and seeds, including walnuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds
Dried fruits such as raisins and cranberries
And don’t forget about the dressing! You can totally swap in ranch, blue cheese, or whatever your favorite is to change up the vibe. That’s what I love about this Copycat Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad — you can keep it classic or go wild with toppings. Either way, you end up with a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that always hits the spot.
What I Don’t Love About the Original Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
While the Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad is definitely tasty, there are a few things I’m not crazy about. First, it can get a bit pricey, especially when you add extras like the avocado ranch dressing or premium toppings.
Another thing is the quality of the ingredients. I like knowing where my food comes from, so I prefer using organic, pasture-raised chicken and bacon, which isn’t always guaranteed in the original salad. Plus, when you buy the salad, you don’t have much control over cooking methods—like choosing to air-fry the chicken nuggets instead of frying them or opting for a lighter dressing. At home, I can customize it to my liking and make it a little healthier without sacrificing flavor. My version is more affordable, customizable, and packed with nutrients, making it the perfect alternative.
Why I Love My Version
Unlike the original Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad, my version is more flexible and customizable when it comes to toppings and ingredients. I’ve added a blend of greens, charred corn kernels, and air-fried nuggets to make the salad even more nutritious and flavorful. Plus, my recipe is cost-effective, allowing me to make larger portions of the classic recipe for family dinners and meal prep without breaking the bank.
By tailoring the simple ingredients to my taste and preferences, my version of the classic Cobb Salad guarantees that I won’t have to consume unhealthy fast food to satisfy my cravings. Instead, I can enjoy a highly nutritious and delicious homemade salad that leaves me feeling satisfied and energized.
Try My Other Copycat Recipes below!
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make a Copycat Chick-Fil-A Salad?
To make my copycat Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad, I use:
Lettuce of your choice
Red tomatoes
Charred corn
Turkey bacon (or any bacon of your choice)
My air-fried Chick-fil-A nuggets (the recipe can be found here!)
Hard-boiled eggs
A blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses
Avocado lime dressing (or try my Avocado Ranch Dressing here!)
Of course, feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and taste buds. I often add sliced radishes and cucumbers, crispy fried onions or shallots, grilled or roasted veggies, goat cheese or crumbled feta, nuts and seeds, or dried fruits to take the salad to the next level. With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can make a copycat Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad that’s even better than the original.
My Go-To Kitchen Products for This Recipe!
How To Make A Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad At Home?
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken Nuggets:
Marinate the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breast cubes in a bowl and pouring dill pickle juice over them. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Coating: After marinating, add whisked egg and milk directly to the bowl with the chicken. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the chicken cubes from the wet mixture and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Be sure to shake off any excess coating to avoid clumping.
Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil spray and air fry at 380°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
2. Prep the Salad Ingredients:
Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry your lettuce thoroughly. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces to create a fresh bed for your salad.
Prep the Veggies and Bacon: Dice the tomatoes, char the corn on a stovetop or grill for a unique flavor, and cook the turkey bacon in a skillet or air fryer until crispy. Once the bacon is cooked, chop it into small pieces.
Boil the Eggs: Prepare your hard-boiled eggs by boiling them for about 10-12 minutes. Cool the eggs under cold water, peel them, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, charred corn, chopped turkey bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. This creates a hearty base with a variety of textures and flavors.
4. Add the Nuggets:
Top your salad with the freshly made Chick-fil-A-style air-fried nuggets. These nuggets add a crispy, tender chicken element that makes this salad extra satisfying.
5. Make the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
In a high-speed blender, combine all the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss everything well to combine. Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
6. Serve:
Drizzle the avocado ranch dressing over the salad, toss gently, and enjoy your homemade Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad!
Jazz's Tips and Tricks for The Best Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, organic ingredients wherever possible. Opt for organic greens, free-range eggs, and pasture-raised turkey bacon to elevate the overall taste of your salad.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: Save time by prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Cook your chicken, boil your eggs, and chop your vegetables the night before, so all you need to do is assemble the salad when you're ready to eat.
Char the Corn for Extra Flavor: Take your salad to the next level by charring the corn. A quick grill or stovetop char will add a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Make Your Dressing from Scratch: Homemade dressing always tastes better than store-bought. Whip up a quick avocado lime ranch or your favorite vinaigrette to drizzle over the salad for a fresher taste.
Customize Your Salad: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and dressings. Add your favorite nuts, seeds, or even some roasted veggies to make the salad truly your own.
FAQ’s
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Yes, you can prepare most of the ingredients in advance, such as cooking the tender chicken, crispy bacon, and boiling the eggs. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend assembling the salad and adding the salad dressing just before serving. This ensures that your fresh bed of spring mix and baby greens stays crisp and vibrant.
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If you’re not a fan of turkey bacon, feel free to swap it out for crispy bacon, grilled nuggets, or even rotisserie chicken for a unique twist. These customizable options allow you to tailor the salad to your taste, offering a different type of protein that adds both flavor and nutritional value.
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Absolutely! You can easily make a dairy-free dressing by using a dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise as the base. Blend it with creamy avocado, lime juice, and your favorite seasonings to create a delicious alternative that aligns with your daily diet and general nutrition advice.
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Yes, to create a keto diet-friendly version of the Cobb Salad, you can omit the crispy red bell peppers and corn. Instead, focus on adding healthy fats like avocado, extra grilled chicken nuggets, and a different dressing like blue cheese dressing or ranch. This will keep the salad low-carb and high in protein, perfect for those following a keto lifestyle.
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Store the leftover salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. The fresh veggies, grilled nuggets, and salad dressing should be kept apart to prevent sogginess. When ready to enjoy, simply assemble the salad. Leftovers will last for 3-4 days in the fridge, but for the best taste and texture, consume them sooner rather than later.
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Yes, feel free to add as many veggies as you like! Green onions, red onion, and juicy tomatoes like cherry tomatoes work well here. You can even use some crisp bacon for added flavor. Just be sure to balance the textures and flavors to keep it fresh.
So next time you're in the mood for a healthy and satisfying meal, try making a homemade Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create an extraordinary salad that is truly top-notch.
Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cobb Salad
Fresh greens topped with nuggets, bacon, cheese, egg, and tomatoes, with avocado lime ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 6 cups lettuce of choice, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup charred corn (about 1 ear of corn)
- 1/2 cup turkey bacon or bacon of choice, cooked and chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups copycat Chick-fil-A air-fried nuggets (recipe below)
- 1 large Avocado, seed and skin removed
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Dill
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Chives
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Black Pepper to taste
- Optionally water (to achieve desired consistency)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1 cup flour of choice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breast cubes in a bowl and pouring dill pickle juice over them. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: After marinating, add whisked egg and milk directly to the bowl with the chicken. Mix everything well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
- Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the chicken cubes from the wet mixture and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Be sure to shake off any excess coating to avoid clumping.
- Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the nuggets with oil spray and air fry at 380°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry your lettuce thoroughly. Then, chop it into bite-sized pieces to create a fresh bed for your salad.
- Prep the Veggies and Bacon: Dice the tomatoes, char the corn on a stovetop or grill for a unique flavor, and cook the turkey bacon in a skillet or air fryer until crispy. Once the bacon is cooked, chop it into small pieces.
- Boil the Eggs: Prepare your hard-boiled eggs by boiling them for about 10-12 minutes. Cool the eggs under cold water, peel them, and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, charred corn, chopped turkey bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. This creates a hearty base with a variety of textures and flavors.
- Top your salad with the freshly made Chick-fil-A-style air-fried nuggets. These nuggets add a crispy, tender chicken element that makes this salad extra satisfying.
- In a high-speed blender, combine all the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out by adding 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss everything well to combine. Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Drizzle the avocado ranch dressing over the salad, toss gently, and enjoy your homemade Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad!
If you've ever been to the Cheesecake Factory, you know they have an amazing Chinese Chicken Salad that's so delicious and satisfying.