Print

Fresh Low-Carb Cobb Salad Recipe with Creamy Ranch Dressing

fresh low-carb Cobb salad - featured image

A fresh, low-carb Cobb salad featuring smoky bacon, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a homemade creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 4 large bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side (about 12-14 minutes total) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then dice into bite-size pieces.
  2. Cook the bacon: Lay 4 large bacon strips on a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cool.
  3. Boil the eggs: Place 3 large eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and remove from heat; let sit 10 minutes. Cool in ice water, then peel and chop.
  4. Chop the veggies: Wash and dry 6 cups romaine lettuce, then chop roughly. Dice 1 large ripe avocado, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and peel and dice 1 medium cucumber.
  5. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup buttermilk until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped fresh parsley and chives, plus 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill weed. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.
  6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, layer the chopped romaine, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional). Pour the creamy ranch dressing over the top and gently toss to combine, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add themselves.
  7. Final touch: Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.

Notes

For a thicker dressing, reduce buttermilk slightly or add a spoonful of sour cream. Use leftover roast chicken to save time. Toss avocado with lemon juice if prepping ahead to prevent browning. Keep salad components and dressing separate if making ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, Cobb salad, creamy ranch dressing, healthy salad, chicken salad, bacon, avocado, easy recipe