Skinny Cobb Salad – A Lighter, Protein-Packed Classic
Hey friends!
Let’s talk salads—specifically, the ultimate, flavor-packed Cobb Salad that’s lighter, nutrient-dense, and still incredibly satisfying. The Skinny Cobb Salad is everything you love about the classic, but with a healthier twist. Think crunchy greens, creamy avocado, smoky “bacon-ish” toasted almonds, protein-rich chickpeas or chicken, and a drizzle of homemade vegan ranch dressing.
This salad is hearty enough for lunch or dinner but light enough that you’ll feel energized after eating it. And with healthy fats, lean protein, and fiber-rich greens, it’s a perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and nourishment. Plus, with the addition of my Bacon-ish Toasted Almonds, you get all the smoky, savory goodness of bacon—without the meat!
How to Serve This Skinny Cobb Salad
This fresh, colorful Cobb Salad is perfect for:
- A protein-packed lunch
- A light yet satisfying dinner
- A meal-prep-friendly dish for the week
- A stunning salad for a dinner party
Pair it with:
- A slice of crusty sourdough bread
- A side of roasted sweet potatoes
- A refreshing lemon spritzer
Skinny Cobb Salad
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This Skinny Cobb Salad is everything you love about the classic—but lighter, fresher, and packed with flavor! With crisp romaine, protein-packed chickpeas (or chicken, if you choose), creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and smoky “bacon” almonds, every bite is a perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and savory goodness.
Equipment
- Large salad bowl or serving platter
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet (for almonds)
- mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- 6 cups baby mixed greens or chopped romaine (about 2 heads of romaine)
- 2 cups chickpeas or 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (seasoned and cooked)
- 1 cup “bacon-ish” toasted almonds click ingredient title for recipe
- 6 hard boiled eggs (sliced into quarters)
- 1 large avocado sliced or diced
- 1⅓ cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup Christine’s pickled red onions click ingredient title for recipe
- 2 oz blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1 cup Christine’s vegan ranch dressing click ingredient title for recipe
Instructions
- Prepare the base of the salad by arranging the baby mixed greens or chopped romaine evenly on a large serving platter or in a salad bowl.6 cups baby mixed greens or chopped romaine
- If using chicken, season and cook the boneless, skinless chicken breast as desired, then slice or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly.2 cups chickpeas
- Evenly distribute the chickpeas or cooked chicken over the bed of greens.
- Sprinkle the “bacon-ish” toasted almonds across the salad for a crunchy, smoky bite.1 cup “bacon-ish” toasted almonds
- Add the chopped hard boiled eggs, ensuring they are spread out for even distribution.6 hard boiled eggs
- Scatter the diced avocado over the salad, making sure each section gets a creamy bite.1 large avocado
- Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes evenly on top, followed by the pickled red onion.1⅓ cherry tomatoes, ½ cup Christine’s pickled red onions
- If using, sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the salad.2 oz blue cheese crumbles
- Drizzle Christine’s vegan ranch dressing over the entire salad, or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.1 cup Christine’s vegan ranch dressing
- Gently toss the salad just before serving, or leave it arranged for a classic Cobb presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
More About This Recipe
Pro Tips for the Best Skinny Cobb Salad
- Use Fresh Greens: Crisp, fresh greens make all the difference! Wash and dry them well for the perfect salad base.
- Make Your Almonds Extra Crispy: Let the “bacon-ish” almonds cool completely before adding them to the salad for that irresistible crunch.
- Customize the Protein: Swap chickpeas for grilled tofu or salmon for another protein-packed option.
- Prep in Advance: Hard-boil your eggs, make the almonds, and prep the dressing ahead of time to throw this salad together in minutes.
- Dress It Just Before Serving: To keep your greens from getting soggy, add the dressing right before eating.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Salad Bowl or Platter – For easy serving.
- Mixing Bowls – To prep your dressing and almonds.
- Baking Sheet – For roasting the almonds.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing eggs, avocado, and tomatoes.
- Whisk or Blender – To mix up the creamy ranch dressing.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 25gFiber: 6gSugar: 4g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Why This Salad is a Nutritional Powerhouse
- Leafy Greens for Vitamins & Antioxidants
Mixed greens and romaine lettuce provide a powerful dose of vitamin K, folate, and fiber, which help support bone health, digestion, and inflammation reduction. - Chickpeas or Chicken for Lean Protein & Satiety
If you’re using chickpeas, they’re an amazing plant-based protein source packed with fiber and iron. They can also support gut health and blood sugar regulation. If you’re going for chicken, it’s high in lean protein to support muscle recovery and metabolism. - Bacon-ish Toasted Almonds for Healthy Fats & Crunch
Instead of processed bacon, we’re using toasted almonds coated in smoky, savory goodness. Almonds are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, which support brain health and reduce inflammation. - Avocado for Skin-Boosting Omega Fats
Avocados are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which support brain function and glowing skin. - Christine’s Vegan Ranch Dressing for a Guilt-Free Drizzle
Many store-bought dressings contain preservatives and unhealthy fats, but this homemade vegan ranch is made with olive oil, fresh herbs, and apple cider vinegar for gut-friendly benefits and healthy fats. Apple cider vinegar has also been linked to improved digestion and blood sugar control.
Final Thoughts
This Skinny Cobb Salad is everything you love about the classic but lighter, fresher, and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re craving a hearty, wholesome meal or need a nutrient-dense option to fuel your day, this salad is your new go-to.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Tag me in your salad creations—I love seeing what you’re making!