There is something truly delightful about combining bold Tex-Mex flavors with the fresh crunch of a salad, and the Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe does exactly that with style and ease. This vibrant dish brings together perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, creamy avocado, and tangy feta over a bed of crisp romaine, creating an irresistible medley of tastes and textures that feels both hearty and refreshing. Whether you’re tossing this salad up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe manages to be flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying without complicated steps or ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe, you only need a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients that work harmoniously to provide bright colors and a wonderful balance of flavors. Each component plays a key role: the fajita seasoning gives the chicken that signature spicy kick, the bell peppers and onions add a smoky sweetness, and the avocado and feta bring creamy, tangy contrasts that elevate every bite.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: Marinate with fajita seasoning to infuse maximum flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper: Thinly sliced strips add crunch and vibrant red color.
- 1 green bell pepper: Its fresh, slightly bitter edge complements the red pepper’s sweetness.
- 0.5 medium red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharp bite and lovely purple hues.
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base to the salad.
- 1 ripe avocado: Diced for creamy richness and healthy fats.
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and color contrast.
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings a tangy, salty finish to balance the spice.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used for grilling and adding a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix: The heart of the dish’s smoky, spicy flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty note to lift everything.
How to Make Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken breasts in the fajita seasoning along with olive oil to ensure every piece soaks up those zesty spices. Letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors penetrate deeply, making every bite delightfully flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, slice your red and green bell peppers into long strips and thinly slice half a red onion. These veggies will add not only sweetness and crunch but also vibrant color that makes this salad inviting and appetizing.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and cook the chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until perfectly cooked through with those gorgeous, smoky grill marks. The direct heat will lock in the juices and intensify the seasoning’s flavors.
Step 4: Grill the Peppers and Onions
During the last few minutes of grilling, place your sliced bell peppers and red onions on the grill. This slight char transforms their natural sweetness and adds a smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Step 5: Rest the Grill Contents
Once the chicken and vegetables are done, remove them from the heat and let everything rest for several minutes. This resting period allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute and the grilled vegetables to cool just enough to retain their crisp-tender texture.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cubed avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes. These ingredients provide a refreshing and creamy base that perfectly balances the smoky grilled items topping the salad.
Step 7: Add Grilled Chicken and Vegetables
Slice your rested chicken into thin strips and place it atop the salad alongside the grilled peppers and onions. Then sprinkle the entire dish with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with freshly squeezed lime juice for a lively finishing touch.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Give the salad a gentle toss to combine all those fabulous textures and flavors. Serve immediately so that the crunch of the lettuce and the juiciness of the peppers remain fresh and inviting.
How to Serve Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh burst of flavor and texture, top your salad with chopped cilantro or slices of fresh jalapeño if you love a bit of heat. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds can add an unexpected crunch that complements the creamy avocado perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad is substantial enough to be a main on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas or a side of black bean salsa to amplify the Tex-Mex experience. A light tortilla soup or a refreshing cucumber agua fresca would round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the salad ingredients in neat rows or colorful sections atop a large platter before tossing. You could also serve individual portions in mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom and salad atop for a portable, visually stunning twist on the Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad components separately to maintain freshness—keep the grilled chicken and vegetables in an airtight container and the lettuce and avocado separately to avoid sogginess. Combine just before serving for best results.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh lettuce and avocado, which can become mushy. However, you can freeze the marinated raw chicken separately before prepping, so you always have the option to whip up this salad on short notice.
Reheating
Reheat the grilled chicken and vegetables gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating the salad greens and avocado, as they are best served fresh and cool for maximum texture and flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta adds a nice tangy contrast, you can swap it for shredded cheddar, cotija, or even a bit of queso fresco to keep the Tex-Mex vibe going with a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and load up on grilled veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and corn. Adding seasoned black beans or chickpeas will also boost the protein content and keep the salad hearty and satisfying.
How can I make the salad spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also serve it with a spicy chipotle dressing or hot sauce on the side to let everyone adjust the heat to their liking.
What is the best way to marinate the chicken quickly?
If you’re short on time, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes instead of 30, or consider using a pinch of instant fajita seasoning directly on the chicken just before grilling to capture those bold flavors quickly.
Can this salad be made gluten-free?
Yes, the Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your fajita seasoning and any additional sauces are free from gluten-containing ingredients. This makes it a great option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold grilled flavors found in the Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any occasion when you want a meal that feels both special and wholesome. Give this recipe a try—you might find it quickly becoming one of your go-to dishes for easy, delicious eating.
Print
Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Simple Chicken Fajita Cobb Salad combines tender marinated grilled chicken with colorful bell peppers, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese on a fresh romaine lettuce base. Enhanced with a zesty fajita seasoning and lime juice, it’s a flavorful, hearty salad perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (marinated in fajita seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Vegetables & Salad Base
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Toppings & Dressing
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine the chicken breasts with fajita seasoning and olive oil in a bowl. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, slice the red and green bell peppers into strips and thinly slice the red onion. Set aside.
- Heat Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for grilling the chicken and vegetables.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Grill Vegetables: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion to the grill. Grill them until they are slightly charred and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Rest Chicken and Vegetables: Remove the chicken and vegetables from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain juices and cool slightly for slicing.
- Assemble Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes, creating a vibrant salad base.
- Slice Chicken and Combine: Slice the grilled chicken into strips and arrange on top of the salad along with the grilled bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle evenly with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle with freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all ingredients together to combine flavors and textures well. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to maximize flavor.
- If a grill or grill pan is unavailable, you can use a cast-iron skillet or broiler to cook the chicken and vegetables.
- Adjust feta cheese quantity based on personal preference or substitute with queso fresco for a milder flavor.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored uncovered in the fridge and are best consumed within 1-2 days for freshness.
