Meet your new summertime obsession: the Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette. This vibrant, flavor-packed salad is the kind of meal I crave in warm weather, bursting with colorful ingredients, a savory, smoky grilled chicken, and topped off with a zesty, herbaceous vinaigrette that pulls it all together. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, need a satisfying weeknight dinner, or just want to treat yourself to something special, this salad truly has it all—protein, crunch, creaminess, and a bold southwestern flair that makes every bite pop.

Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette lies in its simple ingredients that shine both individually and together. Every component brings its own flavor and texture, creating a salad that’s truly a meal all by itself—nothing boring or bland here!

Chicken breasts: The protein-packed star of the show, ready to soak up those bold, smoky-sweet spices.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Chipotle chili powder: Infuses a smoky heat that’s the signature flavor in this summer salad.
Garlic powder: Adds that vital savory depth and a little kick to the chicken.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the smokiness for that “fresh off the grill” taste.
Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors, both in the chicken and the vinaigrette.
Romaine lettuce: Crisp, refreshing, and sturdy enough to hold up all the toppings.
Cherry tomatoes: Bring sweet juiciness and a pop of color to every forkful.
Fresh or grilled sweet corn kernels: Adds crunch and a subtle charred sweetness—so summery!
Avocado: Soft, creamy, and just the right amount of richness.
Bacon: Smoky, salty, and crunchy—it instantly elevates any Cobb.
Hard-boiled eggs: Classic Cobb texture and satisfying, filling protein.
Crumbled blue cheese or feta: Choose blue for tang or feta for a gentle creaminess; both are delicious contrasts.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a bright, herbal note to the vinaigrette and the salad itself.
Olive oil (for vinaigrette): The silken base that carries all those fresh flavors.
Lime juice: Tart and sprightly, it wakes up every single bite.
Apple cider vinegar: Tangy, fruity acidity that ties the dressing together.
Honey: Balances the spice and tartness with a gentle sweetness.
Minced garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the vinaigrette.
Salt and black pepper: Let’s never forget the basics—they’re the backbone of great flavor!

How to Make Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Chicken

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat—it’s time to let the flavors shine! Mix olive oil, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl, then rub this bold mixture all over both chicken breasts. Grill the chicken for about 5–7 minutes on each side, aiming for juicy, slightly charred perfection. Let them rest for five minutes before slicing so you don’t lose all those savory juices!

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

Grab your largest platter or salad bowl because things are about to get vibrant. Spread out a bed of chopped romaine lettuce, then create generous, colorful piles of halved cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, creamy avocado cubes, crispy bacon crumbles, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and your choice of blue cheese or feta. Each topping adds its own dimension—don’t be shy about creating beautiful layers!

Step 3: Add the Grilled Chicken

Slice the rested chipotle chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and fan them out right on top of your fabulous salad. The spiced, smoky chicken instantly makes this a showstopper and blends perfectly with those fresh, crunchy veggies.

Step 4: Whisk the Cilantro Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight lid, combine olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, a generous handful of chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until well blended. This zippy, herby dressing is the heart and soul of the Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette!

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Right before serving, drizzle the homemade cilantro vinaigrette generously over the whole salad. Toss gently, if you’d like, or leave the toppings arranged for an eye-catching presentation. Gather everyone around—then savor all those flavors and textures in each satisfying forkful!

How to Serve Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

Garnishes

For those special finishing touches, scatter a little extra fresh cilantro over the top. Slices of lime on the side not only add a splash of color but let guests boost the zesty tang to taste. If you love a hint of luxury, a final sprinkle of crumbled cheese makes every serving look and taste gourmet.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want an extra treat, a side of grilled flatbread or crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every bit of vinaigrette. A chilled fruit salad or icy watermelon slices are wonderful for a bright, summery contrast. If you’re going for casual elegance, offer a simple sparkling lemonade to sip alongside each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Make this salad party-ready by serving it in individual mason jars—each guest gets a colorful, layered meal that looks as good as it tastes! For picnics or potlucks, arrange toppings in rows on a large platter “Cobb-style” and let everyone customize their bowls. Feeling extra? Try smaller versions in lettuce cups for a passed appetizer everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette tasting fresh, store any undressed salad and leftover vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The ingredients stay crisp and delicious for about a day, making tomorrow’s lunch just as tasty!

Freezing

While most components don’t freeze well (especially lettuce and avocado), you can freeze the grilled chipotle chicken for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and slice it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy another round.

Reheating

If you saved some grilled chicken, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through—just enough to restore its juiciness. Always let it reach room temperature before serving on your salad so every bite blends beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?

Absolutely! If you’re looking to save time, a shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in the chipotle spice blend makes a delicious shortcut. The flavors will be a bit milder, but you’ll still get that fantastic combo with the cilantro vinaigrette.

What cheese works best for this salad?

Both blue cheese and feta are delicious with Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette. Blue cheese adds a sharp, bold bite, while feta provides a creamier, saltier pop. Pick your favorite or offer both for variety!

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

You can easily swap the chicken for smoky grilled shrimp, roasted chickpeas, or marinated tofu. Leave out the bacon, use your favorite cheese, and you’ll still have a hearty, satisfying salad bursting with summer flair.

What’s the best way to meal prep this salad?

For prepping ahead, keep each salad component (especially the chopped veggies, protein, and dressing) in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble everything just before eating to ensure every bite is crisp and vibrant—this trick keeps salads lively for up to two days!

Can I use another dressing if I don’t have cilantro?

Of course! While the cilantro vinaigrette is a stand-out in this recipe, a creamy ranch, lemon vinaigrette, or even a light Caesar will pair nicely. But next time, be sure to try it as written—the cilantro vinaigrette takes Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad to the next level.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate summer dinner, look no further than Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette. It’s a meal that feels fancy and fresh but comes together with everyday ingredients and big, sunny flavors. Give it a try—you’ll come back for seconds!

Summer Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this delicious Chipotle Chicken Cobb Salad. Tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and savory bacon come together in a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Drizzled with a zesty cilantro vinaigrette, this salad is a complete meal that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chipotle Chicken:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salad:

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh or grilled sweet corn kernels
1 avocado, diced
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Cilantro Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Chipotle Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Combine olive oil, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts and grill for 5-7 minutes per side. Slice the chicken after resting for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange lettuce, tomatoes, corn, avocado, bacon, eggs, and blue cheese in a bowl or platter. Top with sliced chipotle chicken.
Make the Cilantro Vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad before serving.