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Keto BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch

Keto BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and creamy avocado ranch dressing served over fresh greens.

Warm weather brings with it the desire for meals that are both nourishing and refreshingly satisfying, prompting us to reach for vibrant salads that highlight the season's best produce. The inspiration behind our Keto BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch originated during a casual weekend gathering, where we aimed to create a dish that felt indulgent yet adhered to our keto-friendly lifestyle. This salad quickly rose to prominence as a beloved favorite among friends and family alike, not only for its bold flavors but also for its nutrient-rich ingredients.

What truly makes this salad special is the combination of smoky, barbecue-infused grilled chicken and crispy bacon, complemented by the creamy richness of avocado ranch dressing. Each component brings its unique texture and flavor profile, creating a delightful harmony that makes every bite exciting and fulfilling. It is precisely this careful balance that keeps this salad at the top of our meal rotation, especially when entertaining guests or enjoying leisurely weekend lunches outdoors.

This salad effortlessly addresses our craving for something substantial yet fresh, offering a fulfilling meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables. The crispness of the spring greens paired with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy avocado dressing creates a palate-pleasing experience that goes beyond the typical salad. Moreover, it aligns seamlessly with the keto lifestyle, ensuring satisfaction without the heavy carbohydrate load.

The joy of this salad also lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether preparing meals in advance for a busy week or quickly assembling lunch on a relaxed afternoon, it has proven to be consistently reliable. Our friends often request the recipe after their first taste, recognizing it as both delicious and practical for maintaining their dietary goals. Indeed, the Keto BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad with Avocado Ranch has established itself not just as a meal, but as a staple we look forward to each spring season.

Cuisine ,
Courses , ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 30 mins
Servings 4
Calories 520
Description

This hearty Keto BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad features grilled BBQ-seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh spring greens. Topped with a luscious homemade avocado ranch dressing, it's packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein—ideal for a filling, low-carb meal.

Ingredients
    For the BBQ Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Salad:
  • 6 cups fresh spring greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • For Avocado Ranch Dressing:
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup water (to thin, if desired)
Instructions
    BBQ Chicken:
  1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and coat evenly with spice mix.
  4. Grill chicken breasts for about 6–7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Allow to rest briefly before slicing.
  5. Avocado Ranch Dressing:
  6. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Blend until smooth. If too thick, thin with a bit of water to desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Salad Assembly:
  9. Arrange spring greens on a serving platter or individual plates.
  10. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
  11. Drizzle generously with avocado ranch dressing and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 ServingCalories:520kcalTotal Fat:38gSaturated Fat: 9gTotal Carbohydrate:10gDietary Fiber: 5gSugars: 2gProtein:34g

Note

Substitutions & Variations

  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives.
  • Protein Variation: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or steak.
  • Extra Veggies: Add sliced avocado, cucumber, or pickled red onions.
  • Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to dressing or chicken rub.