Description

Craving a light, flavorful meal that’s packed with protein, veggies, and vibrant colors without the heavy calories? The Skinny Cobb Salad is your answer! This recipe transforms the classic Cobb salad into a lighter version with a creamy yogurt-ranch dressing, featuring lean chicken, turkey bacon, and nutrient-rich ingredients like avocado and chickpeas.

Ingredients

To make Skinny Cobb Salad for 4 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or nutrition to this vibrant dish:

Fat-Free Plain Greek Yogurt (¼ cup): Creamy, tangy base for the dressing.
Reduced-Fat Ranch Salad Dressing (2 tbsp): Adds classic ranch flavor with fewer calories.
Cold Water (1–2 tsp): Thins the dressing to desired consistency.
Coleslaw Mix (3 cups): Provides crunchy cabbage and carrots for the base.
Chopped Lettuce (3 cups): Adds crisp, leafy greens.
Large Apple (1, chopped): Brings sweet, juicy crunch.
Crumbled Reduced-Fat Feta or Blue Cheese (½ cup): Adds tangy, salty richness.
Cubed Cooked Chicken Breast (1 cup): Lean protein for heartiness.
Green Onions (2, chopped): Provides mild, fresh onion flavor.
Turkey Bacon Strips (4, cooked and chopped): Adds smoky, lean protein.
Garbanzo Beans or Chickpeas (1 can, 15 oz, rinsed and drained): Brings fiber and nutty flavor.
Small Ripe Avocado (1, peeled and cubed): Adds creamy, healthy fats.

Substitutions and Variations:

Greek Yogurt: Swap with low-fat sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Ranch Dressing: Use a homemade ranch mix or a different low-fat dressing like Caesar or balsamic.
Coleslaw Mix/Lettuce: Replace with kale, spinach, or mixed greens.
Apple: Swap with pear, grapes, or dried cranberries for sweetness.
Cheese: Use regular feta, goat cheese, or omit for a dairy-free option.
Chicken: Substitute with grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Turkey Bacon: Swap with regular bacon, plant-based bacon, or omit for less fat.
Add-Ons: Include cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor.

Why These Ingredients Matter: The chicken, chickpeas, and turkey bacon provide lean protein and fiber, while the greens, apple, and avocado offer vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. The yogurt-based dressing keeps it light yet flavorful, making this a balanced, nutrient-packed meal perfect for healthy eating.

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp reduced-fat ranch salad dressing.
Add 1–2 tsp cold water, stirring until the dressing reaches your desired consistency (thin for drizzling, thicker for dipping).

Tip: Start with 1 tsp water and add more gradually to avoid making the dressing too runny.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Base

In a large bowl, toss 3 cups coleslaw mix with 3 cups chopped lettuce until combined.
Divide the mixture evenly among 4 plates (about 1½ cups per plate).

Tip: Use wide, shallow plates or bowls to make arranging toppings easier and more visually appealing.

Step 3: Arrange the Toppings

On each plate, arrange the following in neat rows over the greens:
- ¼ cup cubed cooked chicken breast
- 2 tbsp crumbled reduced-fat feta or blue cheese
- 1 chopped turkey bacon strip
- ¼ of the chopped large apple (about ¼ cup)
- ½ chopped green onion
- ¼ cup rinsed and drained garbanzo beans or chickpeas
- ¼ of the cubed small avocado

Tip: Arrange toppings in colorful rows for a classic Cobb salad look, or toss together for a quicker presentation.

Step 4: Serve

Drizzle each salad with about 1½ tbsp of the yogurt-ranch dressing.
Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side, if desired.

Tip: Serve fresh to enjoy the crisp greens and creamy avocado at their best