Grilled Salmon Cobb Salad is a fresh and hearty twist on the classic Cobb, featuring tender grilled salmon, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a medley of crisp vegetables. Tossed with a simple vinaigrette or your favorite dressing, it’s the perfect protein-packed salad for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with Protein: Salmon, eggs, and bacon make this salad satisfying and filling.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Grill the salmon ahead of time and assemble when ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb salmon fillet (skin on or off)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion or scallions
For the Dressing (optional lemon vinaigrette):
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions

- Grill the Salmon: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Let rest, then flake or slice.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad Base: Arrange chopped greens in a large bowl or platter.
- Assemble: Top with grilled salmon, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cheese (if using), and onions.
- Serve: Drizzle with dressing just before serving, or serve dressing on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Grains: Include quinoa or farro for extra fiber.
- Swap the Protein: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of salmon.
- Creamy Dressing Option: Try a homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the salmon and bacon and add chickpeas or grilled mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat salmon gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: To keep everything crisp and fresh, don’t dress the salad until you’re ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until flaky.
What’s the best type of salmon to use?
Use fresh or previously frozen fillets—wild-caught is ideal for flavor and texture.
Can I use canned salmon?
Yes, drained canned salmon is a convenient and tasty option.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
Omit cheese and ensure the dressing contains no dairy.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.
What other dressings go well with this salad?
Try balsamic vinaigrette, green goddess, or creamy dill.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all ingredients and store separately. Assemble when ready to eat.
Can I use spinach or kale instead of romaine?
Absolutely—use any leafy greens you like.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, just pack ingredients separately and combine before serving.
How do I prevent avocado from browning?
Slice it fresh or toss it with lemon juice before adding to the salad.
Conclusion
Grilled Salmon Cobb Salad is a flavorful, nutrient-rich meal that’s both elegant and easy to make. With its bold textures and vibrant ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for when you want something healthy yet satisfying. Perfect for everyday meals or entertaining, it’s a fresh take on a classic favorite.
PrintGrilled Salmon Cobb Salad
A fresh and healthy Grilled Salmon Cobb Salad loaded with greens, crispy bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese, topped with a perfectly grilled salmon fillet and a delicious dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the grill and set aside to rest.
- While the salmon cooks, assemble the salad: in a large bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado slices, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon, and red onion.
- Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinaigrette or your dressing of choice, and toss gently to combine.
- Once the salmon has rested, flake it into large pieces and arrange it on top of the salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the salmon in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Substitute grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer a different protein.
- Feel free to customize the salad with additional veggies, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, or swap the blue cheese for feta if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg