Summer Chicken Cobb Salad

Summer chicken cobb salad celebrates peak season produce alongside smoky grilled chicken in one vibrant, satisfying bowl. The combination of charred sweet corn, juicy ripe peaches, and plump blueberries creates an unexpected yet perfect harmony against tender chicken and creamy avocado. Fresh herb vinaigrette brings everything together with bright acidity that balances the natural sweetness of the fruits. This colorful creation delivers the essence of summer farmers markets in every bite while providing a complete meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

I created this salad after returning from the farmers market with an abundance of perfect peaches and sweet corn that demanded immediate attention. The first time I served it at a backyard gathering, guests kept returning to the buffet table for second and third helpings, ignoring the more traditional offerings completely. What began as a way to use seasonal bounty has become my signature summer entertaining dish, requested specifically whenever friends learn peaches have appeared at local markets.

Flavorful Chicken Components

• Boneless Chicken: Provides lean protein that grills quickly and absorbs marinade beautifully
• Avocado Oil: Contributes clean flavor while withstanding high grilling temperatures
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Adds smoky heat that complements the charred corn perfectly
• Garlic Powder: Infuses savory depth without harsh raw garlic notes
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all surrounding flavors while ensuring perfectly seasoned meat
• Ground Cumin: Introduces earthy warmth that balances fruit sweetness wonderfully

Fresh Salad Ingredients

• Mixed Greens: Create the perfect foundation with varied textures and flavors
• Fresh Corn: Develops incredible sweetness and complexity when charred
• Ripe Avocado: Contributes creamy richness and satisfying healthy fats
• Fresh Blueberries: Add bursts of juicy sweetness and stunning color contrast
• Summer Peaches: Deliver honeyed perfume and succulent texture throughout
• Herb Vinaigrette: Ties everything together with bright herbaceous notes

Creation Instructions

Flavorful Chicken Preparation:

Combine avocado oil, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin in a small bowl, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform paste. This wet rub approach distributes spices more evenly than dry seasoning alone. Using your hands, massage this mixture over all surfaces of the chicken, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor impact. Allow chicken to marinate at room temperature if cooking within twenty minutes, or refrigerate for up to an hour if preparing ahead. This marination period allows the flavors to penetrate while the salt works to season the meat throughout.

Proper Grilling Technique:

Preheat your grill to medium high heat, approximately 425°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Place seasoned chicken directly over heat source and cook undisturbed for five to six minutes until distinct grill marks form. Flip once and continue cooking for another five to six minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F when tested with meat thermometer at thickest point. Remove chicken to a clean plate and allow to rest untouched for five minutes, during which carryover cooking will bring temperature to safe 165°F while juices redistribute throughout the meat. This resting period is critical for maintaining moisture.

Corn Charring Method:

While chicken rests, place husked corn directly on grill grates over medium high heat. Rotate ears occasionally as kernels develop charred spots, approximately six to eight minutes total cooking time. The goal is creating caramelization on multiple sides without overcooking, which would result in dry kernels. Once properly charred, remove corn from grill and allow to cool slightly until comfortable to handle. Stand each ear vertically on cutting board and carefully slice downward with sharp knife to remove kernels from cob, preserving their natural clusters when possible for visual appeal in the finished salad.

Complete Salad Assembly:

Arrange mixed greens as the foundation layer in a large, shallow serving bowl or platter, creating substantial bed for remaining ingredients. Slice rested chicken across the grain into half inch pieces or dice into bite sized cubes according to preference. Distribute charred corn kernels, sliced chicken, diced avocado, fresh blueberries, and diced peaches across the greens in an attractive arrangement. This thoughtful presentation showcases each ingredient while ensuring balanced distribution throughout the salad. Drizzle herb vinaigrette over entire composition, starting with modest amount and adding more as needed. Gently toss outer edges while leaving center relatively undisturbed for most appealing presentation.

Pin it

My first attempt at this salad taught me valuable lessons about fruit ripeness. Using slightly underripe peaches created disappointing texture and required additional dressing to compensate for missing sweetness. Now I select peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating perfect ripeness without mushiness. Similarly, I discovered that corn continues cooking after removal from heat, so I slightly undercook it on the grill for kernels that maintain pleasant texture in the finished salad rather than becoming tough or chewy.

Creative Variation Options

Introduce Mediterranean influence by substituting feta cheese for blueberries and adding cucumber for refreshing crunch. Create autumnal adaptation using grilled chicken with pears, cranberries, and maple vinaigrette when summer produce fades. Develop tropical version with mango instead of peaches and lime cilantro dressing for completely different flavor direction while maintaining the sweet and savory balance that makes the original so successful.

Storage Strategy Tips

Maintain optimal freshness by storing components separately when preparing ahead. Keep grilled chicken refrigerated in airtight container up to three days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best flavor. Prepare corn and vinaigrette day before, storing properly refrigerated, but slice fresh peaches and avocado just before assembly to prevent browning and texture changes. Consider using lemon juice tossed avocado if absolutely necessary to prepare ahead, though freshly cut provides superior experience.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead of time (marinate and cook the chicken, char the corn), but it's best to assemble right before serving to keep everything fresh. Store prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ What can I substitute for chipotle chili powder?

If you don't have chipotle powder, use ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper instead to get a similar smoky heat.

→ Is there a good substitute for peaches?

If peaches aren't in season, you can substitute nectarines, plums, or even mango for a similar sweet element in the salad.

→ What herb vinaigrette works best with this salad?

A simple vinaigrette with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives works beautifully. Mix with olive oil, lemon juice, a touch of honey, and Dijon mustard for the perfect dressing.

→ Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or slice it and season with a pinch of chipotle powder, salt, and pepper to maintain that smoky flavor profile.