Indulge in my vibrant Clean Out the Fridge Cobb Salad—a delightful mix of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing and wholesome salad to satisfy your hunger on a warm summer day. And what better way to embrace the season than with a Chicken Cobb Salad? But let me be honest with you – my Chicken Cobb Salad isn’t just any ordinary salad. It’s more like a “everything but the kitchen sink salad” lol aka clean out the fridge salad, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful medley of ingredients that I like to call my “Clean Out the Fridge Cobb Salad.”
The Inspiration Behind the Salad: waste not, want not. I believe in making the most of what I have on hand, and this salad is the perfect embodiment of that belief. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures, each ingredient carefully chosen to create flavor in every bite.
The Ingredients: Let’s talk about what goes into this masterpiece of a salad. First up, we have the star of the show – chicken. Pan seared, chicken breast strips add protein and substance to the salad, making it a satisfying meal option. Then comes the egg, hard-boiled to perfection and sliced to add a creamy richness.
But wait, there’s more! I like to amp up the protein and fiber content of my salad by tossing in some chickpea rotini. It not only adds a delightful chewiness but also makes the salad more filling and nutritious. Next, we have spicy salami, which lends a kick of flavor and a hint of heat to the salad.
Of course, we can’t forget the classic Cobb Salad components – ripe tomatoes, tangy red onions, and creamy feta cheese. These fresh and vibrant ingredients not only add color to the salad but also contribute a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The Dressing: Now, let’s talk dressing. I like to keep it simple yet flavorful with a storebought ranch dressing or even blue cheese, YUM! But if homemade vinaigrette is your vibe then–a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey creates a tangy and slightly sweet dressing that ties all the elements of the salad together beautifully.
One of the reasons I love this salad so much is because it’s made with whole, real foods. In a world filled with processed and pre-packaged meals, it’s refreshing to enjoy a dish that’s made with ingredients you can pronounce and recognize. Eating more balanced meals starts with embracing real food, and this salad is a delicious step in that direction.
Clean out the fridge cobb salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups garden salad mix
- 2 eggs chopped
- 1/2 cup chickpea rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup spicy salami chopped
- 1/2 cup feta crumbles
- Ranch dressing to serve
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders with cajun seasoning and lemon pepper and add olive oil and massage
- Heat a nonstick pan with a 1 tbsp olive oil and pan sear the chicken tenders until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side
- Remove chicken and set aside to rest before chopping up for salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine garden salad mix with spinach and toss well
- Add toppings to the salad and top with slaad dressing of choice
- Toss well to combine and enjoy
So there you have it – my Chicken Cobb Salad, or should I say, my Clean Out the Fridge Cobb Salad. It’s a combo of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the joy of creating something delicious out of what you have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a lighter dinner option, this salad has got you covered. So go ahead, raid your fridge, toss together this vibrant medley of ingredients, and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite.
