Avocado Cobb Salad Stuffed Peppers | Keto & Low-Carb Recipe

Avocado Cobb Salad Stuffed Peppers: A Fresh and Flavorful Keto Delight

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re on the keto diet or simply looking for a healthy, low-carb lunch or dinner, you’re going to love this Avocado Cobb Salad Stuffed Peppers recipe. It’s a fun, fresh twist on the classic Cobb salad, packed into colorful bell peppers for a perfect keto-friendly meal. Not only is this dish super easy to make, but it’s also loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tailor it to your taste!

Stuffed peppers are one of my favorite go-to meals because they’re easy to prepare, and you can fill them with all sorts of ingredients. This version features a creamy avocado Cobb salad, making it both delicious and filling. You get the crunchy bell pepper, rich avocado, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a touch of blue cheese—everything you love about a Cobb salad, but in a fun, low-carb form.

Let’s dive into this tasty recipe and see how you can make it in just a few simple steps!

Avocado Cobb Salad Stuffed Peppers Recipe Breakdown

Ingredients:

For the stuffed peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (choose any color—red, yellow, or green)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)
• 4 slices crispy bacon, chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, or swap for feta if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
• 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional for a fresh zing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing (optional):

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off the bell peppers' tops, then take out the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottoms so that the peppers can stand upright. Set them aside in a baking dish.

2. Cook the Chicken and Bacon: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear it. Once cooked, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then chop it into small pieces. Set both aside.

3. Prepare the Salad Filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, chopped chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese (if using). Toss everything gently to mix it together.

4. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the Cobb salad mixture into each of the bell peppers. Pack the filling in gently, but don’t overfill them. Drizzle a little olive oil over the stuffed peppers and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra zing, squeeze some lemon juice over the top.

5. Bake the Stuffed Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges.

6. Make the Dressing (Optional): While the peppers are baking, whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing is optional but adds a nice tangy flavor to the salad inside the peppers.

7. Serve and Savour: Take the peppers out of the oven and let them to cool a little after they are cooked to your preference. If you made the dressing, drizzle it over the stuffed peppers or serve it on the side. Garnish with extra crumbled blue cheese, fresh herbs, or additional avocado slices if desired.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

This recipe makes 4 servings (1 stuffed pepper per serving). Here’s a breakdown of the macronutrients:

• Calories: 380-420 (depending on the size of the peppers and toppings)
• Carbs: 11g (net carbs: 7g)
• Fat: 28g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g

Serving Size:

One stuffed bell pepper per serving.

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (including baking)

Additional Tips:

• Make It Ahead: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them (without baking) for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes, and they’re good to go!

• Chicken Variations: If you’re not a fan of chicken breast, you can use grilled chicken thighs, turkey, or even shrimp for a fun variation. Rotisserie chicken works well if you're short on time.

• Bacon Alternatives: If you prefer, you can swap bacon for turkey bacon or even omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. The crispy crunch of bacon really adds a nice texture, but the dish is still delicious without it.

• For Extra Flavor: If you love spicy food, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad mixture for a kick.

• Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t like blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Keto Notes:

• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet. The bell peppers are low in carbs, and the avocado, chicken, bacon, and cheese provide healthy fats and protein, making it a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

• Adjust the Portions: If you’re doing strict keto or want to lower your carbs further, feel free to reduce the number of cherry tomatoes or use fewer peppers. You can also skip the optional dressing for an even simpler meal.

• Check Your Toppings: While this recipe is keto-friendly, be cautious with the toppings. Stick to low-carb dressings like the one mentioned or just use olive oil and lemon juice to keep the carb count low.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, bell peppers are an excellent low-carb choice. They help boost your immune system and keep you feeling full longer.

• Avocado: Avocados are a keto favorite because they’re rich in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium. They help promote heart health and keep you feeling satisfied.

• Chicken: A lean protein source, chicken is great for building muscle and keeping your energy levels steady. It also provides important vitamins and minerals, including niacin and selenium.

• Bacon: Besides adding flavor, bacon provides healthy fats and protein. If you opt for a high-quality bacon (preferably nitrate-free), it can be a good addition to a balanced keto meal.

• Blue Cheese: While high in fat, blue cheese is low in carbs and a great source of calcium. It also adds a bold, savory flavor to the dish.

Tips & Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken and bacon for chickpeas or tofu. You could also add extra veggies like cucumber or leafy greens for more texture.

• Add Greens: If you want to make the dish even more filling, consider adding some leafy greens like spinach or arugula to the salad filling before stuffing the peppers.

• Make It Spicy: If you love spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the filling. You could also serve with a side of hot sauce for extra heat.

• No Blue Cheese? No Problem! If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can easily replace it with crumbled feta or goat cheese. These cheeses have a milder flavor but still add a creamy texture to the dish.

Common FAQ:

1. Can I use other types of peppers? Absolutely! While bell peppers are the most common for stuffing, you can use other varieties like poblano peppers or even large chili peppers. Just make sure they’re big enough to hold the filling.

2. Is it possible to make these stuffed peppers in advance? Yes! You can assemble the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

3. Can I use different meats? Yes, feel free to swap the chicken for turkey, steak, or even shrimp. You can also make this recipe vegetarian by using plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.

4. What should I serve with these stuffed peppers? These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but you could serve them with a side of roasted veggies or a small green salad if you like.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Avocado Cobb Salad Stuffed Peppers! This recipe is perfect for anyone following a keto diet or simply looking for a delicious, healthy meal. With its rich flavors, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, it’s super customizable, so feel free to adjust it based on your preferences.

I hope you enjoy making and eating these stuffed peppers as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of fresh, savory, and satisfying, and I’m sure they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and eating! 😊