Name: Cobb Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups chopped; 2 cups diced; 4 slices cooked and crumbled; 2, peeled and chopped; 1 large, diced; 1 cup halved; 1/2 cup crumbled; 1/4 cup sliced; 1/4 cup; 2 tablespoons; 1 tablespoon; 1/2 cup; To taste

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Get ready to fall in love with Cobb Salad—a powerhouse salad that’s as satisfying as it is stunning. This American classic delights with layers of crisp romaine, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, rich avocado, tangy blue cheese, and bursty cherry tomatoes, all lightly kissed by a zingy homemade dressing. With every bite you get crunch, creaminess, and a riot of color, proving that healthy recipes can absolutely steal the spotlight at your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these fresh, flavorful ingredients is half the joy of making Cobb Salad. Each brings something special: crunch from the greens, savory depth from proteins, creamy richness from cheese and avocado, and a punch from the vinaigrette. Here’s what you’ll need:

Romaine lettuce (6 cups, chopped): The crisp foundation that holds all the toppings beautifully and adds a refreshing bite.
Chicken breast (2 cups, cooked and diced): For lean, satisfying protein; rotisserie chicken is a delicious shortcut.
Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky, salty crunch and irresistible flavor.
Hard-boiled eggs (2, peeled and chopped): Bring creaminess and a boost of protein to every forkful.
Avocado (1 large, diced): Offers buttery texture and heart-healthy fats.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Little pops of juiciness and sweetness for balance.
Blue cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Bold, tangy flavor that defines the classic Cobb profile (swap for feta or cheddar if you like).
Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Provide mild sharpness and extra color.
Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Delivers bright acidity for the dressing.
Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): For a touch of spicy complexity in the vinaigrette.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the dressing with a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.
Olive oil (1/2 cup): Makes the dressing silky and rich, carrying all the flavors beautifully.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for perfect seasoning—taste as you go!

How to Make Cobb Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce Base

Start by arranging your 6 cups of chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl or platter. This is your stage—spread it out evenly so every bite gets a bit of that refreshing crunch. Romaine not only provides foundation, but also ensures the salad feels light and fresh.

Step 2: Neatly Arrange the Toppings

Now for the fun, artistic part! Take the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced green onions. Arrange them in neat, colorful rows on top of the lettuce. This not only looks stunning, but it also means that every forkful can be customized to your heart’s delight.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, add the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing thickens slightly and everything is fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; the right balance of tang and richness will tie your Cobb Salad together beautifully.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the arranged salad just before serving. If you prefer, offer the dressing on the side so everyone can help themselves. For a more blended experience, toss gently to coat all ingredients with the dressing. Serve immediately and savor every crunchy, creamy, flavorful bite!

How to Serve Cobb Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of extra crumbled blue cheese and some fresh black pepper right before serving to make the colors even more vibrant and the flavor pop. A sprig of fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon on the side can also add an inviting finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Cobb Salad is a meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty baguette or a light soup like gazpacho. If you’re entertaining, add a platter of roasted vegetables or a chilled white wine for a well-rounded, elegant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cobb Salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic vibe, or plate it as a dramatic, deconstructed entrée for dinner parties. For a family-style approach, layer ingredients in a trifle bowl to showcase those signature colorful stripes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the undressed Cobb Salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the greens crisp and ingredients fresh for up to two days. If already dressed, aim to finish within 24 hours for the best texture.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Cobb Salad does not freeze well—especially with delicate ingredients like avocado, lettuce, and boiled eggs. Freezing can drastically change their texture and flavor, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since most ingredients are meant to be served cold, Cobb Salad doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer your chicken or bacon warm, simply reheat those components separately before adding them to the salad fresh from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I substitute blue cheese with another cheese?

Absolutely! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap in crumbled feta or even shredded cheddar. They’ll provide a different, but equally delicious, flavor profile in your Cobb Salad.

What type Salad

Cooked, diced chicken breast is traditional, but don’t hesitate to use leftover rotisserie chicken or even grilled chicken thighs for a boost of flavor. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked and well-seasoned.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

To keep your diced avocado looking vibrant, toss it gently in a little lemon juice before adding it to the Cobb Salad. This helps slow oxidation and keeps those green cubes as appealing as they taste.

Can this Cobb Salad be made vegetarian?

Definitely—simply skip the chicken and bacon, and add in extra veggies such as roasted chickpeas, corn, or even grilled tofu to amp up the protein and texture while keeping the salad hearty and satisfying.

Is Cobb Salad gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free bacon and double-check that all packaged ingredients (like mustard) don’t have hidden gluten sources.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a big, beautiful Cobb Salad to bring brightness and flavor to your table. It’s endlessly adaptable, meal-worthy, and sure to impress at any gathering. Give this classic a try—you might just find yourself craving it on repeat!

Cobb Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This classic Cobb Salad is a delicious and hearty meal in a bowl, featuring a colorful array of fresh ingredients topped with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Romaine Lettuce:

6 cups chopped

Cooked Chicken Breast:

2 cups diced

Bacon:

4 slices cooked and crumbled

Hard-Boiled Eggs:

2, peeled and chopped

Avocado:

1 large, diced

Cherry Tomatoes:

1 cup halved

Blue Cheese:

1/2 cup crumbled

Green Onions:

1/4 cup sliced

Red Wine Vinegar Dressing:

1/4 cup

Dijon Mustard:

2 tablespoons

Honey:

1 tablespoon

Olive Oil:

1/2 cup

Salt and Black Pepper:

To taste

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Instructions

Arrange Ingredients: In a large bowl, layer romaine lettuce as the base. Arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and green onions on top.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad or serve on the side. Toss gently to combine if desired. Enjoy!