Few salads are as iconic, satisfying, and downright crave-able as Cobb Salad—the ultimate American chopped salad that strikes the perfect balance of fresh, hearty, crisp, and creamy. With juicy chicken, smoky bacon, vibrant vegetables, tangy blue cheese, and a punchy homemade dressing, every forkful is a rainbow of flavors and textures. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing lunch, a stunning potluck centerpiece, or an elegant (yet easy!) main course, this Cobb Salad will instantly brighten your table and your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cobb Salad pulls its weight, offering a mix of colors, flavors, and textures that makes each bite memorable. From crisp romaine to creamy avocado and zippy green onions, you’ll see how this simple lineup transforms into a showstopper.
- Romaine lettuce (6 cups, chopped): The crisp base, bringing freshness and a sturdy crunch to hold the toppings.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, diced): Adds heartiness and lean protein; rotisserie chicken works beautifully for added flavor and convenience.
- Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled): Smoky and savory, bacon gives the salad its signature punch—you can prepare ahead of time for easy assembly.
- Hard-boiled eggs (2, peeled and chopped): Tender eggs add richness and a silky bite you can’t skip in a traditional Cobb Salad.
- Avocado (1 large, diced): Buttery smooth avocado brings healthy fats and a pop of vibrant green.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet-tart and juicy, tomatoes provide color and balance to every mouthful.
- Blue cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Tangy and bold; if blue cheese isn’t your thing, swap for feta or shredded cheddar without losing deliciousness.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, sliced): Layer in mild onion flavor and a lovely touch of color.
- Red wine vinegar (1/4 cup): This bright acid forms the backbone of the homemade dressing, waking up all the flavors.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Creamy and just spicy enough, it adds complexity to the dressing.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle sweetness and helps balance out the tang in the vinaigrette.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup): Rich and smooth, it ties the dressing together with irresistible silkiness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every element, ensuring the salad pops with flavor.
How to Make Cobb Salad
Step 1: Prepare Your Salad Base
Grab your largest serving bowl or platter and layer the chopped romaine lettuce across the bottom—don’t skimp, as this is the solid foundation for your Cobb Salad’s beautiful display. The crisp leaves are key for supporting all the colorful toppings, so spread them out evenly.
Step 2: Arrange the Toppings
Now for the fun part! Neatly arrange rows of diced chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced green onions over the lettuce. The organized rows don’t just look stunning—they make every bite exciting, letting you mix and match flavors as you go.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until your dressing is creamy and emulsified. This homemade vinaigrette packs a bold punch and truly brings the Cobb Salad to life.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing evenly over the assembled salad—or, if you prefer, serve it on the side so everyone can add just the right amount. Toss gently if desired, though leaving the rows intact creates a restaurant-worthy presentation. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Cobb Salad
Garnishes
To take your Cobb Salad to the next level, sprinkle on a final flourish of extra crumbled blue cheese, a few more sliced green onions, or fresh cracked black pepper. If you want a burst of color and flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill.
Side Dishes
Cobb Salad is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread, a bowl of chilled soup, or a light fruit salad. For a larger gathering, offer it alongside grilled shrimp skewers or a simple pasta salad to make everyone at the table happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those gorgeous rows by assembling the salad on a large platter or wooden board, letting guests serve themselves. For picnics or lunchboxes, layer the ingredients in mason jars for a portable and visually stunning option. You can also portion the toppings into mini bowls for a Cobb Salad bar—let everyone build their perfect plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cobb Salad can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best texture, store the dressing separately and toss just before eating, so your greens and toppings stay as crisp and vibrant as possible.
Freezing
Cobb Salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh vegetables and creamy elements like avocado and eggs. If you’re looking to prep ahead, cook and freeze your chicken and bacon, then defrost and assemble the salad fresh for maximum flavor and crunch.
Reheating
While this is a no-cook, chilled salad, you can gently rewarm bacon or chicken if you’d like them warm for serving. Just use a skillet or microwave, being careful not to overdo it so the chicken stays juicy and the bacon nice and crisp. Always add freshly cut avocado right before eating.
FAQs
What is the origin of the Cobb Salad?
Cobb Salad was famously created at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood in the 1930s, reportedly invented late one night by restaurant owner Robert Cobb. The story goes that he combined leftovers into a meal, and it quickly became a hit among his celebrity clientele.
Can I make Cobb Salad vegetarian or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken and bacon for hearty chickpeas, roasted tofu, or more veggies. For a dairy-free twist, use an herby vinaigrette and skip the cheese, or try dairy-free alternatives for that creamy, tangy note.
Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?
Yes, you can make the vinaigrette lighter by using less olive oil, swapping in Greek yogurt for some creaminess, or even adding a splash of lemon for a brighter, tangier profile. The homemade dressing really allows you to control flavor and nutrition.
What are the best substitutions for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta, goat cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar all work beautifully in Cobb Salad. Just be sure to choose a cheese with bold flavor to complement the smoky bacon and tangy dressing.
Can I prepare Cobb Salad ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep most components a day in advance—wash and chop the lettuce, cook the proteins, and slice veggies. Wait until just before serving to cut the avocado and add the dressing, ensuring the salad stays fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Cobb Salad has stood the test of time—it’s a showy, satisfying, and flexible meal that never disappoints. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch on a sunny day or bringing it to a family gathering, I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has to my table. Give it a try, and let Cobb Salad become a new staple in your kitchen!
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Cobb Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Cobb Salad recipe featuring a colorful array of ingredients including romaine lettuce, chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. This hearty salad is a perfect main course for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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:
1/4 cup
Dijon Mustard:
2 tablespoons
Honey:
1 tablespoon
Olive Oil:
1/2 cup
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Arrange the Base: In a large serving bowl or platter, place the chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
- Layer Ingredients: Neatly arrange rows of diced chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, and green onions on top of the lettuce.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Drizzle and Toss: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve on the side. Toss gently if desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken.
- You can substitute blue cheese with feta or shredded cheddar if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
