Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Best Cobb Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines crisp greens, tender chicken, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and tangy blue cheese. It’s a classic American salad that’s both satisfying and versatile, perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this salad is a meal in itself.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecherry tomatoeshard-boiled eggscooked chicken breastavocadocrumbled blue cheesebacon stripsred wine vinaigretteolive oilDijon mustardgarlicred wine vinegarhoneySalt and pepper

directions

Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.

Hard boil the eggs, peel, and slice them.

Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts until fully cooked, then slice or dice.

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and arrange it in a large serving bowl or platter.

Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado, and prepare all other toppings.

Arrange the toppings in rows over the bed of lettuce: chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese.

To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving or serve it on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use grilled shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different protein option.

Swap blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.

Add red onions or cucumbers for extra crunch.

Use ranch or buttermilk dressing for a creamier version.

Top with croutons or nuts for added texture.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Dressed salad should be eaten within 24 hours to prevent sogginess.Chicken, bacon, and eggs can be prepared in advance for quick assembly.

FAQs

What is the origin of the Cobb Salad?

It was created in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood by owner Robert Cobb.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and bacon or replace them with plant-based alternatives.

Is Cobb Salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein and fats, especially without the honey in the dressing.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely, though homemade dressing enhances the freshness and flavor.

What’s the best lettuce for Cobb Salad?

Romaine is traditional for its crunch and sturdiness, but mixed greens can also be used.

Can I prep this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving for best texture.

Do I have to use blue cheese?

No, feel free to substitute with any cheese you prefer or omit entirely.

Conclusion

The Best Cobb Salad is a classic and satisfying dish that brings together a variety of textures and flavors in one vibrant bowl. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving guests, this salad is sure to impress. Customizable and easy to assemble, it’s a go-to option for healthy, filling meals.