Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cobb Salad is a classic American dish packed with a delicious medley of textures and flavors—from crisp lettuce and creamy avocado to tender chicken, tangy blue cheese, and smoky bacon. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course and customizable to suit your taste. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this vibrant salad is both satisfying and refreshing.

ingredients

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

romaine lettucecherry tomatoeshard-boiled eggscooked chicken breastcrispy baconavocadocrumbled blue cheesechivesolive oilred wine vinegarDijon mustardgarlicsalt and pepper

directions

Chop the romaine lettuce and arrange it on a large serving platter or individual plates.

Slice the hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cooked chicken.

Crumble the bacon and blue cheese.

In neat rows, arrange the chicken, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, bacon, and blue cheese on top of the lettuce.

To make the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

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

Garnish with freshly chopped chives.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time (for bacon and eggs): 10-15 minutesTotal time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

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

Use grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken for a protein twist.

Add corn, cucumbers, or roasted red peppers for extra color and crunch.

Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and chicken and adding chickpeas or tofu.

Try a ranch or green goddess dressing for a flavor change.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.Avoid reheating, but cooked chicken and bacon can be briefly warmed if desired.

FAQs

What is a Cobb Salad made of?

Traditionally, it’s made with lettuce, tomato, chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, blue cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, prep all components ahead but assemble just before serving to keep it crisp.

What’s the best lettuce to use?

Romaine is ideal for its crunch, but you can mix it with iceberg or spring greens.

Is Cobb Salad healthy?

It’s nutrient-dense and high in protein, but you can lighten it up by using leaner cuts and less cheese or dressing.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and adds great flavor.

What kind of bacon is best?

Thick-cut, crispy bacon works best for added texture and flavor.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade vinaigrette gives a fresher, more tailored taste.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss slices in a bit of lemon juice to slow down oxidation.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your ingredients (especially bacon and dressing) are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Delicious Cobb Salad is a flavorful, satisfying meal that brings color and crunch to your table. With its layers of fresh ingredients and bold toppings, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish for guests. Once you try it, this timeless salad may become a staple in your kitchen.