Delicious Cobb Salad Recipe

Cobb Salad is a hearty, colorful American classic packed with protein, crisp vegetables, and bold flavors. Featuring chopped greens, grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and blue cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that works great for lunch or dinner. Served with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.

ingredients

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

romaine lettucegrilled chicken breasthard-boiled eggsbaconavocadotomatoeschivesblue cheesecrumbledred wine vinaigrette (or dressing of your choice)saltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Grill or pan-sear the chicken breast with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it rest, then slice into strips or cubes.

Hard-boil the eggs, peel, and quarter or chop them.

Chop the romaine lettuce and place it as the base in a large salad bowl or serving platter.

Arrange the toppings in rows: chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado (sliced), tomatoes (diced), blue cheese, and chopped chives.

Drizzle with red wine vinaigrette or your preferred dressing just before serving.

Toss gently if desired, or serve arranged for visual appeal.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Substitute turkey or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.

Use ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamier flavor.

Add corn or cucumber for extra crunch and sweetness.

Replace blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if preferred.

Include grilled shrimp or steak for a twist on the classic.

storage/reheating

Store undressed Cobb Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.For best results, keep dressing and avocado separate until ready to serve.Reheating is not necessary as this is a cold salad, but cooked components like chicken or bacon can be warmed slightly if desired.

FAQs

What kind of dressing goes best with Cobb Salad?

Red wine vinaigrette is traditional, but ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette work well too.

Can I make Cobb Salad ahead of time?

Yes, just store components separately and assemble before serving to keep everything fresh.

Is Cobb Salad healthy?

Yes, it’s high in protein and nutrients, especially if using lean chicken and light dressing.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely—omit the bacon and chicken and add beans, tofu, or chickpeas.

Can I use a different lettuce?

Yes, mixed greens, iceberg, or butter lettuce are great substitutes for romaine.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss sliced avocado with lemon juice and store in an airtight container.

Can I meal prep Cobb Salad?

Yes, prepare all ingredients and store them separately, then assemble just before eating.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Definitely—rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken leftovers work perfectly.

What tomatoes are best?

Cherry or grape tomatoes hold their shape and are sweet, but any ripe tomato will do.

Is Cobb Salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients and dressing are free from gluten-containing additives.

Conclusion

Cobb Salad is a wholesome, flavorful meal that combines fresh ingredients in a satisfying and customizable way. Whether served for a casual lunch or a family dinner, it’s a go-to recipe that never fails to impress. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, Cobb Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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