Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Cobb Salad is a hearty, colorful, and satisfying dish loaded with protein, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors. With layers of crisp greens, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and hard-boiled eggs, it’s a complete meal in a bowl. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this classic American salad is both nutritious and delicious.

ingredients

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

romaine lettucecherry tomatoescooked chicken breast (grilled or roasted)bacon (crispy and chopped)hard-boiled eggsavocadoblue cheese crumblesred onion (optional)olive oilred wine vinegarDijon mustardgarlic (minced)saltblack pepper

directions

Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and arrange it as the base of the salad.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the avocado, slice the hard-boiled eggs, and chop the red onion if using.

Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and chop into small pieces.

Slice or dice the cooked chicken breast.

Arrange the toppings in rows over the lettuce: chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Toss gently if desired or serve as is for a striking presentation.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15-20 minutesCooking time (bacon and eggs): 10-15 minutesTotal time: 25-35 minutes

Variations

Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a lighter or meat-free version.

Try grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken for a different protein.

Add corn or cucumbers for extra crunch and sweetness.

Use a ranch or creamy dressing instead of vinaigrette for a different twist.

storage/reheating

Store undressed Cobb Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Do not freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables and avocado will degrade.
To refresh, add a squeeze of lemon and a little fresh olive oil before serving.

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 this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep all ingredients and store them separately, combining them right before eating.

Is Cobb Salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein.

What dressing goes best with Cobb Salad?

A red wine vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing complements it well, but it’s versatile enough for ranch or balsamic.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.

Do I have to use blue cheese?

No, you can substitute with any cheese you like or skip it entirely.

Is Cobb Salad served warm or cold?

It’s typically served cold, but the warm bacon or chicken can add a nice contrast.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss slices in lemon or lime juice and add them just before serving.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and add chickpeas or tofu for protein.

What kind of lettuce is best?

Romaine is classic, but you can also use a spring mix or butter lettuce.

Conclusion

Delicious Cobb Salad is the ultimate balanced meal packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a filling dinner, or impressing guests, it delivers every time. Easy to customize and always satisfying, this salad deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.