Cobb Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cobb Salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures—crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and rich hard-boiled eggs. It’s customizable to your preferences, easy to assemble, and both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving a crowd, this salad is always a hit.

ingredients

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

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped

• Cooked chicken breast, diced or sliced (grilled or roasted)

• Bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

• Avocado, sliced or cubed

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Blue cheese or feta, crumbled

• Red wine vinaigrette or dressing of choice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Start by prepping all ingredients: cook the bacon, grill or roast the chicken, boil the eggs, and chop the vegetables.

2. In a large bowl or platter, spread the chopped romaine or greens as the base.

3. Neatly arrange rows of chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese on top of the greens.

4. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

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

6. Toss gently if desired, or allow each person to mix their own portion.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for bacon, chicken, and eggs.

Variations

• Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a twist.

• Swap blue cheese for goat cheese, feta, or shredded cheddar.

• Try a ranch, honey mustard, or balsamic vinaigrette in place of red wine vinaigrette.

• Add cucumber, corn, or olives for extra flavor and crunch.

• Use grilled shrimp or steak as an alternative protein.

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add chickpeas or roasted vegetables.

storage/reheating

• Store undressed Cobb Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Keep dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

• Avocado may brown; add just before serving if storing.

• Reheat chicken or bacon separately if desired, but the salad is typically served cold.

FAQs

What type of lettuce is best for Cobb Salad?

Romaine lettuce or a blend of crisp greens works best for structure and freshness.

Can I prepare Cobb Salad in advance?

Yes, prepare and store each ingredient separately, then assemble just before serving.

Is Cobb Salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, though high in calories—use light dressing or smaller portions for a lighter meal.

Can I make Cobb Salad vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely—omit meat, eggs, and cheese, and replace with plant-based proteins and dairy-free cheese.

What dressing goes best with Cobb Salad?

Red wine vinaigrette is traditional, but ranch, blue cheese dressing, or balsamic vinaigrette also pair well.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Add avocado just before serving or toss with a little lemon juice to reduce browning.

Can I use leftover chicken for Cobb Salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works well for convenience.

What can I use instead of blue cheese?

Feta, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar are great substitutes if you prefer milder cheeses.

Can I serve Cobb Salad as a meal?

Yes, it’s hearty and balanced enough to be a complete lunch or dinner.

What’s the origin of Cobb Salad?

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

Conclusion

Cobb Salad is a vibrant and filling dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Its signature rows of colorful, fresh ingredients make it visually appealing and ideal for meal prep or entertaining. With endless variations and easy prep, it’s a timeless favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

Cobb Salad

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Cobb Salad is a classic American entrée salad featuring chopped greens topped with rows of grilled chicken,  hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Assemble
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped

2 cooked chicken breasts, diced or sliced

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1 avocado, cubed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup blue cheese or feta, crumbled

1/4 cup red wine vinaigrette or dressing of choice

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by cooking , grilling or roasting chicken, boiling eggs, and chopping vegetables.
2. Place chopped greens in a large bowl or platter as the base.
3. Arrange chicken,  eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese in neat rows on top of the greens.
4. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Drizzle dressing over the top or serve on the side.
6. Serve immediately, tossing gently if desired or letting guests mix their own portions.

Notes

• Use lemon juice on avocado to prevent browning if prepping ahead.
• Store components separately for best freshness.
• Try other dressings like ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 210mg