Name: Cobb Salad Recipe: Classic, Colorful
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Mixed lettuces (romaine + Bibb); 2 cups cooked chicken; 8 slices bacon (crumbled); 4 hard-boiled eggs (sliced); 2 avocados (diced); 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 4 oz blue cheese (crumbled); Vinaigrette: olive oil (red wine vinegar, Dijon, garlic)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Cobb Salad is the ultimate composed salad: a beautiful arrangement of crisp lettuce topped with rows of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, juicy tomatoes, tangy blue cheese, and chives, all drizzled with a rich red wine vinaigrette. Named after Bob Cobb of the Brown Derby in Hollywood, this salad is hearty enough for a main dish yet elegant enough for any occasion. Presented on a large white platter with ingredients in neat rows, optionally garnished with extra chives and a side of dressing, this Cobb Salad offers stunning color contrast and pure satisfying flavor that makes every bite perfect.

Ingredients

For the Cobb Salad (serves 4–6 as a main dish): Base: • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 small head butter or Bibb lettuce, chopped

Toppings (arranged in rows): • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 oz blue cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Danish), crumbled
• ¼ cup chopped fresh chives

For the Classic Red Wine Vinaigrette: • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Process

Cook the bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (8–10 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Crumble when cool.
Hard-boil the eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath. Peel and slice.
Prepare chicken
If not using a rotisserie, season chicken breasts with salt/pepper. Grill or pan-sear 6–7 minutes per side until 165°F. Rest 5 minutes, then dice.
Make the vinaigrette
In a small jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar until emulsified. Taste—adjust seasoning.
Prep the other ingredients
Wash and chop lettuce. Dice tomatoes. Dice avocados (sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning). Crumble blue cheese.
Assemble the salad
On la arge platter, arrange chopped lettuces as a base. Arrange toppings in neat rows: chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and chives.
Dress & serve
Drizzle vinaigrette over salad (or serve on the side). Toss just before serving or let guests mix their own.

Tips for Perfect Cobb Salad

• Arrange in rows—classic presentation and even distribution
• Use fresh, ripe ingredients—flavor is everything
• Chill ingredients—keeps salad crisp and refreshing
• Make dressing ahead—flavors meld beautifully
• Avocado last—prevents browning
• Leftover chicken is perfect—use grilled or roasted

Variations and Customization

• Cobb Cobb: add grilled shrimp or lobster
• Vegetarian: grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms
• Light: Greek yogurt vinaigrette + less cheese
• Spicy: add jalapeño or hot sauce to dressing
• Cobb Cobb Cobb: add chopped hard-boiled egg whites
• Wedge Style: serve over iceberg wedges

Storage and Serving Tips

• Best fresh—assemble day-of
• Components can be kept separately up to 2 days in the fridge
• Don’t dress ahead—greens wilt
• Quick refresh: add fresh avocado + dressing
• Serve chilled or room temp
• Perfect with grilled steak or as a main dish

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings:
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Total Fat: 38g (Saturated 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Fiber 5g)

FAQ

1. Best lettuce for Cobb?
Romaine + butter/Bibb—crisp and mild.

2. Can I make ahead?
Yes—prep components separately up to 1 day ahead.

3. No blue cheese?
Feta, cheddar, or Gorgonzola all work.

4. Lighter version?
Use light dressing + less cheese/bacon.

5. How to keep avocado green?
Lemon juice + press plastic wrap on the surface.

Conclusion

This Cobb Salad is pure American classic—colorful, hearty, and so satisfying it turns any meal into an occasion. One platter on the table and suddenly lunch feels elegant, dinner feels complete, and everyone’s asking for the dressing recipe while sneaking extra bites. Keep the ingredients stocked, and you’re always 20 minutes away from the salad that makes ordinary days feel quietly extraordinary.