Cobb Salad

Bright, fresh, and loaded with flavor—this Cobb Salad is everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it up at dinner, it’ll be the showstopper on any table. Crunchy greens, crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese all come together in this incredible dish. Perfect for picky eaters or seasoned chefs, it’s a breeze to make and even easier to love. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to salad recipe.

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About The Cobb Salad Recipe

Let’s talk about Cobb Salad—a dish that’s as much of a masterpiece for your tastebuds as it is for your Instagram feed. Believe it or not, this salad actually has a bit of Hollywood history. It’s said to have been created in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, and its name comes from the restaurant’s owner, Robert Cobb. Crazy, right? Fast forward to today, and this salad is a favorite on menus all over the United States, from diners to upscale bistros. What makes it stand out? It’s a mix of fresh veggies, decadent toppings like bacon and blue cheese, and a balance of flavors that’s unmatched. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Want to sub turkey for the chicken? Go for it! Prefer ranch over the traditional vinaigrette? You do you. This Cobb Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s your blank canvas for salad perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Protein-packed with chicken and bacon
  • Loaded with healthy fats from avocado
  • Classic flavors everyone loves
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings
  • Perfect as a meal or side dish
  • Takes under 30 minutes to prepare

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Lettuce (Romaine or mixed greens)
  • Crispy bacon (turkey bacon works too)
  • Grilled or roasted chicken (try tofu for a vegetarian twist)
  • Blue cheese (sub feta or goat cheese if preferred)
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Ripe avocado
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Dressing (classic vinaigrette, ranch, or honey mustard)

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • Start by washing and chopping your lettuce or greens of choice and spread them on a large serving platter or salad bowl.
  • Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy, then let it cool before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces.
  • Dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized chunks; grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken all work great.
  • Cut your hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and cherry tomatoes into slices or chunks, whichever you prefer.
  • Neatly arrange your ingredients in rows on top of the lettuce—think of it as art before digging in!
  • Drizzle your salad with your favorite dressing and toss just before serving. Enjoy every bite!

Expert Tips for Success

For the freshest salad, add your dressing right before serving to keep the greens from wilting. Cook your bacon in the oven for easier cleanup, and always let it cool completely before crumbling. When cutting your avocado, a sprinkle of lemon or lime juice can keep it looking bright and fresh longer.

Variations and Customizations

There are so many ways to make this Cobb Salad your own! Substitute roasted turkey or ham for the chicken, or add extra crunch with croutons or nuts. Not a fan of blue cheese? Switch it out for cheddar or Swiss. You can also make it vegan by replacing the meat with chickpeas and the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Nutritional Information

Cobb Salad is a nutrient-packed meal with about 500 calories per serving, depending on your toppings and dressing. It’s high in protein from the chicken and bacon, healthy fats thanks to the creamy avocado, and loaded with vitamins like A, C, and K from the veggies. Great for balanced diets or keto lifestyles.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store leftovers, keep the ingredients separate from the dressing in airtight containers. Store in the fridge and use within 2 days. To reheat the chicken or bacon, use a skillet or microwave, but eat the greens cold for best results.

Recipe Card of Cobb Salad

5 from 1 vote
Alicia Smith
Delight in a classic Cobb salad, brimming with crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, succulent chicken, juicy tomatoes, creamy blue cheese, fresh avocado, and crunchy green onions—a true crowd-pleaser that's bound to impress.
Cobb Salad
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 525 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat
  • 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 0.75 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
  • 8 ounce bottle Ranch-style salad dressing
Cobb Salad recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Cook your eggs by placing them in a saucepan, completely covered with cold water. Heat until boiling, then remove from heat and allow them to sit for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool under running water, peel and chop.
  • While the eggs boil, fry up the bacon strips until they're evenly browned. Once cooked, drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside for later.
  • On a platter or individual plates, create a bed with shredded lettuce. Layer by layer, add the crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, cooked chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy blue cheese, sliced green onions, and diced avocado.
  • Finish by drizzling your preferred salad dressing over the top.

Notes

Feel free to customize this classic salad with your favorite greens or cheese. Add-ons like grilled shrimp or steak are also fantastic options!

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 32gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 179mgSodium: 915mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
Keyword avocado, chicken, Cobb Salad, salad
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All Your Questions About This Recipe

Can I make Cobb Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

What’s the best dressing for Cobb Salad?

Traditional vinaigrette is classic, but ranch, blue cheese, or even honey mustard work beautifully.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken and bacon for protein-packed chickpeas or baked tofu.

How should I serve Cobb Salad?

It’s perfect as a main dish on its own or paired with warm bread or soup for a complete meal.

What can I do with leftover toppings?

Use them in sandwiches, wraps, or even to top baked potatoes!

1 thought on “Cobb Salad”

  1. 5 stars
    This Cobb Salad recipe looks incredible! I love the mix of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese. I might try swapping in grilled shrimp for a fun twist!

    Reply
5 from 1 vote

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