Classic Cobb Salad is an iconic American dish known for its vibrant presentation and bold, satisfying flavors. With layers of crisp lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese, all brought together with a flavorful vinaigrette, this salad is both a visual and culinary feast. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with Protein: Chicken, eggs, and bacon make this salad hearty and filling.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Each ingredient adds its own texture and taste, from creamy avocado to tangy blue cheese.
- Visually Stunning: The colorful, organized rows of toppings make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Romaine or mixed lettuce
- Cooked chicken breast (grilled or roasted)
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- Avocado, sliced or cubed
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Blue cheese, crumbled
- Chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic (optional)
Directions
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
- Grill or cook the chicken breast until golden and cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
- Boil the eggs, cool in an ice bath, then peel and chop.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and seasoning. Set aside.
- Chop the veggies: halve the tomatoes, dice the avocado, and chop the lettuce if not using pre-cut.
- Assemble the salad: on a large platter or individual plates, spread the lettuce as a base. Arrange the chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese in rows on top.
- Drizzle with dressing and garnish with chives if using. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use turkey, steak, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Cheese Options: Feta or goat cheese can be used if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
- Vegan Version: Omit animal products and use chickpeas, avocado, and vegan cheese with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Low-Cal Dressing: Swap olive oil for Greek yogurt-based dressing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dressing in a jar and only assemble when ready to eat.
- Reheating: Only reheat chicken and bacon if desired; the rest of the ingredients should be served cold.
FAQs
What is a Cobb salad made of?
A Cobb salad includes lettuce, chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, and a vinaigrette.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds flavor.
Is Cobb salad healthy?
It’s nutrient-dense with protein and healthy fats, but you can reduce calories by using less cheese and bacon.
What’s the best lettuce for Cobb salad?
Romaine, iceberg, or a blend with watercress and frisée are ideal for crunch and freshness.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Prep the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble just before eating.
What dressing goes best with Cobb salad?
Red wine vinaigrette is classic, but ranch or blue cheese dressing also work well.
How do I keep avocado from browning?
Toss avocado in lemon juice and store in an airtight container.
Can I make a vegetarian Cobb salad?
Yes, replace meat with tofu, chickpeas, or more veggies.
How do I cook perfect hard-boiled eggs?
Boil for 10–12 minutes, then cool in an ice bath for easy peeling.
Is Cobb salad keto-friendly?
Yes, just ensure the dressing is low-carb and skip the tomatoes if necessary.
Conclusion
The Classic Cobb Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a complete meal in a bowl. With its balanced mix of textures and flavors, it’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Whether you’re making it for a weekday lunch or serving it at a gathering, this timeless recipe is always a hit.
PrintClassic Cobb Salad
This Classic Cobb Salad is a hearty, colorful salad loaded with crisp greens, juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and sweet cherry tomatoes. Topped with your favorite dressing, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Easy to prep and always a crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: No Bake/No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (grilled or rotisserie)
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
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1 avocado, diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta if preferred)
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½ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Dressing of choice (ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette)
Instructions
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Prep all ingredients: Cook bacon and hard-boil the eggs. Chop lettuce, chicken, avocado, and tomatoes.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or on a platter, lay down the chopped romaine. Neatly arrange rows of chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and red onion on top.
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Season and serve: Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle with your favorite dressing right before serving.
Notes
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Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and bacon and adding chickpeas or tofu.
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Use a rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
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Great for meal prep—just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.