Cobb Salad Recipe
If ever there was a salad that could confidently double as an entire meal, it’s the Cobb Salad. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and a vibrant homemade dressing, this dish is a patchwork of colorful flavors and textures that makes every bite feel like a happy discovery. Whether you’re prepping an impressive lunch for friends or craving a hearty yet refreshing dinner, Cobb Salad checks all the boxes for satisfaction, nutrition, and pure deliciousness — and honestly, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many homes (mine included!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a Cobb Salad comes from its simple, quality ingredients that shine when combined. Every component brings something delightful to the table — crunch, creaminess, a punch of flavor, or a pop of color — making the whole salad much greater than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken breast (400g/14 oz, 2 pieces): Use poached chicken for incredible juiciness and toss it with a bit of dressing for flavor built into every bite.
- Cooking/kosher salt (1/4 tsp): Just enough seasoning to wake up the natural flavor of your chicken and other components.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp for chicken, 1/4 tsp for dressing): Adds gentle heat and balance to both the protein and the dressing.
- Streaky bacon strips (200g/7oz): Crisped to perfection for a crave-worthy, salty-sweet crunch in every forkful.
- Boiled eggs (4, quartered): Hard-boiled for creaminess and protein — and they look gorgeous in the salad’s legendary rows.
- Romaine/cos lettuce (12 cups, about 1 large head): Offers the essential crispy, refreshing base that holds up perfectly under generous toppings.
- Tomatoes (2 large, cut into wedges, or 250g/8oz cherry tomatoes): Use ripe, juicy tomatoes to provide a burst of sweet acidity.
- Avocados (2, cut into large pieces): Creamy, luscious chunks mellow out the boldness of blue cheese and bacon.
- Gorgonzola dolce or Roquefort, crumbled (200g/7oz): The signature tangy blue cheese is non-negotiable for an authentic touch.
- Chives (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Just a sprinkle of fresh chives rounds out the flavor and makes everything pop visually.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Vibrant and just a tad spicy, it’s key to a well-balanced dressing.
- Extra virgin olive oil (5 tbsp): The base of a rich, silky dressing that ties it all together.
- Apple cider vinegar (5 tbsp): Brightens and sharpens the dressing, and it’s easily swapped for white or red wine vinegar.
- Cooking/kosher salt for dressing (3/4 tsp): Brings out the flavors without overpowering anything.
- Eschallot/shallot (2 tbsp, very finely minced): Adds tiny pops of delicate onion flavor in the dressing.
- White sugar (1/2 tsp): Just a pinch to mellow the vinegar and round out the flavors.
How to Make Cobb Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by making the delicious, punchy dressing that ties the entire Cobb Salad together. Simply combine the Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, finely minced shallot, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar in a jar, then tighten the lid and give it a hearty shake. It’s quick, easy, and tastes so much fresher than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
Step 2: Poach and Flavor the Chicken
For perfectly tender chicken, follow a simple poaching method: gently cook the chicken breasts in simmering water until just done, then let them cool to room temperature. Dice into bite-sized cubes and toss with a bit of salt, pepper, and two tablespoons of the freshly made dressing — this step guarantees every chunk of chicken bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
Place bacon strips in a cold, non-stick pan (no oil needed!). Turn the heat up to medium-high; as the pan warms, the fat will render naturally, helping the bacon get crispy and golden brown. Flip after about two minutes and cook until both sides are beautifully crisp. Lay them on paper towels to drain, then chop into generous pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Now for the fun part! Spread chopped romaine lettuce over a large platter, then create artful rows across the top with the eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and chicken. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese and a pop of freshly chopped chives for that classic Cobb Salad look. Transfer the dressing to a pourable jug so everyone can help themselves.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Bring the platter to the table, along with the jug of vibrant dressing, and let everyone dig in! Cobb Salad is best enjoyed when it’s served family-style, so people can build their own perfect bite and customize their dressing drizzle. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.
How to Serve Cobb Salad
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing touches, a final dusting of freshly chopped chives or a sprinkle of additional blue cheese crumbles will make your Cobb Salad presentation irresistible. You can also add a twist with microgreens or an extra grind of black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
Cobb Salad is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a light soup, like gazpacho or chicken consomme. If you’re hosting, consider setting out a basket of breadsticks or some roasted potatoes on the side for an especially satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Change up the usual style by serving your Cobb Salad layered in individual mason jars for a picnic, or pile it up in big, leafy lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist. You can even set up a “Cobb Salad bar” and let each guest build their salad from a selection of neatly arranged toppings on a platter — everyone loves a little DIY at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, transfer individual components (such as chicken, bacon, avocado, and eggs) into separate airtight containers and refrigerate. The salad will keep best this way for up to 2 days, allowing you to quickly assemble a fresh-tasting Cobb Salad anytime you like.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Cobb Salad, as both the avocado and fresh lettuce lose their texture and appeal after thawing. The chicken and bacon can be frozen separately if needed, just be sure to thaw and bring them back to room temperature before assembling the salad.
Reheating
For leftover chicken and bacon, a quick reheat in the microwave or a low oven (just until warm) works wonders. Be sure not to overheat to avoid drying them out — and add them back to your fresh greens, eggs, and other toppings for a deliciously revived Cobb Salad.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Cobb Salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a terrific shortcut on busy days. Simply shred or cube the meat and toss it with a spoonful or two of the dressing to infuse flavor before adding to your salad.
What’s the best blue cheese for Cobb Salad?
Gorgonzola dolce offers a creamy, mild tang that melts beautifully into each bite, while Roquefort brings a more robust, classic punch. Either will be delicious in your Cobb Salad — pick what you enjoy most, or swap for another blue cheese you love!
How can I keep avocado from browning in the salad?
Toss your avocado pieces gently with a little extra vinegar or lemon juice before adding to the salad. This not only cuts down on browning, but also adds a bright note that’s welcome in every forkful of Cobb Salad.
Is Cobb Salad gluten free?
Yes, as written, Cobb Salad is naturally gluten free. Just double-check all packaged ingredients (especially bacon and Dijon mustard) to confirm they’re free of any wheat or hidden gluten.
Can I make Cobb Salad vegetarian?
It’s easy to adapt Cobb Salad for vegetarians. Leave out the chicken and bacon, and add extra avocado, roasted chickpeas, or cubes of marinated tofu for a filling, delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Cobb Salad at home before, there’s no better time than now. Trust me: this is the kind of meal that wows at the table and makes everyone ask for seconds. So gather your ingredients, grab your favorite platter, and discover why Cobb Salad deserves a regular spot in your kitchen lineup!
Print
Cobb Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a classic Cobb Salad that’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe includes juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 400g/14 oz chicken breast (2 pieces)
- 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Bacon:
- 200g/7oz streaky bacon strips
Eggs:
- 4 x 9 minute boiled eggs, quartered
Lettuce:
- 12 cups cos/romaine lettuce, chopped (or other crispy lettuce)
Tomatoes:
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges then halved (or 250g/8oz cherry tomatoes halved)
Avocados:
- 2 avocados, cut into large pieces
Cheese:
- 200g/7oz gorgonzola dolce or roquefort, crumbled (or other blue cheese)
Dressing:
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 tbsp apple cider vinegar (sub white wine or red wine vinegar)
- 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp eschallot (US: shallot), very finely minced
- 1/2 tsp white sugar
Instructions
- Dressing: Shake ingredients in a jar.
- Flavour chicken: Poach chicken, cool, and toss with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of Dressing.
- Crisp bacon: Cook bacon until crisp, then chop into pieces.
- Assemble: Spread lettuce on a platter. Arrange ingredients in neat rows. Crumble blue cheese and sprinkle with chives. Serve with dressing.
- Serving: Let everyone help themselves to the salad and dressing!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 245mg
Keywords: Cobb Salad, Salad Recipe, Chicken Salad, Bacon Salad
