Classic Cobb Salad Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup of cooked and diced chicken breast
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs
  • 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbles
  • 1/2 cup of diced red onion
  • For the dressing:
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the romaine lettuce then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Dry the lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.
  2. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the bowl.
  3. Add the diced, cooked chicken breast to the bowl.
  4. Peel the avocado and remove the pit. Dice the avocado and add it to the bowl.
  5. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into small pieces. Add the chopped eggs to the salad.
  6. Add the crumbled bacon to the salad.
  7. Add the blue cheese crumbles and diced red onion to the salad.
  8. To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
  9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
  10. Toss the salad until all of the ingredients are combined and evenly coated with dressing.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - Used for chopping and prepping ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing various ingredients.
  • Salad Bowl - A large bowl to mix and serve the salad.
  • Whisk - To combine the ingredients for the dressing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Needed to accurately measure the ingredients for the dressing.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute romaine lettuce with mixed greens or spinach.
  • Replace cherry tomatoes with sliced grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.
  • Use grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken breast.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and bacon and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
  • Swap blue cheese crumbles with feta cheese or goat cheese.
  • Add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
  • Include chopped cilantro or parsley for added flavor.
  • For a lighter option, use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether.
  • Add a handful of toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added texture.
  • Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the red wine vinegar dressing.

Recipe overview

Cobb Salad is a classic American dish that's packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients. This salad is a perfect choice for a hearty lunch or a light dinner. It's composed of fresh romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, tender chicken breast, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and diced red onion. The salad is dressed with a homemade vinaigrette that's simple, but full of flavor. This Cobb Salad recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for cooks of all levels. Expect a refreshing and satisfying dish that's not only delicious, but also colorful and pleasing to the eye. Enjoy this salad on its own or serve it as a side dish for your favorite main course.

Common questions

  1. Can I make substitutions for the ingredients in this recipe? Yes, you can make substitutions based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, you can use a different type of lettuce instead of romaine, or substitute feta cheese for blue cheese.
  2. How do I cook the chicken for this salad? You can cook the chicken breast by grilling, baking, or pan-frying it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it cool before dicing it for the salad.
  3. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time? It is best to prepare the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. However, you can prepare some components in advance, such as cooking the chicken, boiling the eggs, or chopping the vegetables.
  4. Is there a vegetarian version of this salad? Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon to make a vegetarian version of the Cobb salad. You can also add extra vegetables or substitute the protein with ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.
  5. How long can I store the leftovers? If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture and freshness may be compromised, so it's best to consume it as soon as possible.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large salad bowl - A spacious bowl to hold and toss the salad ingredients.
  • Whisk - To mix the ingredients for the dressing thoroughly.
  • Knife - For chopping the lettuce, avocado, and other ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A surface to safely chop the ingredients on.
  • Salad tongs - To toss and serve the salad without damaging the ingredients.
  • Salad plates - Plates specifically designed for serving salads.
  • Measuring cups - For accurately measuring the ingredients for the dressing.
  • Measuring spoons - To measure the precise amount of mustard, honey, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  • Small bowl - For mixing and serving the dressing.
  • Kitchen towel - To dry the lettuce and clean any spills or messes.

Origin stories

The Cobb Salad has its roots in Hollywood and is named after Robert Howard Cobb, who was the owner of the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California. The story goes that in 1937, late one night, Cobb was looking for a snack. He raided the restaurant's refrigerator and decided to throw together leftovers consisting of lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, chicken, bacon, and a dressing. The result was a delicious salad that became instantly popular among the Hollywood crowd. It's been a staple on American menus ever since, symbolizing the inventiveness of combining simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.