Classic Cobb Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Filling Meal

Ingredients

  • 1 head of romaine lettuce
  • 1 head of iceberg lettuce
  • 1 bunch of watercress
  • 2 ripe avocados, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 2 medium tomatoes, cut into cubes
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh chives
  • For the dressing:
  • 3/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash and dry the lettuce, watercress, tomatoes, and avocados.
  2. Chop the lettuce and watercress into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a large serving platter.
  3. Chop the tomatoes and place on top of the lettuce and watercress.
  4. Add the cubed avocados to the salad.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded chicken over the salad.
  6. Add the crumbled bacon and the chopped hard-boiled eggs to the salad.
  7. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives over everything.
  8. For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute grilled shrimp or steak for the chicken
  • Add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers to the salad
  • Use different types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or mixed greens
  • Replace the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese
  • Add roasted corn kernels for a touch of sweetness
  • Incorporate sliced olives or pickled onions for added flavor
  • Include sliced grilled peaches or fresh berries for a fruity twist
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon, and adding grilled tofu or tempeh
  • Create a vegan version by omitting the eggs, chicken, bacon, and cheese, and using a vegan dressing
  • Add a handful of toasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for extra crunch

Recipe overview

This classic Cobb Salad recipe is a great way to incorporate a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients into a single dish. The combination of crisp lettuce, ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and creamy blue cheese creates a wonderful blend of textures and flavors. Topped off with a homemade dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic, this salad is not only satisfying but also incredibly delicious. This salad can be served as a main course, and it's perfect for a lunch, dinner or even for a picnic. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can prepare this salad with ease. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of lettuce? Yes, you can use any combination of lettuce you prefer. Romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce are commonly used, but you can also include other varieties like butter lettuce or mixed greens.
  2. Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Absolutely! While traditional Cobb Salad uses chicken, you can use grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu as a vegetarian option.
  3. How do I cook the chicken? You can cook the chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or pan-searing them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Make sure to season them with salt and pepper before cooking.
  4. Can I make the dressing in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using it on the salad.
  5. Can I omit the blue cheese? Of course! If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or omit it altogether. The salad will still be delicious.
  6. Can I add other ingredients to the salad? Absolutely! Cobb Salad is versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. Some popular additions include sliced cucumbers, roasted corn, or chopped bell peppers.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large serving platter - A large platter to arrange and serve the Cobb Salad.
  • Whisk - To mix the ingredients for the dressing thoroughly.
  • Small bowl - To prepare and mix the dressing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - For chopping the lettuce, watercress, tomatoes, and avocados.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Tongs - To toss and mix the salad ingredients together.
  • Measuring cup - To accurately measure the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and other dressing ingredients.
  • Mixing spoon - To combine the dressing ingredients.
  • Plastic wrap - To cover and store any leftovers.
  • Salad servers - Optional, for serving the salad.

Origin stories

The Cobb Salad has a Hollywood backstory that's as rich as its ingredients. In 1937, Robert Cobb, the owner of The Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, was rummaging through the kitchen's refrigerator late at night, looking for a snack. He grabbed a bunch of leftovers, including lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, chicken, avocado, and chives, chopped them up, and added some old-fashioned French dressing. The next day, a movie industry mogul named Sid Grauman came in for lunch. He saw the salad and asked Cobb what it was. Cobb told him it was his new creation and Grauman ordered one. The salad was such a hit that it was added to the menu. The Cobb Salad quickly became a favorite among the Hollywood elite and has remained a staple in American cuisine ever since.

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.