The Cobb salad is a hearty, colorful, and protein-packed classic that brings together crisp greens, tender chicken, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and tangy blue cheese—all topped with a zesty dressing. It’s more than just a salad—it’s a complete meal that satisfies with every forkful. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining, this recipe is fresh, filling, and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Cobb salad because it’s packed with bold flavors, fresh textures, and a satisfying balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and it can be easily customized to your preferences. Whether you serve it as a main course or a shareable platter, this salad always feels like a special treat.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens (chopped)
- Cooked chicken breast (grilled or roasted, sliced or cubed)
- Hard-boiled eggs (peeled and quartered)
- Cooked bacon (crispy and chopped)
- Avocado (sliced or cubed)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Blue cheese or feta (crumbled)
- Red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
- Dressing (classic vinaigrette, ranch, or blue cheese dressing)
directions
- Start by arranging a bed of chopped romaine or mixed greens on a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Neatly arrange rows or clusters of cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled cheese on top of the greens.
- Add thin slices of red onion if using.
- Drizzle your choice of dressing over the top or serve on the side.
- Toss gently if serving in bowls, or leave layered for a traditional presentation. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken or bacon fresh)
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit chicken and bacon; add roasted chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for protein.
- Low-carb: Use sugar-free dressing and extra greens.
- Seafood twist: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon.
- Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or spicy ranch dressing.
- Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
storage/reheating
Store ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. Avoid storing the salad after dressing, as it can become soggy. Reheat cooked chicken or bacon gently if desired, or serve cold.
FAQs
What’s in a traditional Cobb salad?
It typically includes greens, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and vinaigrette.
Can I make Cobb salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep all ingredients ahead and store separately. Assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the best dressing for Cobb salad?
A red wine vinaigrette is traditional, but ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard are also delicious.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a convenient and flavorful option.
Is Cobb salad healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats—just watch the portion size of cheese and dressing if you’re counting calories.
How do I make it more filling?
Add extra chicken or a grain like quinoa or farro for a heartier version.
Can I use other greens?
Yes! Romaine, arugula, spinach, or a spring mix all work well.
Do I have to use blue cheese?
Nope—use feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar instead.
How should I cook the bacon?
Pan-fry, bake, or air-fry until crispy. Drain on paper towels before adding to the salad.
What’s the best way to present this salad?
Arrange in rows or sections on a platter for a classic Cobb presentation, or toss everything together for easy serving.
Conclusion
The Cobb salad is the ultimate power salad—hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. With a blend of crisp greens, creamy avocado, savory bacon, and tender chicken, it’s a meal-worthy salad that’s both beautiful and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion and easy to customize, this classic is sure to become a staple on your menu.
Description
This classic Cobb salad is the perfect blend of fresh greens, crispy bacon, juicy chicken, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese. Finished with a simple vinaigrette, it’s satisfying, wholesome, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
For the Salad:
For the Dressing:
-
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
-
Assemble the salad:
-
Spread chopped lettuce evenly in a large serving bowl or on a platter.
-
Arrange the chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese in rows or sections over the greens.
-
Sprinkle with green onions if using.
-
-
Serve: Drizzle with the vinaigrette just before serving, or serve the dressing on the side.
Notes
-
Make it your own: swap chicken for turkey, use goat cheese or cheddar, or toss in cucumbers or radishes.
-
For meal prep, keep dressing separate until ready to eat.
-
Want it vegetarian? Skip the bacon and chicken and add chickpeas or tofu.
