Cobb salad is one of those timeless dishes that combines vibrant ingredients in a way that feels fresh every time. Its origins, dating back to the 1930s, tell the tale of a late-night restaurant kitchen raid where leftovers turned into an iconic dish that would become a staple in American cuisine. Invented by Bob Cobb, the owner of the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant, this salad quickly became a favorite among actors and celebrities, thanks to its hearty, wholesome ingredients.
Today, Cobb Salad remains a go-to meal for its delicious balance of textures and flavors. Imagine crunchy greens topped with juicy bites of seasoned chicken, the smoky flavor of turkey bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made year-round and customized to fit any preference, making it ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or simply an elevated lunch for one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced: Each ingredient is chosen to bring a balance of flavors and textures, from the creamy avocado to the salty, crumbly cheese.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add extra veggies or swap turkey bacon for regular bacon, you can make this salad uniquely yours.
- Packed with Nutrients: This salad is filled with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: It’s easy to prepare ingredients ahead of time, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups of chopped mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, and/or baby spinach work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced turkey bacon or turkey ham, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced for extra flavor
How to Make Cobb Salad:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. For an added punch, you can include a minced clove of garlic. Once mixed, set it aside to let the flavors meld together. This dressing can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. - Cook and Prep Proteins
While the dressing rests, cook your turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Set it aside to cool, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Next, slice or dice your cooked chicken breast to your preferred size. The eggs should be hard-boiled, peeled, and roughly chopped. - Assemble the Salad Base
Start by spreading your chopped greens evenly across a large serving platter or bowl. For the classic Cobb Salad look, try to arrange the ingredients in neat rows on top of the greens. This gives it that appealing restaurant-style presentation. - Layer in the Colors
Add each ingredient in individual rows or sections: place the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped eggs, diced turkey bacon, sliced chicken, crumbled cheese, and diced avocado over the greens. This organized layout makes the salad visually stunning, and everyone can get a bit of each ingredient in every bite. - Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the entire salad, or serve it on the side if you prefer to let everyone add their own. Toss gently just before serving if you’d like the flavors to be well combined. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve this salad as is, or alongside crusty bread for a heartier meal. The freshness of the greens and the brightness of the dressing tie everything together, making each bite a little different but equally delicious.
Helpful Tips:
- Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs: For perfectly cooked eggs, bring water to a boil, gently lower the eggs in, and cook for exactly 9 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to cool, making peeling a breeze.
- Make It Your Own: Add more veggies like cucumbers, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to use ranch or balsamic vinaigrette if you prefer a twist on the traditional dressing.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutritional Information:
Each serving is approximately:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fats: 28g (Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cobb Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all ingredients, store them in separate containers, and assemble them when ready to eat. Add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. The salad will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, but add the dressing and avocado only when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option, and it saves time on cooking. Just shred or chop it up, and you’re good to go
Related Recipes
If you loved this Cobb Salad, try these other delicious and satisfying dishes:
Conclusion
This Easy and Delicious Cobb Salad is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome, satisfying flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s a dish that feels like a special treat but can be whipped up any day of the week. Whether you’re hosting or simply indulging in a well-deserved solo lunch, this salad brings a little extra joy to the table. Enjoy the refreshing combination and feel free to experiment with your own favorite toppings and twists!
Print
Easy and Delicious Cobb Salad
Description
Cobb salad is one of those timeless dishes that combines vibrant ingredients in a way that feels fresh every time. Its origins, dating back to the 1930s, tell the tale of a late-night restaurant kitchen raid where leftovers turned into an iconic dish that would become a staple in American cuisine. Invented by Bob Cobb, the owner of the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant, this salad quickly became a favorite among actors and celebrities, thanks to its hearty, wholesome ingredients.
Today, Cobb Salad remains a go-to meal for its delicious balance of textures and flavors. Imagine crunchy greens topped with juicy bites of seasoned chicken, the smoky flavor of turkey bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and sweet cherry tomatoes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made year-round and customized to fit any preference, making it ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or simply an elevated lunch for one.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of chopped mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, and/or baby spinach work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced turkey bacon or turkey ham, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. For an added punch, you can include a minced clove of garlic. Once mixed, set it aside to let the flavors meld together. This dressing can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. - Cook and Prep Proteins
While the dressing rests, cook your turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s crispy. Set it aside to cool, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Next, slice or dice your cooked chicken breast to your preferred size. The eggs should be hard-boiled, peeled, and roughly chopped. - Assemble the Salad Base
Start by spreading your chopped greens evenly across a large serving platter or bowl. For the classic Cobb Salad look, try to arrange the ingredients in neat rows on top of the greens. This gives it that appealing restaurant-style presentation. - Layer in the Colors
Add each ingredient in individual rows or sections: place the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped eggs, diced turkey bacon, sliced chicken, crumbled cheese, and diced avocado over the greens. This organized layout makes the salad visually stunning, and everyone can get a bit of each ingredient in every bite. - Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the entire salad, or serve it on the side if you prefer to let everyone add their own. Toss gently just before serving if you’d like the flavors to be well combined. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve this salad as is, or alongside crusty bread for a heartier meal. The freshness of the greens and the brightness of the dressing tie everything together, making each bite a little different but equally delicious.