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

Scale

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.