Cobb Salad Recipe

The Cobb Salad is a beloved American classic, known for its rich combination of flavors and textures. This hearty salad is a perfect blend of fresh greens, savory proteins, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and crisp bacon, all brought together with a deliciously tangy vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a standout dish for your next gathering, this Cobb Salad recipe is sure to impress. Follow this guide to create a restaurant-quality Cobb Salad in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients for Cobb Salad

Salad Base

• 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, and watercress)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (optional)
• 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped

Vinaigrette Dressing

• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Cobb Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

1. Wash and Dry the Greens: Thoroughly wash the mixed greens and spin them dry using a salad spinner. Place the greens in a large salad bowl as the base.
2. Cook the Chicken: If not using pre-cooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Let the chicken cool, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.
4. Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Once cooled, peel and quarter the eggs.
5. Prepare the Avocado and Vegetables: Dice the avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the cucumber if using.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange the Ingredients: On top of the bed of mixed greens, arrange the chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, red onion, and cucumber (if using) in neat rows or sections. This presentation style makes the salad visually appealing.
2. Sprinkle with Chives: Finely chop the chives and sprinkle them evenly over the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Shake or whisk until well combined.
2. Add the Olive Oil: Gradually add the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve the Salad

1. Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired. Toss the salad gently to ensure even distribution of the dressing.
2. Enjoy: Serve the Cobb Salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and textures.

About the Main Ingredients

Mixed Greens

The foundation of a great Cobb Salad lies in its greens. A mix of romaine, iceberg, and watercress provides a balance of crunch, tenderness, and peppery flavor. Romaine and iceberg are classic choices for their crisp texture, while watercress adds a slight bitterness that enhances the overall taste.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a lean protein that adds substance to the salad. It’s typically seasoned simply with salt and pepper and then grilled or sautéed until cooked through. The mild flavor of chicken complements the other robust ingredients in the salad.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs contribute a creamy texture and a mild, rich flavor. They are an excellent source of protein and add a satisfying element to the salad. Properly cooked hard-boiled eggs should have a bright yellow yolk and a firm white.

Avocado

Avocado brings a creamy, buttery texture to the Cobb Salad. It is rich in healthy fats and adds a delightful richness to each bite. When selecting an avocado, choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure, indicating it is ripe.

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the blue cheese and bacon. They also contribute a pop of color, making the salad visually appealing.

Bacon

Bacon is a key ingredient in Cobb Salad, providing a smoky, salty crunch. Cooking the bacon until crispy and then crumbling it ensures it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese adds a tangy, creamy element that is iconic in a Cobb Salad. Its bold flavor pairs well with the other ingredients, especially the bacon and avocado. If blue cheese is too strong for your taste, feta cheese can be a milder alternative.

Red Onion

Red onion adds a sharp, zesty bite to the salad. Its vibrant color also enhances the visual appeal of the dish. Slicing the onion thinly ensures it does not overpower the other flavors.

Vinaigrette Dressing

A simple vinaigrette made from red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and olive oil ties all the ingredients together. The acidity of the vinaigrette balances the richness of the avocado, blue cheese, and bacon, while the mustard and Worcestershire sauce add depth of flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Cobb Salad

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients possible to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Uniform Size: Cut the salad ingredients into uniform sizes to ensure even distribution and a pleasing presentation.
• Serve Immediately: Cobb Salad is best served immediately after dressing to keep the greens crisp and vibrant.

Variations

• Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad: Substitute grilled shrimp for the chicken for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Cobb Salad: Omit the chicken and bacon, and add extra avocado and chickpeas for a protein boost.
• Southwestern Cobb Salad: Add black beans, corn, and a drizzle of ranch dressing mixed with salsa for a southwestern flair.

This classic Cobb Salad recipe is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a hearty appetizer. With its combination of fresh vegetables, savory proteins, and a tangy vinaigrette, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.