The Best Classic Cobb Salad Recipe for Fresh Summer Lunches

Weeknight dinners transform with this classic cobb salad that bursts with vibrant colors and textures.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of crisp greens and savory proteins.

Legendary chefs in California first crafted this delightful dish decades ago.

Layers of chopped bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese create an irresistible combination.

Hearty yet refreshing, the salad promises a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors that will make you crave more.

Let’s uncover the secrets to assembling this iconic culinary masterpiece that never disappoints.

Helpful Tips For A Fresh Classic Cobb Salad

• Crisp Up Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon slowly over medium-low heat to ensure even crispiness without burning, which prevents bitter flavors and creates a delightful crunch.
• Master Hard-Boiled Eggs: Place eggs in cold water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover for exactly 12 minutes to achieve perfectly creamy, non-rubbery yolks.
• Keep Avocado Fresh: Dice avocado just before serving and sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain that vibrant green color and creamy texture.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if desired, and use turkey bacon for a leaner protein option that still delivers fantastic flavor.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Chop ingredients separately and store in airtight containers, keeping wet and dry components separate to maintain the salad's crisp texture until serving time.

How To Store Classic Cobb Salad Smartly

• Refrigerate the salad without dressing for optimal freshness.
• Keep components separated in airtight containers to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Consume within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.
• Wrap chopped ingredients individually to preserve their individual qualities and prevent cross-contamination of flavors.

Perfect Matches For Classic Cobb Salad

• Savor Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this hearty Cobb salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich bacon and creamy avocado, creating a refreshing balance.
• Amplify with Craft Beer Delight: Choose a crisp American wheat ale or a light lager that complements the salad's robust flavors without overwhelming the delicate chicken and fresh vegetables.
• Match Zesty Herb-Infused Dressing: Whip up a homemade buttermilk ranch or blue cheese dressing with fresh chives and parsley to enhance the salad's complex textures and elevate the overall taste experience.
• Complement with Rustic Bread Side: Serve alongside a crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia slice to add a crunchy element that perfectly soaks up the salad's delicious dressing and provides a satisfying textural contrast.

Twists To Try On Classic Cobb Salad

• Vegetarian Cobb Salad: Replace chicken and bacon with grilled tofu and crispy tempeh strips for a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the original salad's vibrant textures.
• Mediterranean Cobb Salad: Swap blue cheese for crumbled feta, add kalamata olives, and drizzle with herb-infused olive oil to bring a Greek-inspired flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Seafood Cobb Salad: Substitute chicken with seared shrimp or flaked salmon, and use a lighter citrus vinaigrette to complement the seafood's delicate taste while keeping the traditional arrangement.
• Spicy Southwest Cobb Salad: Incorporate grilled corn, black beans, jalapeños, and replace blue cheese with pepper jack, then finish with a zesty chipotle ranch dressing for a bold southwestern kick.

Why Classic Cobb Salad Stays A Fan Favorite

• Customize Your Flavor Journey: Craft a personalized salad with endless ingredient combinations that let you mix and match proteins, textures, and toppings according to your taste preferences.
• Whip Up a Protein-Packed Meal: Loaded with chicken, eggs, and bacon, this salad delivers a satisfying and nutritious punch that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Create Instagram-Worthy Presentation: Arrange ingredients in beautiful, neat rows for a visually stunning dish that looks as amazing as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests or capturing a social media-worthy moment.
• Master Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Prepare components in advance, store separately, and assemble in minutes, making this recipe ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute lunch needs.

What You Need For Classic Cobb Salad

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp base for the salad, providing a fresh and crunchy foundation.

• Chicken, Bacon: Hearty and flavorful protein sources that add depth and richness to the salad. Choose grilled or roasted chicken for best flavor. Bacon should be crispy and well-cooked.

• Avocado: Smooth and buttery element that adds healthy fats. Select ripe but firm avocados for best texture.
• Blue Cheese: Sharp and creamy topping that provides a bold flavor punch. Crumbled style works best.

• Tomatoes, Red Onion: Bright and crisp vegetables that bring color and sharp flavor. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes and thinly slice red onion for optimal texture.

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-rich topping that adds creamy texture. Eggs should be perfectly cooked with firm but not dry yolks.

How To Build A Classic Cobb Salad

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool completely. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Eggs

Place eggs in a pot of cold water, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Bring water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cooled, peel and chop into quarters.

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

• Crisp romaine lettuce, chopped
• Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, diced
• Ripe avocado, sliced
• Juicy cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Creamy blue cheese, crumbled
• Fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

Step 4: Create a Stunning Salad Presentation

• Diced chicken
• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped hard-boiled eggs
• Avocado slices
• Halved tomatoes
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Sliced red onion

Step 5: Dress and Garnish

Drizzle with your favorite tangy vinaigrette or classic blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this restaurant-worthy salad at home.

Classic Cobb Salad FAQs

• What makes a Cobb salad different from other salads?

A Cobb salad is unique because it features neatly arranged rows of protein and vegetables on a bed of lettuce, creating a visually stunning and hearty meal that originated in Hollywood’s Brown Derby restaurant.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't like blue cheese?

Absolutely! While blue cheese is traditional, you can substitute it with feta, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar to suit your taste preferences.

• Is Cobb salad considered a healthy meal option?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from chicken and eggs, healthy fats from avocado, and lots of fresh vegetables, making it a nutritionally balanced and filling dish.

• What's the best way to keep the salad looking fresh and vibrant?

Arrange the ingredients in neat, separate rows and add the dressing just before serving to prevent the ingredients from getting soggy and maintain the salad’s beautiful presentation.

Classic Cobb Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when classic Cobb salad meets fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Crisp lettuce, tender chicken, and perfectly crumbled blue cheese create a symphony of tastes you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Protein-Based Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (grilled or rotisserie)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta if preferred)

Fresh Vegetables and Fruits:

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Seasoning and Dressing:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Dressing of choice (ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette)

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Instructions

1. Crisp the bacon in a skillet until golden and perfectly rendered, allowing each strip to develop a rich, smoky crunch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. Hard-boil eggs in simmering water for precise timing, ensuring a tender yet firm yolk. Rapidly cool in an ice bath to halt cooking and prevent discoloration.
3. Meticulously wash and thoroughly dry romaine lettuce, then slice into uniform, bite-sized ribbons that create a delicate green foundation for the salad.
4. Dice cooked chicken into neat, consistent cubes, ensuring each piece is tender and seasoned with a subtle hint of salt and pepper.
5. Carefully slice ripe avocado into smooth, clean wedges, preventing browning by lightly coating with fresh lemon juice.
6. Chop juicy tomatoes into uniform, vibrant cubes that will add a burst of color and freshness to the composed salad.
7. Crumble pungent blue cheese into delicate, irregular pieces that will melt and distribute flavor throughout the dish.
8. Thinly slice red onion into translucent, delicate rings that provide a sharp, crisp accent to the salad’s complex flavor profile.
9. Artfully arrange the chopped romaine as a verdant base, then methodically layer each ingredient in precise, parallel rows to create a visually stunning presentation.
10. Drizzle with your preferred dressing just before serving, allowing each ingredient to shine while maintaining its individual texture and character.

Notes

• Crisp bacon adds a smoky crunch, so cook it until perfectly golden and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature before boiling to prevent cracking and achieve consistent hard-boiled texture with bright yellow yolks.
• Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning, and consider brushing with lemon juice to maintain its fresh green color.
• For a lighter version, swap blue cheese with feta or goat cheese and use grilled chicken breast instead of traditional pan-fried chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg