Classic Cobb Salad Recipe
Description:
The Classic Cobb Salad is an iconic American dish that dates back to the 1930s, created at the legendary Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. It’s a hearty, colorful salad featuring rows of chopped greens, crispy bacon, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It’s the perfect blend of fresh, rich, and savory — ideal for lunch or a light dinner.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Salad Base:
6 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped Iceberg lettuce
1 cup watercress or baby spinach (optional for peppery flavor)
Protein & Toppings:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled or pan-seared
4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped or sliced
1 large avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup crumbled blue cheese (Roquefort is traditional)
2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
Red Wine Vinaigrette:
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken & Bacon
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest, then dice or slice into strips.
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then chop.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
On a large platter or in a wide bowl, lay down the mixed greens as the base.
Arrange toppings in neat rows across the top: chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and chives.
Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving or serve on the side.
Tips:
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
Make it ahead: You can prep all ingredients a few hours ahead and store separately. Assemble just before serving.
Swap blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if preferred.
Cobb Salad FAQs
Why is it called Cobb salad?
It’s named after Robert Howard Cobb, the owner of the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, where the salad was created in the 1930s.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
You can substitute with feta, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.
Is Cobb salad healthy?
It’s nutrient-dense with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, but can be calorie-heavy due to bacon, cheese, and dressing. Lighten it up by using less cheese or a lower-fat dressing.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and bacon and add chickpeas, roasted tofu, or grilled mushrooms for a meatless version.
How long does Cobb salad last in the fridge?
Once assembled with dressing, it’s best eaten fresh. Without dressing, the components can last 2–3 days stored separately.