Elevate your meal with this Classic Cobb Salad recipe! Packed with fresh ingredients like chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and creamy avocado, this salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Learn how to layer flavors and create a homemade dressing that ties it all together. Perfect for any occasion, this Cobb Salad will impress your guests.
2 cups mixed greens (choose a combination of romaine and spinach for a balance of texture and flavor)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped into small pieces
1 ripe avocado, diced into cubes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for sweetness
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese for a creamy contrast
1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional; omit for a non-pork version)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced for a hint of sharpness
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for richness
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a refreshing twist)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to enhance the dressing
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
![To make a classic Cobb salad, you need key ingredients for taste and texture. Here are the essentials: - 2 cups mixed greens (romaine and spinach work well) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese - 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional) - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced These ingredients create a salad that is fresh and full of flavor. The mix of textures makes it enjoyable, and each bite bursts with taste. You can customize your Cobb salad to fit your tastes. Here are some optional ingredients: - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1/4 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced - Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor Feel free to swap or add any of these options. This way, you make the salad your own. A great dressing ties the whole salad together. For a simple yet tasty dressing, you will need: - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Mix these dressing ingredients well. A good dressing adds richness and balances the salad's flavors. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to bring all these ingredients together! First, gather your ingredients to make your Cobb salad shine. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups mixed greens (romaine and spinach are great) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese - 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional) - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. Start with the eggs. Place them in cold water in a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil. 2. Remove from heat. Cover the pan and let the eggs sit for 12 to 15 minutes. 3. Cool the eggs. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then chop. Now it’s time to put your salad together. Follow these steps: 1. Build the base. In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens to create a solid foundation. 2. Add chicken. Layer the diced chicken on top of the greens evenly. 3. Add eggs. Arrange the chopped hard-boiled eggs in sections for a pretty look. 4. Incorporate avocado and tomatoes. Place the cubed avocado and halved cherry tomatoes in separate sections. 5. Sprinkle blue cheese. Add crumbled blue cheese for creaminess, and if using, scatter bacon bits on top. 6. Top with red onion. Distribute the sliced red onion for a sharp flavor kick. A good dressing pulls it all together. Here’s how to make it: 1. Whisk together. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. 2. Combine well. Make sure the mixture is fully blended and emulsified. 3. Dress the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. For a beautiful presentation, keep the layers intact or toss gently before serving. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful dish! For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To get hard-boiled eggs just right, start with older eggs. They peel easier. Use a pot and cover the eggs with cold water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let the eggs sit for 12 to 15 minutes. After that, cool them in an ice bath. This helps stop the cooking process and makes peeling easier. Layering makes your Cobb salad look amazing. Start with mixed greens as the base. Add cooked chicken evenly on top. Next, create sections with chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes. This method keeps flavors distinct. Finish by sprinkling blue cheese and bacon on top. This way, every bite is a mix of textures and tastes. For the dressing, I love a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard. This blend brings bright flavors to the salad. You can adjust the vinegar for a milder taste. Add honey for sweetness if you prefer. For a kick, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon juice. Always taste as you mix to find the balance you like best. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your Cobb salad. Instead of chicken, try turkey or grilled shrimp. For a beefy twist, add diced steak. Even tofu works if you want a meatless option. Each choice brings its own flavor and texture. Experiment until you find your favorite! To make a vegetarian Cobb salad, skip the bacon and chicken. Use chickpeas or grilled tempeh for protein. Avocado adds creaminess, while nuts bring crunch. For a vegan option, replace the blue cheese with a nut-based cheese or a creamy dressing made from tahini. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty! The classic dressing is great, but you can use others too. Try ranch or balsamic vinaigrette for a new taste. A honey mustard dressing adds sweetness. For a spicy kick, mix in sriracha or hot sauce. Choose a dressing that suits your mood or the season. Each dressing makes the salad feel different! For the full recipe, check out the Classic Cobb Salad details. If you have leftover Cobb salad, store it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents it from wilting. Try to separate the dressing from the salad. This helps maintain the crispness of the greens and the texture of other ingredients. Use fresh ingredients to make your Cobb salad last longer. Store each ingredient separately if possible. For example, keep the avocado in its own container to avoid browning. Store the chicken and bacon bits in another container. This method keeps everything tasting great. - Mixed greens: Wrap in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag. - Avocado: Squeeze lemon juice on cut sides before sealing. - Cooked chicken: Use within 3-4 days for best taste. Reheating Cobb salad is tricky since it contains fresh veggies. Instead, consider repurposing it. You can turn leftovers into a tasty wrap. Use a tortilla and fill it with salad ingredients. Or, toss them into a quinoa bowl for a hearty meal. Enjoy the flavors in new ways! Cobb Salad started in Hollywood. It was created in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant. A chef named Bob Cobb made it for his friends. The salad had ingredients like chicken, bacon, and eggs. It became popular because of its tasty mix. Today, it is a favorite in many homes and restaurants. Yes, you can make Cobb Salad ahead of time. Prepare the ingredients and store them separately. Keep the greens, proteins, and toppings apart. This way, they stay fresh. You can mix them just before serving. If you want to make the dressing early, do that too. Just keep it in the fridge. Mix it in right before you eat. If you don't like blue cheese, try other options. Feta cheese or goat cheese work well. They add creaminess without the strong flavor. You can also skip the cheese. Just use extra avocado or nuts for texture. This keeps the salad tasty and enjoyable for everyone. Cobb salad is a versatile dish with essential and optional ingredients that suit anyone's taste. I shared easy steps for preparation and assembly, and tips for perfect eggs and layers. You can customize it with various proteins or dressings as you like. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Explore the world of Cobb salad, and enjoy creating your perfect version!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0bceb43f-5552-49af-aa24-4b7f06300230-250x250.webp)