Cobb Salad
A crisp, colorful chopped salad loaded with rows of grilled chicken, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, hard-boiled egg whites, and tangy blue cheese over fresh lettuce. Tossed with a simple red wine vinaigrette, it's a satisfying all-in-one meal that's both refreshing and hearty.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~15 min
Season and grill the chicken.
1.Season 300g chicken breast with 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch black pepper.2.Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.3.Transfer to a cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then dice into small cubes.TIPLet the chicken rest before cutting — it keeps the juices locked in. - fry · ~5 min
Cook the bacon until crisp.
1.Place 4 bacon slices in a cold skillet, then set over medium heat.2.Cook 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.3.Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop.TIPStarting with a cold pan helps the bacon render fat evenly without burning. - boil · ~12 min
Hard boil the eggs.
1.Place 4 eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch.2.Bring to a rolling boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit 10 minutes.3.Transfer eggs to an ice bath, cool completely, then peel and discard yolks. Dice the whites.TIPThe ice bath stops cooking instantly and makes peeling effortless. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare the remaining toppings.
1.Dice 1 avocado into small cubes.2.Halve 150g cherry tomatoes.3.Chop 200g romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and arrange as a bed on a large platter. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk the red wine vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove.2.Slowly drizzle in 3 tbsp olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified.3.Season with 1 pinch salt and 1 pinch black pepper.TIPWhisk vigorously — a proper emulsion keeps the dressing from separating on the salad. - assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the Cobb salad in neat rows.
1.Arrange diced chicken in one row across the romaine bed.2.Arrange crumbled bacon, diced egg whites, avocado, halved tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese in separate neat rows beside it.3.Drizzle vinaigrette evenly over the top just before serving.TIPKeep the rows distinct — the visual appeal is part of a classic Cobb salad's charm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before dicing to keep it juicy.
- 2Start bacon in a cold pan so the fat renders slowly and evenly.
- 3Use an ice bath after boiling eggs to stop cooking and make peeling easy.
- 4Whisk the vinaigrette vigorously to create a stable emulsion that clings to the lettuce.
- 5Assemble rows just before serving and dress at the last minute to keep everything crisp.
- 6If making ahead, prep all components separately and combine only when ready to eat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-calorie
Swap the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it, and use a nonfat Greek yogurt-based dressing instead of the vinaigrette for a lighter version that still feels hearty.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace the chicken and bacon with roasted chickpeas or seasoned grilled tofu cubes for a plant-based twist that keeps the protein and texture.
southwestSouthwest
Add corn kernels, black beans, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to give the Cobb salad a Tex-Mex spin while keeping the classic row arrangement.
gluten freeGluten-free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your bacon and blue cheese labels for any hidden gluten-containing additives.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Boost
Grilled chicken breast offers high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle repair and keeps you full.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Avocado provides monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the vegetables.
Good Source of Fiber
Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and avocado contribute dietary fiber that aids digestion and promotes satiety.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes are packed with lycopene, and romaine lettuce supplies vitamin A and vitamin C for immune support.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, prep all components separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
