Cobb Salad
A classic American salad featuring rows of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese on a bed of crisp lettuce. A satisfying and complete meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the Protein and Eggs (Approx
- a.20 minutes)
- b.For the eggs: Place 4 eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then immediately cover the pan, remove from heat, and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process, then peel and chop.
- c.For the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before dicing.
- d.For the bacon: While the chicken cooks, place bacon slices in a separate cold skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop.
- 2
Prepare the Vinaigrette (Approx
- a.3 minutes)
- b.In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining 8 tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
- c.Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well-combined and emulsified. Set aside.
- 3
Prepare Fresh Ingredients (Approx
- a.7 minutes)
- b.Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- c.Dice the Roma tomatoes.
- d.Just before assembling, peel, pit, and dice the avocados to prevent them from browning.
- 4
Assemble the Salad (Approx
- a.5 minutes)
- b.On a large platter or in four individual bowls, create an even bed of the chopped romaine lettuce.
- c.Arrange the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, diced tomatoes, and diced avocado in distinct, parallel rows over the lettuce.
- d.Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and freshly chopped chives evenly over the top of the salad.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Serve the salad immediately with the prepared red wine vinaigrette on the side, allowing each person to dress their own portion to their liking.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel, use eggs that are a week or two old, not farm-fresh.
- 2To save time, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon.
- 3Dress the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent the avocado from browning.
- 4If you don't have a grill pan, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- 5For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the vinaigrette.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace grilled chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, steak, or canned tuna.
Cheese VariationCheese Variation
If you're not a fan of blue cheese, try crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar.
Dressing AlternativeDressing Alternative
A creamy Ranch or Green Goddess dressing also pairs wonderfully with the flavors of a Cobb salad.
Vegetarian VersionVegetarian Version
Omit the chicken and bacon. Add a can of rinsed chickpeas or baked tofu for protein and some roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With chicken, bacon, and eggs, this salad provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado and olive oil are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce, and eggs contributes a wide range of essential nutrients, including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, folate, and potassium.
Promotes Satiety
The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber from the vegetables helps you feel full and satisfied for longer, which can aid in weight management.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Cobb Salad contains approximately 650-750 calories, making it a very filling and complete meal. The exact number can vary based on the amount of dressing used and the fat content of the bacon and cheese.