Cobb Salad Recipe

The Cobb Salad is a bold, flavor-packed American classic, featuring blue cheese, crisp bacon, chicken, and avocado arranged in elegant rows. It’s a meal-worthy salad perfect for any occasion.

What makes a Cobb Salad truly shine is the balance of textures and rich flavors, especially the signature touch of creamy blue cheese. Serve it on a large platter for an impressive presentation.

Ingredients That Make Cobb Salad Irresistible

Chicken breast – Poached and lightly seasoned, the chicken adds lean protein and soaks up the vinaigrette beautifully.

Streaky bacon – Fried until crisp, bacon offers salty crunch and umami depth.

Boiled eggs – Soft but firm 9-minute eggs lend creaminess and protein.

Cos (romaine) lettuce – Fresh and crunchy, it’s the ideal base for holding rich toppings.

Tomatoes – Juicy and slightly acidic, tomatoes refresh the palate and add vibrant color.

Avocados – Creamy and mild, they balance stronger flavors and contribute a buttery texture.

Blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort) – The defining feature; tangy, creamy, and bold, it ties everything together.

Chives – Finely chopped for a subtle onion note and fresh green garnish.

Dressing (Dijon vinaigrette) – Tangy and aromatic, this dressing lifts the richness of cheese and bacon with apple cider vinegar, shallots, and mustard.

Cobb Salad Assembly and Flair

Start by poaching and cooling the chicken, then tossing it with a touch of dressing. Crisp the bacon slowly to render maximum flavor and texture. Boil eggs to just the right doneness—9 minutes ensures they slice cleanly. Arrange everything in orderly rows over a bed of chopped romaine: chicken, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and bacon. Crumble blue cheese generously on top and sprinkle with chives. Serve the zippy dressing on the side to let guests dress their portions to taste.

Cobb Salad Tips and Tricks for Maximum Flavor

For best results, use creamy gorgonzola which blends easily with other ingredients. Want a less tangy dressing? Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil, especially if swapping blue cheese for feta or goat cheese. Preparing each component in advance makes for quick, elegant assembly before serving. And always let the chicken cool fully before dicing—it keeps it tender and juicy.

Storing Cobb Salad Leftovers

Store any leftover Cobb Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess. If storing longer, omit the avocado and add it fresh before serving. Eggs and bacon can be prepared in advance and stored separately for freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poached?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just dice and toss with a bit of the dressing for flavor consistency.

What’s a good vegetarian substitute for chicken and bacon?
Grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas work well for protein, while crispy tempeh bacon offers a similar savory crunch.

Is there a blue cheese alternative for those who don’t like it?
Mild feta or creamy goat cheese are excellent substitutes. Adjust the dressing by adding a bit more oil to balance the tanginess.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep each component in advance and store separately. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and presentation.

Cobb Salad

A vibrant and hearty dish, the Cobb Salad stands out with its colorful array of fresh ingredients arranged in orderly rows. Blue cheese, a defining element, imparts a signature richness that elevates this classic American favorite beyond the realm of ordinary chicken salads. Serve with the dressing on the side to preserve the crisp textures until the moment of enjoyment.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken
• 400 g 14 oz chicken breast, about 2 pieces
• 1/4 tsp cooking or kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• Cobb Salad
• 200 g 7 oz streaky bacon strips
• 2 avocados chopped into large chunks
• 4 boiled eggs cooked for 9 minutes and quartered
• 200 g 7 oz gorgonzola dolce or roquefort, crumbled
• 12 cups romaine or cos lettuce chopped (1 large or 2 small heads)
• 2 large tomatoes each cut into 8 wedges and halved, or 250g (8 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp finely chopped chives
• Dressing
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp white sugar
• 2 tbsp finely minced eschallot shallot
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 5 tbsp apple cider vinegar or substitute with white/red wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 tsp cooking or kosher salt

Instructions

• Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.
• Poach chicken breasts using a reliable method for juicy results, then allow to cool to room temperature. Dice into 2 cm cubes and toss with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing. Set aside.
• Place bacon strips into a cold non-stick skillet and set over medium-high heat. As the fat renders, cook until golden on one side (about 2 minutes), flip, and cook the other side for approximately 1.5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into small pieces once cooled.
• On a large serving platter, scatter the chopped lettuce as a base. Neatly arrange the eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and chicken in organized rows across the top. Finish by crumbling the blue cheese over everything and sprinkling with chives. Transfer the dressing to a jug.
• Allow guests to serve themselves, dressing the salad to their liking at the table.

Notes

For an authentic Cobb Salad, blue cheese is essential. Creamy gorgonzola integrates seamlessly, almost melting into the other ingredients and enhancing the overall dressing experience. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider Blue Castello. For those avoiding blue cheese altogether, feta or goat cheese are suitable alternatives—add an extra tablespoon of oil to the dressing to counterbalance the tang.