When a salad is this colorful, flavorful, and satisfying, it deserves center stage. The Cobb Salad isn’t just greens tossed with dressing — it’s a complete meal in a bowl. With layers of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, boiled eggs, and tangy blue cheese, every bite brings a perfect balance of textures and flavors. ✨
Topped with a bold balsamic vinaigrette, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies both cravings and nutrition goals — perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Cobb Salad
✅ Protein-packed – fills you up without feeling heavy
✅ Stunning presentation – looks as good as it tastes
✅ Meal-prep friendly – great for work lunches or weeknight dinners
✅ Customizable – adjust toppings based on what’s in your fridge
✅ Naturally gluten-free
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Expanded)
For the Salad Base:
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, sliced – Grilled or baked works great, but rotisserie chicken is a quick and tasty shortcut. Poached or pan-seared also work. Use seasoned chicken for extra flavor.
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered – A creamy, protein-rich element. Boil in advance for easy assembly.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped – Choose thick-cut for more crunch, and cook until crispy. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon also work.
- 10 cups chopped romaine lettuce – Use 1 large head or 2 romaine hearts. Wash, dry thoroughly, and chop into bite-sized pieces for a crisp base.
- 1 avocado, sliced – Creamy and rich; use a ripe but firm avocado. For meal prep, splash with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- 8 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved – Sweet and juicy. Go for colorful heirlooms if available.
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced – Sharp and crunchy. If the flavor is too strong, soak in water for 10 minutes to mellow.
- 3 oz crumbled blue cheese – Adds a bold, tangy contrast. Feta or goat cheese can be used for a milder twist.
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional) – For garnish and added freshness 🌿
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil – Rich and smooth, forms the base of the vinaigrette.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar – Deep, slightly sweet acidity balances the richness of the toppings.
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard – Adds a little heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 2 tsp honey – Light sweetness to soften the tang of the vinegar and mustard.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking for perfect balance.
👨🍳 How to Make Cobb Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a mason jar or medium bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper. Shake vigorously or whisk until fully emulsified and smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Spread the chopped lettuce onto a large serving platter or into a deep salad bowl. Arrange toppings in rows or sections over the lettuce: sliced chicken, eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and blue cheese. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.
Step 3: Dress and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle with the prepared balsamic vinaigrette and serve immediately. Let guests toss their own salad or serve it as a composed plate.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 🥖 With a slice of crusty sourdough or garlic toast
- 🥬 On a bed of mixed greens or spinach for extra greens
- 🥚 With extra hard-boiled eggs for added protein
- 🧀 Sub blue cheese with feta or gorgonzola for variety
- 🧺 Pack in individual containers for weekday lunches
💡 Tips & Easy Variations
- Add grilled corn or roasted chickpeas for extra texture
- Use turkey bacon or tofu bacon for a lighter or vegetarian twist
- Make it dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using vegan alternatives
- Swap proteins – grilled shrimp, steak strips, or roasted salmon all shine here
- Try a different dressing – ranch, green goddess, or a lemon vinaigrette work beautifully
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Dressing: Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week – shake before use
- Avocado tip: Add just before serving to avoid browning
- Meal prep: Build salads in layers in jars or containers, keeping dressing on the bottom
❓ FAQs About Cobb Salad
Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A: Yes! Skip the chicken and bacon and replace with roasted chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, or tofu for plant-based protein.
Q: What’s the best way to cook chicken for Cobb salad?
A: Grilled or baked works well, but rotisserie chicken is a time-saver. Poached chicken gives a softer texture.
Q: Can I substitute another cheese for blue cheese?
A: Definitely. Try goat cheese, feta, or shredded sharp cheddar if blue cheese isn’t your thing.
Q: What lettuce works best?
A: Romaine is classic, but feel free to mix in baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix for variety.
❤️ Final Thoughts
The Cobb Salad is the original “power bowl” — loaded with protein, color, and texture, all in one balanced, beautiful dish. It’s a masterclass in how a salad can be so much more than a side: it can be the main event. 🥗🌟
Each ingredient brings something unique — smoky bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, juicy tomatoes — and together, they create harmony in every forkful. The bold balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together with just the right zing.
This salad is perfect when you need a satisfying but fresh meal, whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just want something that makes you feel good without sacrificing flavor.
So next time you’re looking for a go-to lunch or light dinner that actually fills you up, this classic Cobb Salad won’t let you down. 💚🥓🥚
Short version
Cobb Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast sliced
- 4 hard boiled eggs cut into quarters lengthwise
- 4 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 10 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 large head lettuce or 2 romaine hearts
- 1 avocado sliced
- 8 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 3 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- chopped fresh parsley or chives optional
Cobb Salad Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smooth Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- You can use baked, grilled, poached, or rotisserie chicken for this recipe — whatever you have on hand works well. Leftover chicken is perfect and saves time. For homemade options, check the ingredient list above for links to recipes for poached chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and baked bacon.
Cobb Salad Dressing
- Add the chopped lettuce to a large salad bowl or spread it out on a serving platter. Neatly arrange the sliced chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs for extra flavor and color.
Notes
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
