The Classic Cobb Salad is an iconic American dish that has graced menus for nearly a century. Originating at the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood in the 1930s, this salad is as glamorous as its birthplace. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed salad featuring layers of crisp greens, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and tangy blue cheese, all beautifully drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette.

This salad is not just a side dish—it’s a complete, balanced meal. It delivers a harmony of textures and flavors: crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, salty bacon, and the sharp bite of blue cheese. Whether for lunch, brunch, or dinner, it’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for weekday meals.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Classic Cobb Salad because it celebrates balance and bold flavor in every bite. It’s both indulgent and wholesome—the perfect marriage of fresh vegetables and savory proteins.

The crisp lettuce gives that refreshing crunch, while the smoky bacon and blue cheese add rich, luxurious depth. Plus, the homemade vinaigrette ties it all together with tang and zest.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This salad is a must-try because it’s a culinary classic—a piece of American food history. It’s also:

• Visually stunning: Each ingredient is arranged in neat, colorful rows—perfect for presentation.
• Nutritiously balanced: It offers protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins.
• Satisfying: You won’t leave the table hungry—it’s filling and hearty.
• Versatile: Ideal for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, or elegant dinner parties.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh yet indulgent, light yet satisfying—this salad delivers on all fronts.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories (per serving): ~520 kcal
• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups chopped Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled or roasted)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
• ½ cup cucumber, diced (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Dressing (Red Wine Vinaigrette):

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp.
2. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.
2. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat.
3. Let sit for 10–12 minutes, then cool in ice water.
4. Peel and chop the eggs.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

• Use leftover cooked chicken, or grill/roast fresh chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Cut into bite-sized cubes or shred.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange chopped lettuce evenly in a large salad bowl or platter.
2. On top, neatly line the ingredients in rows: chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and cucumber.
3. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

1. Drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving, or serve it on the side for individual portions.

How to Serve

• Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature on a large platter for visual appeal.
• It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light soup.
• For a complete meal, enjoy it with iced tea, lemon water, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe Tips

• Crispy bacon tip: Cook bacon in the oven for even crispiness—400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
• Use fresh greens: Romaine or iceberg lettuce provides the best crunch.
• Don’t overdress: Add vinaigrette just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Make ahead: Prep components in advance but assemble just before eating.

Recipe Variations

1. Turkey Cobb Salad: Replace chicken with roasted turkey slices—great for using leftovers.
2. Seafood Cobb Salad: Substitute shrimp or salmon for a coastal twist.
3. Vegetarian Cobb Salad: Omit bacon and chicken, and add chickpeas, roasted tofu, or tempeh.
4. Keto Cobb Salad: Skip the tomatoes and honey in dressing; add extra avocado.
5. Buffalo Cobb Salad: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce and drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage:
  • Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • The dressing lasts up to 1 week refrigerated in a sealed jar.
• Freezing:
  • Not recommended, as lettuce, avocado, and tomatoes don’t freeze well.
  • You can freeze cooked chicken and bacon for up to 2 months and thaw before use.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl or serving platter
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl and whisk (for dressing)
• Skillet (for bacon)
• Saucepan (for eggs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes! While homemade dressing is fresher, a good-quality red wine vinaigrette or ranch works great too.

Q2: Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Skip bacon and chicken, use plant-based protein, and replace blue cheese with vegan cheese.

Q3: What’s the best lettuce to use?
Romaine is classic, but you can mix in iceberg, butter lettuce, or spinach for variety.

Q4: Can I prepare this for meal prep?
Yes! Store components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the textures fresh.

Q5: Is it healthy?
Yes. It’s high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, especially if you go light on the dressing.

Conclusion

The Classic Cobb Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese is a true American masterpiece—a perfect blend of freshness, flavor, and texture in every forkful. Whether you’re hosting a lunch, preparing a quick weekday meal, or just craving something nourishing yet indulgent, this salad fits every occasion.

Its versatility, balance, and visual appeal make it a timeless favorite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has stood the test of time—and why it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.