Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love This Cobb Salad Recipe
2. Ingredients for Cobb Salad Recipe
3. How to Make Cobb Salad Recipe – Step by Step
4. Pro Tips for Perfect Cobb Salad Recipe
5. Best Ways to Serve Cobb Salad Recipe
6. Nutritional Information
7. Storage & Leftovers
8. Cobb Salad Recipe FAQs
9. Related Recipes

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly crafted Cobb Salad Recipe to satisfy your craving for a hearty, nutritious meal.

This classic American Cobb Salad Recipe originated at the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. It has remained a beloved favorite for nearly a century.

The story goes that the owner of the restaurant, Bob Cobb, was prowling around the kitchen one night. He hadn’t eaten all day.

He took some leftovers from the kitchen (chicken, lettuce, tomato, Roquefort, etc.). Then he stole some bacon from a line cook and tossed it all together.

What makes this Cobb Salad Recipe so special is its perfect balance of protein-packed chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy blue cheese. All topped with a tangy vinaigrette that brings every flavor together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Cobb Salad Recipe {#why-youll-love}

• Quick and satisfying – This Cobb Salad Recipe is ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cooking required

• Perfect for meal prep – A little preparation in advance goes a long way. Just prep the chicken, eggs, and bacon for easy assembly throughout the week!

• High-protein powerhouse – This Cobb Salad Recipe provides about 31 grams of protein per serving. That’s 67 percent of the protein women need each day and 55 percent of the 56 grams men require daily.

• Customizable to your taste – This Cobb Salad Recipe allows you to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs

• Restaurant-quality at home – This hearty Cobb Salad Recipe is loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, blue cheese, and all the classic toppings.

• Best way to make Cobb Salad at home without the restaurant price tag

• Easy Cobb Salad for beginners – Simple techniques that guarantee success with this Cobb Salad Recipe

Ingredients for Cobb Salad Recipe {#ingredients}

For the Salad:

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (or mixed greens)
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 6-8 strips thick-cut bacon
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
• 2 medium ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (Roquefort or Gorgonzola work too)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

For the Best Cobb Salad Dressing:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Essential Ingredients for this Cobb Salad Recipe Substitutions:

• For a gluten-free option: All ingredients in this Cobb Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free
• Best flour for baking chicken: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose for coating
• Cobb Salad spice blend: Combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for chicken seasoning
• Dairy-free version: Substitute blue cheese with nutritional yeast or omit entirely from this Cobb Salad Recipe

How to Make Cobb Salad Recipe – Step by Step {#instructions}

This Cobb Salad Recipe is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs for your Cobb Salad Recipe

Boil eggs so they have time to cool. While that’s cooking/cooling, make the dressing and let it marinate in the fridge a while.

I actually like to steam my eggs for this Cobb Salad Recipe. They are so easy to peel!

Place eggs in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil, then cook for 10-12 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking and make peeling easier.

Set aside to cool completely before using in your Cobb Salad Recipe.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy for Perfect Cobb Salad Recipe

Cook the bacon until crispy: It adds texture and won’t get lost in the mix.

Arrange bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium heat for this Cobb Salad Recipe.

Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Perfect Chicken for your Cobb Salad Recipe

Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Be sure to dry your chicken well before cooking for this Cobb Salad Recipe. Make sure to space it out in the pan to get good browning.

Cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes for your Cobb Salad Recipe.

Step 4: Make the Homemade Cobb Salad Recipe Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for your Cobb Salad Recipe.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Vegetables for Cobb Salad Recipe

Wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion carefully.

Dice the ripe avocados just before serving to prevent browning in your Cobb Salad Recipe.

Step 6: Assemble Your Perfect Cobb Salad Recipe

Add the lettuce. Place the chopped lettuce in a large bowl to form the base of your Cobb Salad Recipe.

Layer the toppings. When your eggs, bacon, and chicken are cooked and cooled, add them to your bowl of lettuce.

Add the tomatoes, avocado, and crumbled blue cheese. Arrange ingredients in neat rows or scatter them evenly over the greens for a rustic presentation of your Cobb Salad Recipe.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Cobb Salad Recipe {#pro-tips}

Can I make Cobb Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It is best to store the Cobb salad separate from the dressing, but you can prep your Cobb salad ahead of time with all of the different ingredients and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the avocado and dressing separate until ready to serve.

What is the secret to the best Cobb Salad?

The key is using high-quality ingredients and getting the right balance of textures. Use thick-cut bacon is a non-negotiable! for the best flavor and crunch. Make sure your chicken is well-seasoned and properly rested after cooking.

Additional Pro Tips:

• Use a salad spinner to thoroughly wash and dry the romaine lettuce
• Cook proteins the day before – they taste better cold anyway
• Toast nuts or seeds for extra crunch if desired
• Warm the chicken slightly before serving for enhanced flavor
• Double the dressing recipe – you’ll want extra for other salads

Best Ways to Serve Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon

This hearty Chicken Cobb Salad pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty sourdough bread or garlic breadsticks
• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Iced tea with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
• Light beer such as pilsner or wheat beer

The best way to serve Cobb Salad is family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to see the beautiful arrangement of colorful ingredients. For individual servings, use large shallow bowls to showcase all the components.

Nutritional Information for Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon

Per Serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 520-625 kcal
• Protein: 43g (high-protein meal)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (low-carb friendly)
• Fat: 30g (healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 470-600mg
• Calcium: 20% Daily Value
• Iron: 20% Daily Value

A traditional serving usually comes with 500-700 calories. This Low-carb Cobb Salad provides excellent nutritional value with its combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables. Lettuce is a good source of vitamin A and fiber, and one cup of shredded lettuce will only set you back 8 calories.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does Cobb Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly, your Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Store leftover chicken cobb salad in an airtight container in the fridge for one to two days.

Best Storage Tips:

• Store components separately in airtight containers
• Keep dressing in a separate jar or container
• Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning
• Refrigerate immediately after assembly

Reheating Guidelines:

While Cobb Salad is best served cold, you can warm the chicken slightly in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if preferred. Never reheat the entire salad – only the protein components if desired.

4 FAQs for Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon

Can I freeze Cobb Salad?

No, freezing is not recommended as the lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado will become mushy when thawed. The cooked chicken and hard-boiled eggs can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of blue cheese in Cobb Salad?

Great alternatives include feta cheese crumbles, goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or Parmesan cheese. I substituted Parmesan cheese for the Bleu cheese, since I don’t like bleu cheese for a milder flavor profile.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Cobb Salad?

Absolutely! If you are short on time, chopped rotisserie chicken is a great option! Simply remove the skin and shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.

What’s the difference between Cobb Salad and Chef Salad?

A cobb salad usually has lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado, hard boiled eggs, onions and bleu cheese while a chef’s salad is more basic with ingredients like cucumber, carrots, ham, and usually cheddar cheese.

Related Recipes for Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon

If you love this Cobb Salad Recipe, try these delicious variations:

• Turkey Cobb Salad – Perfect for using holiday leftovers
• Shrimp Cobb Salad – A lighter seafood twist on the classic
• Steak Cobb Salad – Hearty grilled beef version
• Vegetarian Cobb Salad – Skip the meat and double the eggs
• Greek Cobb Salad – Mediterranean flavors with feta and olives

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Best Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon Recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. With its perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, it’s a complete meal that satisfies both your hunger and nutritional needs. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures that makes every bite exciting.

Ready to make this incredible salad? Gather your ingredients and start with the hard-boiled eggs – they take the longest to cook and cool. While they’re working, prep your other components and you’ll have a stunning Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon ready in no time!

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite variations or tips, and don’t forget to rate this recipe. Share photos of your beautiful Cobb Salad on social media and tag us – we love seeing your culinary creations!

Now you know how to make the best Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon at home – enjoy every delicious, satisfying bite!

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