Iconic American chopped salad with rows of toppings
Classic Cobb Salad
Classic Cobb Salad
40 minEasy
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4
2 large salads
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Classic Cobb Salad
Iconic American chopped salad with rows of toppings
A hearty Cobb salad with neat rows of grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and tomatoes over crisp greens.
25m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
40m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
The Cobb salad is the king of American composed salads. Invented at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, it turns a simple bed of greens into a showstopper by arranging rows of protein-rich toppings in a colorful mosaic.
Every forkful delivers a different combination of flavors and textures — smoky bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and tender chicken all dressed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 avocados, diced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
PrecisionUtility
Test Kitchen Pick
Thermometer
Helpful Tool
Why a thermometer helps here
This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.
The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.
- Makes doneness more repeatable
- Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein
If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.
Shop thermometer options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Arrange chopped romaine on a large platter or in individual bowls.
- 2
Place diced grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, chopped eggs, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese in neat rows on top of the greens.
- 3
Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- 4
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad or serve it on the side.
- 5
Toss gently at the table just before eating, or let guests serve themselves.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Best enjoyed fresh -- prepare the dressing separately if making ahead
Substitutions
Blue cheeseFeta or goat cheese
A milder option for those who find blue cheese too strong.
BaconTurkey bacon or coconut bacon
Lower in fat but still adds smoky crunch.
RomaineMixed greens or butter lettuce
Any crisp lettuce works.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use rotisserie chicken for a no-cook shortcut.
Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Substitute Roquefort or gorgonzola for the blue cheese.
Storage
Store undressed components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Dress just before serving.
Reheating
Not applicable — best served fresh and cold.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 large plate) · 4 servings
Calories480
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein32g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat4g
Fiber5g
Sugar36g
Sodium720mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it ahead?
- Prep all components and store separately. Assemble and dress just before serving.
- What dressing is traditional?
- A red wine vinaigrette is classic, though ranch is a popular modern choice.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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