Cobb Salad Recipe

why make this recipe

Cobb Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition. With its colorful layers of fresh ingredients, it makes for a great presentation and is perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a healthy yet hearty meal at home, this salad is a fantastic choice. Its mix of proteins, healthy fats, and crisp veggies ensures you won’t go hungry, making it an excellent option for lunch or dinner.

how to make Cobb Salad

Ingredients:

400g/14 oz chicken breast (2 pieces)
1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
200g/7 oz streaky bacon strips
4 x 9 minute boiled eggs (quarter them)
12 cups cos / romaine lettuce (1 large head, 2 small), chopped (or other crispy lettuce)
2 large tomatoes (cut into 8 wedges then halved, or 250g/8 oz cherry tomatoes halved)
2 avocados (cut into large pieces)
200g/7 oz gorgonzola dolce (or roquefort), crumbled (or other blue cheese)
2 tbsp chives (finely chopped)
1 tbsp dijon mustard
5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
5 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine or red wine vinegar)
3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp eschallot (very finely minced)
1/2 tsp white sugar

Directions:

Dressing: Shake all dressing ingredients in a jar until well combined.
Flavour chicken: Poach the chicken using a foolproof method for about 20 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, cut it into 2cm cubes. Toss with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of dressing. Set aside.
Crisp bacon: Place bacon strips in a non-stick pan without heating it, and no oil is needed. Heat the pan to medium-high until the fat starts to melt. Cook the strips for about 2 minutes until golden, flip, and cook for another 1.5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Once cool and crispy, chop into small pieces.
Assemble: Spread the chopped lettuce on a large platter. Neatly arrange the ingredients on top in rows: eggs, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and chicken. Crumble blue cheese over the salad and sprinkle with chives.
Serving: Pour the dressing into a jug and let everyone help themselves to the salad and dressing!

how to serve Cobb Salad

Serve Cobb Salad family-style on a large platter for everyone to share. You can place the dressing in a separate jug for people to pour over their portions. The attractive layers not only make it visually appealing but also allow guests to pick and choose what they want to include on their plates.

how to store Cobb Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. Consume the salad within two days for the best taste and quality.

tips to make Cobb Salad

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
You can customize the ingredients based on what you have. For example, use different types of cheese or vegetables.
To save time, you can prepare the dressing and boil the eggs ahead of time.
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use grilled chicken instead of bacon.

variation

You can switch up the proteins by using grilled shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a different twist. Additionally, feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch or use avocado oil in place of olive oil for the dressing.

FAQs

How can I make this salad vegetarian?
You can skip the bacon and chicken and add more plant-based toppings such as chickpeas or quinoa for protein.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to keep them separate until serving.

What type of dressing can I use besides the one listed?
You can use any vinaigrette you like, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing.