The classic Cobb salad is a timeless American favorite that brings together bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and satisfying protein in every bite. Made with crisp romaine lettuce, tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese, this hearty salad is as filling as it is flavorful. Tossed with a simple red wine vinaigrette, it’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for an easy dinner.
What makes a Cobb salad truly special is its balance of textures and tastes. You get crunch from the lettuce and bacon, creaminess from the avocado and eggs, and a sharp finish from the blue cheese. Traditionally arranged in neat rows, this salad is not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.
This homemade Cobb salad recipe is easy to customize and comes together in about 30 minutes, especially if you use leftover or rotisserie chicken. It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, making it ideal for anyone looking for a nutritious, satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor. The homemade red wine vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, tangy finish.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch idea, a filling main-dish salad, or a classic recipe with restaurant-quality results, this Cobb salad delivers. Serve it family-style on a large platter or portion it into individual bowls for easy meals all week long. Once you try it, this classic Cobb salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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Cobb Salad
The Classic Cobb Salad is a hearty American favorite loaded with crisp romaine, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, ripe tomatoes, blue cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. Finished with a tangy red wine vinaigrette, it’s fresh, satisfying, and perfect as a main-dish salad.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Salad
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Red Wine Vinaigrette
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Set aside.
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Assemble the Salad Base
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Arrange chopped romaine lettuce evenly on a large serving platter or in a wide bowl.
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Add the Toppings
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Arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese in neat rows or sections over the lettuce.
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Finish & Serve
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Drizzle with red wine vinaigrette just before serving, or serve dressing on the side. Garnish with fresh chives if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Meal-prep friendly: Store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.
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Perfect eggs: For easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in an ice bath immediately after boiling.
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Extra flavor: Grill or pan-sear the chicken with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Presentation tip: Traditional Cobb salads are served with toppings arranged in rows for a classic look.
Variations
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Grilled Steak Cobb: Swap chicken for sliced grilled steak.
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Turkey Cobb: Use roasted turkey for a lighter twist.
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Dairy-Free: Omit blue cheese or replace with dairy-free feta.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Skip tomatoes and honey in the dressing.
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Vegetarian Cobb: Replace meat with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
