cobb salad with Chicken, Bacon, Avocado & Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love Thiscobb salad Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with basic stovetop steps and simple assembly.
• Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver big flavor and texture.
• Perfect for family meals or entertaining—beautifully plated and satisfying.

A Little Background

Cobb salad is an American steakhouse icon, celebrated for its neat rows of toppings and a punchy red wine vinaigrette. While legends trace it to a late-night creation at Hollywood’s Brown Derby, today it’s a timeless template: crisp lettuce, hearty protein, and creamy, salty accents you can tailor to taste. This version keeps the spirit of the classic—crisp bacon, tender chicken, blue cheese, eggs, and avocado—so every forkful feels indulgent yet fresh.

Key Ingredients for perfect cobb salad

• Romaine (cos) lettuce: Sturdy crunch that holds up under generous toppings and dressing.
• Chicken breast: Simply seasoned and pan-cooked until juicy, then sliced for easy plating.
• Streaky bacon: Cooked until crisp for smoky, salty pops in every bite.
• Avocado: Buttery richness that balances the tangy vinaigrette.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Jammy to firm yolks add protein and softness.
• Blue cheese: A sharp, creamy counterpoint that defines the classic profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions to make cobb salad

1. Cook the bacon: Fry strips in a skillet until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towel; reserve a little bacon fat in the pan.
2. Cook the chicken: Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, sear in the same skillet until just cooked through. Rest, then slice.
3. Boil the eggs: Simmer to your preferred doneness (jammy to hard), cool under cold water, peel, and halve or chop.
4. Whisk the dressing & assemble: Combine extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, minced garlic, a pinch of sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Spread chopped lettuce on a platter; arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese in neat rows. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

Pro Tips & Variations

• One-pan flavor: Sear chicken in the bacon drippings for extra savory depth.
• Perfect eggs: For jammy centers, cook large eggs about 7–8 minutes; for fully set, go 9–10 minutes.
• Dress smart: Toss lettuce lightly with a spoonful of dressing first, then drizzle more over the toppings so nothing gets soggy.
• Make-ahead: Keep components chilled separately (dressing in a jar). Slice avocado at the last minute. Assembled salad keeps best for serving day only.
• Cheese swap: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, use feta or goat cheese for a milder creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to catch extra vinaigrette, and pour a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. It’s a complete meal on its own, but also pairs well with grilled corn in summer or a simple tomato soup on cooler days.