Cobb Salad with the Best Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cobb Salad is a classic American dish that’s hearty, colorful, and satisfying. Packed with crisp greens, tender chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and blue cheese, it’s a meal-worthy salad. What truly elevates it is the zesty homemade dressing that ties all the bold flavors together. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecherry tomatoeshard-boiled eggscooked baconavocadochicken breastblue cheese crumblesgreen onion

For the dressing:

red wine vinegarDijon mustardWorcestershire saucelemon juiceolive oilsalt and peppergarlic (minced)

directions

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, then place it in a large salad bowl or platter.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the avocado, crumble the cooked bacon, and slice the hard-boiled eggs.

Grill or sear the chicken breast, then slice it into strips once cooked through.

Arrange the toppings over the lettuce in neat rows: tomatoes, eggs, chicken, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, and green onion.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving or serve it on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Substitute turkey or ham for chicken to mix up the protein.

Use feta or goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Add cucumbers or corn for extra crunch and color.

Try a ranch or balsamic dressing if you prefer a milder or sweeter taste.

Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon and adding chickpeas or grilled tofu.

storage/reheating

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Dress the salad only when ready to serve to keep the greens fresh.Chicken and bacon can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop if desired.

FAQs

Can I make Cobb Salad ahead of time?

Yes, prep all components in advance and assemble just before serving.

What kind of lettuce works best?

Romaine is ideal for its crispness, but you can mix it with iceberg or spinach.

Is the dressing spicy?

No, it’s tangy and savory with a hint of sharpness from the mustard and vinegar.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing brings out the best flavor.

Is Cobb Salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this?

Bake it in the oven for even crispiness and easy cleanup.

Should I serve this warm or cold?

It’s best served chilled or at room temperature.

Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes, just store the dressing separately and keep ingredients fresh in containers.

Can I omit blue cheese?

Of course—substitute your preferred cheese or skip it entirely.

Conclusion

Cobb Salad with the Best Dressing is a fresh, filling, and flavorful dish that brings balance and bold taste to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick lunch or serving it at a gathering, this colorful salad with its tangy dressing is sure to impress. Give it a try and make it your own with your favorite toppings and twists.

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