Juicy chicken breast, crisp romaine, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and tangy blue cheese—can you think of a more satisfying salad than Classic Cobb Salad? This timeless dish brings together a rainbow of flavors and textures, all in one generous, hearty bowl. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch, an impressive dinner centerpiece, or a crowd-pleasing party platter, Classic Cobb Salad delivers. It’s as fresh and colorful as it is reliable, making it a staple you’ll crave time and time again.

Classic Cobb Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every Classic Cobb Salad is a celebration of simple ingredients, each one doing an important job. These essentials contribute vibrant color, savory depth, irresistible crunch, and creamy contrast—so be sure to gather top-quality elements before you get started!

Romaine Lettuce: Offers a crisp, hearty base that holds up to all the toppings.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Choose freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and tender bite.
Bacon: Fry until crisp for a salty crunch that really makes the salad shine.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Bring creaminess, rich flavor, and extra protein to the mix.
Avocado: Adds buttery texture and a lovely green pop—be sure it’s ripe!
Cherry Tomatoes: Bring juicy sweetness and a gorgeous burst of color.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: The sharp, creamy tang ties together all the layers of flavor.
Green Onions: Sprinkle on for a mild onion bite and fresh aroma.
Salt: Just enough to enhance every ingredient—taste and adjust as needed.
Black Pepper: A little heat and earthiness bring balance to the salad.
Red Wine Vinaigrette (or Preferred Dressing): Adds zippy, bright flavor that wakes up every bite.

How to Make Classic Cobb Salad

Step 1: Arrange the Lettuce

Lay a generous bed of chopped romaine lettuce on a large platter or into your favorite salad bowl. If you have time, chill the lettuce first for an extra crispy base—the cooler the greens, the better the crunch!

Step 2: Prep and Neatly Arrange the Toppings

Neatness is part of the Cobb signature. Carefully line up the diced chicken, crumbled cooked bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, and chopped green onions in vibrant rows on top of the lettuce. This not only looks stunning, but also makes it easy for everyone to grab their favorites.

Step 3: Season Your Salad

Sprinkle the whole salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. A little bit goes a long way in highlighting the natural flavors of every topping, especially once the dressing goes on.

Step 4: Dress the Classic Cobb Salad

Drizzle the red wine vinaigrette (or your dressing of choice) over everything just before serving so the greens stay crisp. Alternatively, offer the dressing on the side if you want guests to control their own drizzle—this maintains the beautiful arrangement and lets everyone serve themselves.

Step 5: Toss or Serve Composed

For a traditional presentation, serve the Classic Cobb Salad as a composed platter, letting everyone admire the rows of color. If you prefer, gently toss everything together at the table for a beautiful blend of textures and flavors in every forkful.

How to Serve Classic Cobb Salad

Garnishes

The final touch makes all the difference. A sprinkle of fresh-chopped parsley, extra blue cheese crumbles, or a little more cracked black pepper on top adds restaurant-worthy flair (and a boost of flavor) to your Classic Cobb Salad.

Side Dishes

Serve this salad solo as a meal-in-a-bowl or pair it with some warm crusty gluten-free bread, a classic corn chowder, or even a cup of iced tea. Its satisfying nature means it plays well as both a standalone lunch or with lighter sides for dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Make mini versions in individual jars or cups for parties, or build the salad in a large shallow dish for dramatic effect. Another fun idea: arrange toppings in wide stripes so everyone can see each ingredient—it’s show-stopping and makes your Classic Cobb Salad absolutely irresistible at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra salad, store components separately if possible to prevent wilting. Keep greens, toppings, and dressing in individual airtight containers in the fridge. Fully assembled salad is best eaten within a day, but toppings like bacon, eggs, and chicken last up to 3 days.

Freezing

While most Classic Cobb Salad ingredients don’t freeze well (especially the lettuce and avocado), you can freeze cooked chicken and bacon in airtight packs for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight before using, then assemble the salad fresh for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

No need to reheat anything except the chicken or bacon, if you prefer them warm! Otherwise, all elements should be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If reheating, do so briefly in the microwave or a pan—then bring everything together for a comforting, hearty twist.

FAQs

What makes a Classic Cobb Salad different from other salads?

It’s all in the composition and combination! Classic Cobb Salad is famous for its organized rows of toppings, rich variety of flavors, and hearty textures—turning a typical salad into a main event that satisfies every craving.

Can I substitute the chicken with something else?

Absolutely! Turkey, grilled shrimp, or even roasted tofu for a vegetarian version are all delicious options. The Classic Cobb Salad is highly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to swap in your favorite proteins.

What dressing should I use for a Classic Cobb Salad?

Red wine vinaigrette adds bright, tangy notes, but blue cheese or ranch dressing are classic choices too. Use whichever dressing you love most—just add it right before serving for the freshest result.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss diced avocado lightly with a splash of lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This keeps it vibrant and fresh, even if preparing the salad an hour or two ahead.

Can I prepare Classic Cobb Salad in advance?

Yes! You can chop and store all the toppings ahead of time. Keep them separate until just before serving, then assemble and dress the salad for the freshest taste and best presentation.

Final Thoughts

Classic Cobb Salad is truly one of those dishes that never goes out of style. Bursting with flavor, color, and satisfying textures, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again. Gather your ingredients, get creative with the presentation, and enjoy every hearty, delicious bite!

Classic Cobb Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: KimEasy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Cobb Salad recipe that features a colorful array of ingredients like chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and blue cheese on a bed of romaine lettuce, all tossed in a tangy dressing. This hearty salad is perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Romaine Lettuce:

6 cups chopped

Cooked Chicken Breast:

2 cups, diced

Bacon:

4 slices, cooked and crumbled

Hard-Boiled Eggs:

2, sliced

Avocado:

1, diced

Cherry Tomatoes:

1 cup, halved

Blue Cheese Crumbles:

1/2 cup

Green Onions:

1/4 cup, chopped

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Red Wine Vinaigrette or Dressing of Choice: