Classic Cobb Salad

Cobb salad is a quintessential American dish that marries a variety of flavors, textures, and colors into one hearty meal. Believed to have originated in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, this salad combines the culinary creativity of its namesake, Robert Cobb, with the fresh ingredients available at the time. The original recipe featured a mix of leftover ingredients from the restaurant's kitchen, including chicken, bacon, eggs, and greens. Over the decades, it has become a staple on restaurant menus and a favorite among home cooks, celebrated for its versatility and satisfying nature.

Discover the classic Cobb Salad, a colorful and hearty meal that beautifully combines fresh ingredients and flavors. Originating in the 1930s, this delightful dish features a mix of romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and tangy blue cheese. Perfect for lunch or dinner, its nutritional benefits from lean proteins and healthy fats make it a satisfying choice. Customize with seasonal ingredients to elevate this timeless favorite for any occasion.

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Ingredients

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1 avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup vinaigrette (your choice, homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it once it cools. Dice the chicken breast and hard-boil the eggs (typically for about 9-12 minutes), then chop them once cooled.

Assemble the Base: In a large salad bowl, lay the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. This will provide a crisp and fresh texture for the salad.

Layer Ingredients: Next, layer the diced chicken breast, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese over the lettuce. Aim for a beautiful arrangement to make your salad visually appealing.

Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the salad to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

Add Red Onion: Scatter the thinly sliced red onion on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Drizzle with Vinaigrette: Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. You can either toss the salad gently to combine or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add to their preference.

Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately as a satisfying meal or a side dish. Enjoy your delightful and hearty classic Cobb salad!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4