Classic American Cobb Salad

The first time I saw a proper Cobb Salad arranged in those neat rows, I thought it looked almost too pretty to eat. My restaurant server told me the original was created at the Brown Derby in Hollywood when the owner threw together leftovers for a late night hunger pang. Something about that chaotic origin story made perfect sense to me. Now whenever I have half a chicken, some aging bacon, and random vegetables in my fridge, I hear that culinary call.

Last summer I made this for a backyard dinner when my sister claimed she was too full from appetizers to eat anything else. She took one bite of that blue cheese and avocado combo and proceeded to demolish half the platter. Theres something magical about how the ingredients work together even though they seem completely unrelated.

Ingredients

• Romaine and Iceberg Lettuce: The dual lettuces give you both structure and crunch, plus iceberg adds that satisfying watery crisp that keeps everything refreshing
• Cooked Chicken Breast: Grilled adds smoky depth but poached works beautifully if you want something more tender and neutral
• Crispy Bacon: This is your salt and texture element, so cook it until really crisp so it shatters nicely against the soft ingredients
• Hard Boiled Eggs: Room temperature eggs slice cleaner than cold ones, and they add protein richness that ties everything together
• Ripe Avocados: The creamy element that balances all the crunch and salt, so choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Fresh Tomatoes: They bring acid and sweetness to cut through the rich blue cheese and bacon
• Blue Cheese: The sharp tangy contrast that makes every bite interesting, though feta works if you prefer something milder
• Fresh Chives: A mild onion finish that brightens without overwhelming the other flavors
• Red Wine Vinegar and Dijon Mustard: The classic acid foundation that cuts through all the rich ingredients
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use something fruity and high quality since the dressing is simple and the oil really shines through

Instructions

Prepare your canvas:

Toss both chopped lettuces together in your largest bowl or arrange them directly on a wide serving platter as the foundation

Line up your rows:

Arrange each topping in its own neat stripe across the lettuce, starting with chicken, then bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and finally blue cheese

Whisk the dressing:

Combine vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper, then gradually whisk in olive oil until it thickens and turns glossy

Finish with chives:

Sprinkle fresh chives over everything and either dress the whole salad or serve vinaigrette on the side

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My friend Sarah texts me every single time she makes this for dinner guests because she loves watching people marvel at the presentation. Something about those orderly rows makes people assume it took hours to prepare, which is exactly the kind of kitchen magic I live for.

Making It Your Own

Ive discovered this salad forgives almost any substitution as long as you keep the textures varied. Grilled turkey works just as well as chicken, and sometimes I use arugula mixed with the lettuces when I want something peppier.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully, but sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works just as well. The salad is substantial enough to stand alone as a meal.

Serving Wisdom

The real beauty here is that you can prep every single component hours ahead and keep them chilled in separate containers. Assembly takes maybe five minutes when guests are already gathered around the table.

• Use the widest shallow bowl you own so guests can see all those beautiful layers
• Provide tongs or large spoons so people can get a bit of everything in each serving
• The leftovers actually keep decently for lunch the next day if you store the dressing separately

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Theres something deeply satisfying about turning random leftovers into something so deliberately beautiful. I hope this becomes your go to solution for those nights when the refrigerator seems empty but inspiration strikes.

Recipe Q&A

→ What makes a traditional Cobb salad authentic?

A traditional Cobb salad features the signature combination of romaine and iceberg lettuce, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, ripe avocado, diced tomatoes, and blue cheese arranged in distinct rows. The classic red wine vinaigrette dressing ties these ingredients together. This specific combination was created at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood in the 1930s.

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prep most components in advance—cook the chicken and bacon, boil and peel the eggs, and chop the vegetables. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce and prevent the avocados from browning. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated.

→ What dressing works best with Cobb salad?

The traditional red wine vinaigrette is the classic choice, providing a tangy contrast that cuts through the rich ingredients. This dressing combines red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. However, blue cheese dressing, ranch, or a light balsamic vinaigrette also complement the flavors beautifully.

→ Is Cobb salad suitable for specific diets?

This salad naturally fits gluten-free and low-carb lifestyles while providing 36 grams of protein per serving. However, it's not suitable for vegetarians due to the chicken, bacon, and eggs. Those avoiding dairy should omit the blue cheese. The salad is keto-friendly and fits into paleo diets if you exclude the blue cheese and use a compliant dressing.

→ What protein substitutions can I use?

While grilled chicken breast is traditional, you can substitute leftover roasted turkey, grilled shrimp, or even steak strips. For a lighter version, use poached chicken breast. Vegetarians can replace the meat with grilled tofu, tempeh bacon, or additional hard-boiled eggs. The key is maintaining a variety of textures and flavors in each row.

→ How do I prevent avocado from browning?

Toss freshly sliced avocado in a little lemon or lime juice before arranging it on the salad. The citric acid slows oxidation. Alternatively, add the avocado just before serving. If preparing ahead, slice the avocado at the last minute to maintain its vibrant green color and fresh appearance.