American
Classic Cobb Salad
A garden salad invented in Hollywood, famous for its arrangement of ingredients in neat rows over a bed of greens.
Watch it madeBetty's Kitchen · 9:56
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce, chopped1 head
- Chicken breast, cooked and diced2 cups
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled6 slices
- Avocado, diced2
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped3
- Roquefort or blue cheese, crumbled1/2 cup
- Cherry tomatoes, halved1 cup
- Red wine vinaigrette1/2 cup
Method
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble. Hard boil the eggs, peel, and chop.
- Season and grill or pan-fry the chicken breast until cooked through. Dice into cubes.
- Chop the lettuce and place it as a bed on a large serving platter.
- Arrange the chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese in neat rows over the lettuce.
- Drizzle with red wine vinaigrette just before serving.
Common questions
Can I substitute the blue cheese in Cobb salad if I don’t like Roquefort or strong cheese?
Yes. Use crumbled feta, gorgonzola, or mild blue cheese for a similar salty bite. If you want a milder salad, try goat cheese or even shaved parmesan. Keep the amount modest so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
What’s the best order and timing to prep a Cobb salad so everything stays fresh?
Cook the bacon and chicken first, then boil the eggs while they rest. Chill the chicken and eggs before assembling. Cut the avocado last, and dress the salad only right before serving so the lettuce stays crisp.
What are common mistakes when making Cobb salad?
The biggest mistakes are overdressing the salad, cutting warm chicken over the greens, and using wet lettuce. Also avoid overcooking the eggs or chicken. Slice ingredients into neat, bite-sized pieces so the salad is easy to eat and looks clean.
How should I store leftover Cobb salad, and what ingredients keep best?
Store components separately if possible. Lettuce, chicken, bacon, eggs, and tomatoes keep well for 2–3 days in the fridge. Avocado browns quickly, so add it fresh. Keep dressing in a sealed container and assemble just before eating.
How should Cobb salad be served for the best texture and presentation?
Serve it on a large platter or shallow bowl with ingredients arranged in rows or sections over the lettuce. Add the vinaigrette at the table or just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and makes the colorful toppings stand out.