The Cobb salad is the heavyweight champion of salads: a hearty, protein-packed bowl with neat rows of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, egg, avocado, tomato, and blue cheese over crisp greens. It's as satisfying as a full meal, as beautiful as it is filling, and completely customizable to whatever you have on hand.
Arrange the toppings in stripes for that classic look, then toss it all together at the table with a tangy vinaigrette. It's a salad that genuinely eats like dinner.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Filling. A protein-packed salad that eats like a meal.
- Beautiful. Those classic rows make a stunning presentation.
- Customizable. Use whatever proteins and veg you love.
Tips for the best results
Prep all the components ahead so assembly is quick. Arrange the toppings in tidy rows over the greens for the iconic look, then dress and toss just before eating. A sharp, tangy vinaigrette cuts through the rich ingredients beautifully.
Loaded Cobb Salad
A hearty composed salad with chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, tomato, and blue cheese.
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Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Vinaigrette: 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon, 1 tsp honey, salt and pepper
Instructions
- Step 1. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together until emulsified.
- Step 2. Spread the greens over a large platter or in a wide bowl.
- Step 3. Arrange the chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese in neat rows over the top.
- Step 4. Present the salad, then drizzle with the vinaigrette.
- Step 5. Toss everything together at the table just before serving.
Make it your own
Swap blue cheese for feta or cheddar, use turkey or shrimp instead of chicken, or add corn, cucumber, or chickpeas. Make it lighter by going easy on the bacon and cheese, or use a creamy ranch or green goddess dressing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make it ahead? Prep all the components and store them separately, then assemble and dress just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Is Cobb salad healthy? It's protein-rich and full of vegetables and healthy fats. Watch the bacon and cheese portions and use a lighter vinaigrette to keep it balanced.
What's the best lettuce? Crisp romaine is classic, but a mix of romaine and tender greens works well too.
