Easy Cobb Salad

Cobb salad is a classic American chopped salad that combines fresh, crisp greens with a variety of flavorful toppings, including grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, juicy tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese. Served with a homemade tangy dressing, this protein-packed salad is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced and Nutritious – A great combination of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
• Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.
• Satisfying and Filling – With chicken, eggs, bacon, and avocado, this salad is hearty enough for a full meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Can be made ahead and stored for a convenient lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 6 cups romaine or mixed greens, chopped
• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 4 slices 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

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Set aside until ready to use.

Assemble the Salad:

3. Arrange the chopped greens on a large platter or in a serving bowl.

Layer the Ingredients:

4. Arrange the sliced chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced red onion in rows on top of the greens.

Drizzle with Dressing:

5. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
6. Toss gently if desired and enjoy immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

• Lighter Cobb Salad – Use turkey bacon and a lighter cheese like feta to reduce calories.
• Vegetarian Cobb Salad – Omit the chicken and bacon and add chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein.
• Keto Cobb Salad – Skip the honey in the dressing and reduce the cherry tomatoes for a low-carb version.
• Southwest Cobb Salad – Add black beans, corn, and a cilantro-lime dressing for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Greek Cobb Salad – Replace blue cheese with feta, swap red wine vinegar for lemon juice, and add cucumbers and olives.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salad ingredients separately from the dressing in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble all ingredients except the avocado and dressing in advance. Add fresh avocado and drizzle with dressing just before serving.
• Reheating: No reheating is needed—this salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens all work well in Cobb salad.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for Cobb salad?

Grilled, roasted, or pan-seared chicken works best. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Can I substitute the blue cheese?

Yes, feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar can be used instead of blue cheese.

How can I make the dressing creamier?

Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier texture.

What kind of bacon works best for this salad?

Crispy, thick-cut bacon adds the best texture and flavor, but turkey bacon is a good alternative for a lighter option.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or whisk before using.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss diced avocado in a little lemon or lime juice to prevent browning.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing enhances the freshness and flavor of the salad.

What other proteins can I use?

Shrimp, salmon, steak, or turkey breast are great alternatives to chicken.

Can I meal prep Cobb salad?

Yes, store ingredients separately and assemble just before eating for the freshest taste.

Conclusion

Cobb salad is a flavorful, protein-packed dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this classic salad offers fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and endless customization options. Perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy meal, this Cobb salad is sure to become a favorite!