Cobb Salad

This is the kind of salad that feels like a full meal, not a side you’re still hungry after. It’s built with simple, familiar ingredients layered together in a way that feels comforting and filling. Cobb salad is loved because it brings balance to the table: fresh greens, hearty toppings, and plenty of flavor without being complicated. It works on busy evenings when cooking feels like too much, and it fits nicely into family meals where everyone wants something a little different. I usually start by chopping everything first so assembly feels relaxed and unhurried. It’s reliable, flexible, and easy to come back to whenever you need something satisfying but simple.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is filling enough to stand on its own while still feeling fresh and light. The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting, and the ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly. It’s weeknight-friendly because most of the work is simple prep, not cooking. You can prep parts ahead, store leftovers neatly, and enjoy them again the next day. It’s also crowd-pleasing, since everyone can scoop what they like or tweak their portion. This classic cobb-style salad feels cozy in an everyday way, making it perfect for saving and repeating. It fits real schedules, real appetites, and real kitchens without extra effort.

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Ingredients

Tip: Crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce holds toppings well and stays crunchy.

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly so it stays crisp. Chop the chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Lay everything out so assembling feels easy and organized.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
If anything is still warm, let it cool first. Warm ingredients can wilt the greens and change the texture. The goal is everything being cool, fresh, and ready to layer without moisture pooling.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Place the lettuce in a large bowl or platter. Arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese in neat rows or sections. The colors should look bright and balanced across the surface.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper until slightly thick and glossy. Drizzle lightly over the salad just before serving. Toss gently if desired, keeping the ingredients visible and textured.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe is mostly chopping and assembling, which makes it easy to fit into a packed day. You can prep ingredients earlier and store them separately, then assemble in minutes. Leftovers keep well, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Tips & Tricks

  • Dry lettuce matters more than you think. Extra water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy. A salad spinner or clean towel helps keep everything crisp and fresh.
  • Cut ingredients evenly. Large chunks make the salad harder to eat and throw off the balance. Bite-sized pieces give you a little of everything in each forkful.
  • Add avocado last. It browns quickly, so slice it right before serving to keep it looking fresh and creamy.
  • Don’t overdress. Start with a light drizzle. You can always add more, but too much dressing hides the flavors instead of tying them together.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add sliced steak or turkey along with the chicken. Keep portions moderate so the salad doesn’t feel heavy. This works well for bigger appetites or when serving as a main dish.

Vegetarian Option
Skip the meat and add chickpeas or roasted tofu. They add protein and texture while keeping the salad filling and balanced.

Ingredient Swap
Use feta or shredded cheddar instead of blue cheese if that’s what you prefer. The salad still holds together beautifully with different cheeses.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish. A small handful goes a long way and brightens the whole bowl.

Serving Suggestions

  • All-in-One Dinner
    Serve this salad on its own with crusty bread on the side. It’s filling enough to carry the meal without extra dishes.
  • Family-Style Platter
    Arrange everything on a large platter so everyone can see the layers. It feels relaxed and inviting at the table.
  • Paired with Soup
    Serve smaller portions alongside a warm soup for a cozy, balanced meal on cooler nights.
  • Lunch-Friendly Bowls
    Divide into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches that don’t feel boring halfway through the day.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Store ingredients separately in airtight containers. Lettuce, proteins, and toppings keep best when not mixed. Use within three days for best texture.
  • Reheating
    This salad is meant to be served cold. Do not reheat once assembled, as heat wilts the greens and softens the toppings.
  • Freezing
    Freezing is not recommended. Fresh vegetables and greens lose texture once thawed.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Prep and store all components ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for the freshest result with minimal effort.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not required
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains roughly 420–480 calories with about 28–35 grams of protein. Protein and calcium are notable nutrients. Values are estimates and may vary depending on portion size, ingredient choices, and substitutions.

FAQs

Yes, prep ingredients separately and assemble later.

Adding dressing too early.

Yes, use turkey, steak, or tofu.

The lettuce may not be dry enough.

Up to three days when stored separately.

Conclusion

This recipe is easy to return to because it fits so many moments. You can make it fresh, prep it ahead, or adjust it based on what’s in your fridge. It works for quiet dinners, shared family meals, or packed lunches without feeling repetitive. Once you’ve made it once, it becomes a simple framework you can reuse again and again. Cobb salad is comforting in a practical, everyday way, and that’s what makes it worth saving. It’s steady, familiar, and always ready when you need something filling but fresh.

Cobb Salad
Print

Cobb Salad

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Salad Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

A hearty, fresh salad layered with crisp greens, protein-rich toppings, and a simple dressing. Easy to prepare and satisfying enough for a full meal.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced

  • 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped

  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 avocado, diced

  • ½ cup crumbled blue cheese

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Directions

  • Wash and dry the lettuce. Place in a large bowl or platter.
  • Chop chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and avocado.
  • Arrange toppings over the lettuce in sections.
  • Whisk oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle before serving.

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