Cobb Salad with the Best Dressing

Cobb Salad with the Best Dressing is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying meal that brings together crisp greens, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese. Drizzled with a bold and zesty homemade dressing, this classic American salad is hearty enough for lunch or dinner and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cobb Salad isn’t just another bowl of greens—it’s a well-balanced meal full of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. The homemade dressing adds a restaurant-quality flavor, while each bite delivers a contrast of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and sure to impress guests or satisfy a quick weeknight craving.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
• Cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced
• Crispy bacon, chopped
• Hard-boiled eggs, halved or chopped
• Avocado, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Blue cheese crumbles (or feta for a milder option)
• Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth of flavor)

directions

this recipe

1. Prepare all salad ingredients: cook the chicken and bacon, hard-boil the eggs, and slice the avocado, tomatoes, and onions.
2. Arrange lettuce in a large serving bowl or platter.
3. Neatly line up rows of chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese over the greens.
4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
5. Pour dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve on the side.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken and bacon fresh)
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken
• Swap blue cheese for goat cheese or shredded cheddar
• Add corn, cucumbers, or black olives for extra flavor
• Use ranch, honey mustard, or balsamic vinaigrette for a different twist
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding chickpeas or tofu

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Avoid reheating the salad, but the cooked chicken and bacon can be gently warmed in a pan or microwave if desired.

FAQs

What is traditionally in a Cobb salad?

A traditional Cobb salad includes lettuce, chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese, served with a red wine vinaigrette.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, though homemade dressing elevates the salad. If using store-bought, choose a red wine vinaigrette, ranch, or blue cheese.

Is Cobb salad keto-friendly?

Yes, Cobb salad is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, making it keto-friendly.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance, but keep everything separate and dress just before serving to maintain freshness.

What lettuce works best?

Romaine or a mix of romaine and iceberg gives the best crunch and structure.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Skip the meat and eggs, and add roasted chickpeas, beans, or tofu for protein.

Can I meal prep this for lunches?

Yes, layer ingredients in containers and keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

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

Grilling, baking, or pan-searing all work well. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for best results.

How long does the homemade dressing last?

It lasts up to 1 week in the refrigerator in a sealed container or jar.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try feta, goat cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar if you’re not a fan of blue cheese.

Conclusion

Cobb Salad with the Best Dressing is a timeless favorite that checks every box—fresh, filling, flavorful, and flexible. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, it’s a standout dish that proves salads can be anything but boring. With its rich mix of textures and tastes, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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