Classic Cobb Salad Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken breast with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil. Once cooked through, let it cool slightly, then chop or shred it.
2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the hard-boiled eggs.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Layer the Base: Start by spreading the mixed lettuce evenly on a large platter or individual serving plates.
2. Add the Toppings: Arrange the chicken, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, bacon, blue cheese, and red onion in neat rows on top of the lettuce. For a more traditional look, you can keep the toppings in separate sections rather than mixing them together.
3. Season: Lightly season the salad with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
2. Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly, ensuring the dressing emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

1. Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad right before serving, or serve it on the side for everyone to drizzle as they please.
2. Enjoy: Toss the salad to mix the ingredients, or serve it in its arranged form for a beautiful presentation. Pair with crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Protein Options: Swap the chicken for turkey, shrimp, or grilled steak for a different twist.
• Cheese Substitutes: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. Keep the avocado separate until ready to prevent browning.

Conclusion

The Classic Cobb Salad is a wonderful blend of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and rich textures that come together to create a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and delicious taste. Give this recipe a try for a refreshing yet hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!