Classic Cobb Salad
Classic Cobb salad is the USA main-dish salad that always ranks—crisp romaine, grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, tomato, egg, blue cheese, and ranch or vinaigrette. Cook chicken to 165°F and use fully hard-cooked eggs for a food-safe, restaurant-style bowl at home.
🛒Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 large eggs, hard-cooked and chopped
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons chives optional
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or red wine vinaigrette
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Grill or skillet
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board
- Large platter
📝Instructions
- 1
Pat chicken dry. Rub with oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat 5–7 minutes per side until 165°F in the thickest part. Rest 5 minutes; dice.
- 2
Hard-cook eggs: cover with water, bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover 10–12 minutes; ice bath, peel, chop. Bacon should be fully crisp.
- 3
Arrange romaine on a large platter or bowls. Row or scatter chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese.
- 4
Drizzle with dressing; finish with chives and remaining salt to taste.
- 5
Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftover cooked chicken/egg within 2 hours up to 3–4 days; keep dressing separate for best leftovers.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 520
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Rotisserie chicken?
Yes—use about 2–3 cups diced; ensure it was cooked thoroughly and refrigerate promptly.
Blue cheese substitute?
Feta or cheddar work if you prefer milder cheese.
Make ahead?
Prep components separately; assemble and dress just before eating.
Dressing ideas?
Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or classic red wine vinaigrette.
Food safety?
Chicken 165°F; eggs fully hard-cooked; refrigerate perishable toppings within 2 hours.
