Easy Classic Cobb Salad Recipe

June 12, 2026

Classic Cobb Salad Recipe

This Classic Cobb Salad is loaded with crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, blue cheese, and a simple homemade dressing. It's hearty enough to serve as a complete meal while still feeling fresh and satisfying.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or summer entertaining, this restaurant favorite comes together quickly and is packed with protein.

The Origins of Cobb Salad

The Cobb Salad was created in the 1930s by Robert Cobb, owner of the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California.

Legend has it that Cobb assembled the salad late one night using ingredients he found in the kitchen, creating one of America's most iconic salads. Today, the Cobb Salad remains a staple on restaurant menus across the country.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

High-protein meal

Perfect for meal prep

Fresh and filling

Easy to customize

Restaurant-quality at home

Ingredients

For the Salad

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

1 avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup blue cheese crumbles

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing

¼ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl whisk together:

Olive oil

Red wine vinegar

Dijon mustard

Honey

Garlic powder

Salt

Black pepper

Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

Cook and chop the bacon.

Dice the chicken.

Hard boil and chop the eggs.

Slice the tomatoes and avocado.

Thinly slice the red onion.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Spread the chopped romaine lettuce across a large serving platter or bowl.

Arrange rows of:

Chicken

Bacon

Eggs

Avocado

Tomatoes

Blue cheese

Red onion

over the lettuce.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

Toss if desired or serve with toppings arranged.

What to Serve with Cobb Salad

Garlic Bread

Dinner Rolls

Soup

Pasta Salad

Corn Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

Fresh Fruit

Variations

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Use grilled chicken breast for extra smoky flavor.

Ranch Cobb Salad

Serve with homemade ranch dressing instead of vinaigrette.

Southwest Cobb Salad

Add:

Black beans

Corn

Jalapeños

Avocado ranch dressing

Storage

Store ingredients separately for best results.

Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately.

Undressed salad ingredients can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Cobb Salad different?

Traditional Cobb Salad includes chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, and lettuce.

Can I make Cobb Salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare all ingredients and store separately until ready to serve.

Can I substitute blue cheese?

Absolutely. Feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar work well.

More Salad Recipes You'll Love

Chicken Salad

Tuna Salad

Egg Salad

Tex Mex Salad

Italian Pasta Salad