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Classic American Cobb Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

The Cobb Salad is an iconic American creation, said to have originated at the Hollywood Brown Derby in the 1930s. This hearty composed salad layers crisp romaine, tender chicken, savory bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and juicy cherry tomatoes in neat rows, all brought together by a bright Dijon-honey vinaigrette. Each bite delivers a harmony of textures—from crunchy greens and crumbled bacon to silky avocado and rich egg yolk—with a balanced flavor profile of sweet honey, sharp mustard, and red wine vinegar. Perfect for a light lunch or a colorful centerpiece at a casual dinner, the Cobb Salad showcases how simple, high-quality ingredients can create a satisfying meal. Customize it with seasonal produce or swap proteins to suit your pantry, and enjoy a timeless dish that celebrates both American culinary history and farm-to-table freshness.

Main | American | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Shellfish Free | Soy Free | Cobb Salad | Jar | Mixing Bowl | Avocado | Bacon | Blue Cheese | Chicken Breast | Lettuce | Shaking | Tossing | Weeknight
Time to complete

Prep

15min

Cook

20min

Wait

10min

Total

45min

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup (160 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
  • ¾ teaspoon (4 g) kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 head romaine lettuce (about 300 g), coarsely chopped
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
  • 12 oz (340 g) cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz (115 g) crumbled blue cheese
  • 5 oz (140 g) cherry tomatoes, halved

For Serving/Garnishing

  • 2 tablespoons (12 g) finely sliced chives
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 175
  • Fat: 14
  • Protein: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 6
  • Fiber: 2
Directions

Prepare the Vinaigrette

  • 1. In a clean jar or small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Arrange the Salad

  • 2. On a large platter or individual plates, spread the chopped romaine lettuce evenly. Create parallel rows of quartered hard-boiled eggs, chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes.

Finish and Serve

  • 3. Drizzle the Dijon-honey vinaigrette evenly over the arranged ingredients. Sprinkle the finely sliced chives on top and season lightly with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Cookix's Secrets

Assembly

  • Lay ingredients in neat rows for a classic presentation, then toss tableside for a more casual approach.

Dressing

  • Warm the vinegar slightly before whisking to help the honey dissolve fully.

Dressing Upgrade

  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of minced shallot or replace honey with maple syrup for a richer flavor.

Greens Mix

  • Use mixed baby greens or butter lettuce for added color and tender texture.

Ingredient Prep

  • Dry the chopped romaine thoroughly after washing to prevent a watery salad.

Make-Ahead

  • Cook bacon, hard-boil eggs, and chop the chicken up to one day in advance to speed up assembly.

Protein Swap

  • Replace the chicken with seared salmon or grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.

Seasoning

  • Season each component lightly as you build for balanced flavor in every bite.

Spicy Kick

  • Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the vinaigrette.

Vegan Twist

  • Omit chicken, bacon, eggs, and cheese. Use roasted chickpeas, vegan cheese, and maple-glazed tempeh.