Experience the timeless and flavorful delight of a Classic Cobb Salad, a salad with a rich history and a symphony of textures and flavors. This iconic American dish is named after its creator, Robert Howard Cobb, who was the owner of the famous Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in the 1930s. The Cobb Salad is a hearty and satisfying medley of fresh ingredients, featuring crisp lettuce, tender chicken, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tangy tomatoes, savory bacon, pungent blue cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing. Whether enjoyed as a light meal on its own or served as a side dish, the Classic Cobb Salad remains a beloved favorite in homes and restaurants alike. Follow this detailed guide to create an unforgettable salad that captures the essence of this culinary classic.

The story of the Cobb Salad dates back to 1937 when Robert Cobb, the owner of the Brown Derby, found himself hungry late at night after a long day at work. He decided to mix together various ingredients he found in the kitchen, creating the now-famous Cobb Salad. It quickly became a hit among the restaurant’s patrons, and its popularity soon spread beyond the Brown Derby.

Since its inception, the Cobb Salad has undergone minor variations in ingredients, but the core components have remained consistent. Today, this salad is recognized worldwide and is cherished for its combination of flavors and versatility.

SERVES: 2

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, or your choice)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by preparing all the ingredients for the Classic Cobb Salad. Cook the chicken breast and bacon, and chop the avocados, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chives. Crumble the bacon and blue cheese.
2. Wash and dry the mixed salad greens, then arrange them on a large serving platter or individual salad plates.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken breast, diced avocados, chopped hard-boiled eggs, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and crumbled bacon.
4. For the vinaigrette dressing, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl, tossing gently to coat all the components evenly.
6. Carefully transfer the dressed salad mixture onto the bed of mixed salad greens on the serving platter or individual plates.
7. Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the top of the salad for an added burst of flavor and color.
8. If desired, garnish the Classic Cobb Salad with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives.
9. Serve the salad immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

NOTES:

• Savor the Classic Cobb Salad as a delicious and satisfying meal or a delightful side dish for any occasion. This iconic salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and culinary creativity that continues to capture the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world. Enjoy!