Easy Cobb Salad
Learn how to make restaurant-quality Cobb Salad at home with this easy recipe featuring grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ripe avocados
- 3 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- ¾ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ½ cup fresh corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil for dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, then carefully place eggs in the water and cook for exactly 12 minutes until hard-boiled, then transfer to an ice bath to cool completely.
- 2
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then set aside to cool before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- 4
Arrange bacon slices on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel to drain and cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.
- 5
Whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl, then slowly drizzle in the ⅓ cup of olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies and becomes creamy.
- 6
Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then set aside.
- 7
Spread the chopped romaine lettuce as an even base across a large serving platter or individual plates.
- 8
Peel the cooled hard-boiled eggs and chop them into quarters, then arrange on the lettuce along with all other prepared ingredients in distinct horizontal rows for visual appeal.
- 9
Dice the avocados just before serving and gently toss them with the fresh lemon juice to prevent oxidation and browning.
- 10
Scatter the lemon-dressed avocado pieces across the salad as the final row, then distribute the remaining ingredients evenly.
- 11
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the entire salad just before serving, or serve dressing on the side to allow guests to control the amount.
- 12
Toss the salad gently at the table if desired, or serve as a composed salad where diners can enjoy each ingredient distinctly.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Grilled chicken thighs | Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier than lean breast meat while still providing excellent protein. |
| Blue cheese | Feta cheese or goat cheese | These alternatives provide tangy, creamy elements with lower sodium content and easier digestibility for some people. |
| Whole eggs | Egg whites only | Reduces saturated fat and cholesterol while maintaining protein content and traditional salad texture. |
| Corn kernels | Diced cucumber or bell pepper | These additions provide fresh crunch with fewer carbohydrates and added micronutrients like vitamin C. |
| Full-fat vinaigrette | Reduced-oil vinaigrette with Greek yogurt base | Substituting half the oil with Greek yogurt creates a creamy dressing with more protein and fewer calories. |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 520 |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 155mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 44g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 520 | 520 | 385 |
| Protein | 44g | 32g | 38g |
| Carbs | 16g | 18g | 18g |
| Fat | 32g | 38g | 18g |
| Fiber | 7g | 9g | 7g |
| Sugar | 3g | - | - |
| Health Scores | |||
| Gut Health | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
