Cobb Salad Recipe: Classic, Fresh, and Easy to Make

The Cobb salad is an American classic that has withstood the test of time. With its visual appeal, varied textures, and deep flavors, it's a meal, not a salad, that fills both the body and soul. Serve this timeless recipe whether you're in Canada or abroad, and you'll bring a piece of Hollywood history to your table.

A Brief History of the Cobb Salad

The Cobb salad has its beginning in the late 1930s at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles. According to legend, the owner of the restaurant, Robert Howard Cobb, created the salad late one evening by mixing leftover ingredients he discovered in the kitchen. He diced lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and blue cheese, mixing them with a French dressing. The outcome was so tasty that it immediately became the house specialty of the restaurant and has since become an American classic. Delish

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of a Classic Cobb Salad

Building a Cobb Salad Recipe is all about layering a bunch of fresh ingredients, each of which brings its own flavor and texture to the mix. Here's what you'll need:

For the Salad:

• Lettuce: Traditionally, a mix of romaine, iceberg, and watercress is used. However, feel free to use your preferred greens.

• Chicken Breast: Cooked and diced. Grilled or roasted chicken works best.

• Bacon: Crisp-cooked and crumbled.

• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Peeled and chopped.

• Tomatoes: Chopped. Cherry or grape tomatoes add a sweet touch.

• Avocado: Diced. Adds creaminess to the salad.

• Blue Cheese: Crumbled. Roquefort is classic, but other blue cheeses may be used.

• Chives: Chopped finely for garnish.

For the Dressing:

• Red Wine Vinegar: Contributes acidity.

• Dijon Mustard: Contributes tangy depth.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami flavor.

• Garlic: Minced.

• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

• Olive Oil: For dressing emulsification.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Cobb Salad

1. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ⅓ cup olive oil

Whisk until the dressing is well combined and emulsified. Set aside.

2. Cook the Proteins

• Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with pepper and salt. Grill or pan-fry until cooked through. Let rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.

• Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble when cooled.

• Eggs: Put eggs into a saucepan, cover with water, and boil. After boiling, take off the heat and let it stand for 10-12 minutes. Put in an ice bath, peel, and chop.

3. Chop the Vegetables

• Lettuce: Wash and dry the lettuce well. Chop into bite pieces.

• Tomatoes: Wash and chop. If using cherry tomatoes, cut in half.

• Avocado: Cut in half, core out the pit, and chop the flesh.

• Chives: Chop finely for garnish.

4. Assemble the Salad

On a big platter or on individual plates:

• Lay down a bed of chopped lettuce.

• Nestle the chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese in neat rows or sections on top of the lettuce.

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

• Garnish with chopped chives.

Variations to Suit Canadian Tastes

While the classic Cobb salad is delightful, there are numerous ways to adapt it to local preferences or dietary needs:

• Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Cheese Options: If blue cheese isn't to your liking, consider using cheddar, feta, or goat cheese.

• Dressings: Beyond the traditional red wine vinaigrette, ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic vinaigrette are popular choices.

• Add-ons: Add some regional ingredients such as roasted corn, pickled onions, or even maple-bacon for a Canadian twist.

How to Make the Cobb Salad Perfect

• Even Chopping: Chop all of the ingredients so that they are roughly the same size for a harmonious mouthful.

• Freshness Is Key: Employ only the freshest ingredients possible. Ripe avocados and ripe tomatoes make the salad taste so much better.

• Dressing on the Side: When serving to a crowd, it is a good idea to provide the dressing on the side to allow for personal taste preferences.

• Make-Ahead: Cook bacon, eggs, and dressing ahead. Refrigerate them separately and add them together immediately before serving to preserve freshness.

Nutritional Benefits

The Cobb salad is not only delicious, it is also full of nutrients:

• Protein: Chicken, eggs, and bacon serve as a boost of protein.

• Healthy Fats: Avocados and olive oil contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Leafy greens, tomatoes, and avocados are loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and potassium.

• Calcium: Cheese provides a shot of calcium for strong bones.

Serving Suggestions

The Cobb salad is flexible and can be served in multiple arenas:

• Lunch or Dinner: Serve alone as a satisfying and filling meal.

The Tasty Tip

Use small portions as a side dish in conjunction with grilled meats or sandwiches.

Serve the salad ingredients in individual bowls so that your guests can build their own plates.

The original Cobb Salad Recipe is a tasty mixture of flavors and textures, and because of its versatility, it has endless variations to ensure it suits different tastes and diets. You can enjoy it as a filling meal or use it as a side dish, and the Cobb salad adds a piece of dining history and a splash of freshness to your plate.