Cobb Salad with eggs, avocado, crisp bacon, cherry tomatoes, edamame, corn, and cheese, tossed with a tangy herb blender vinaigrette that steals the show!

The Ultimate Cobb Salad Recipe: A Culinary Masterpiece
The Cobb Salad is far more than just a simple salad; it’s a culinary icon, celebrated globally for its exquisite balance of flavors, textures, and vibrant presentation. With roots stretching back to 1937 at the legendary Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood, this salad quickly ascended to stardom, becoming a beloved classic renowned for its hearty combination of crisp greens, succulent proteins, and richly flavored dressings. For many discerning diners, it remains the quintessential restaurant order—a guarantee of a satisfying, wholesome, and utterly delicious meal.
This particular rendition elevates the traditional Cobb Salad to its ultimate form, transforming it into a true masterpiece of home cooking. We meticulously combine perfectly hard-boiled eggs, luxuriously creamy avocado, irresistibly crispy center-cut bacon, and a bounty of the freshest, most vibrant vegetables. Each component is carefully selected to contribute to a symphony of tastes and textures. However, what truly sets this recipe apart, and indeed “steals the show,” is our spectacular homemade herb blender vinaigrette. Its tangy, fresh profile perfectly harmonizes with the richness of the salad’s ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
The magic of this Ultimate Cobb Salad lies not only in the superior quality of its individual ingredients but also in the thoughtful balance they achieve when brought together. Every forkful offers a delightful medley: the refreshing crunch of spring mix lettuce, the savory crispness of bacon, the buttery smoothness of avocado, the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, and the satisfying protein from eggs and optional chicken. This harmonious blend transforms a simple salad into a deeply fulfilling and exciting dish that will undoubtedly challenge your perceptions of what a salad can be. It’s a nourishing meal that never compromises on flavor.
While our recipe proudly features a phenomenal marinated grilled chicken—infused with the vibrant herb dressing for an extra layer of flavor—the inherent beauty of the Cobb Salad is its remarkable adaptability. This allows for effortless customization to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. You can easily swap the grilled chicken for pan-seared steak, tender sautéed shrimp, or even flaky baked salmon. For those seeking a delicious plant-based option, simply omit the meat and enhance the salad with extra legumes or hearty grains. Regardless of how you choose to personalize it, this Ultimate Cobb Salad promises a delicious, fulfilling, and endlessly versatile dining experience that is perfect for any occasion, from a casual lunch to an elegant dinner gathering.

Mastering the Art of the Perfect Herb Vinaigrette
Every truly exceptional salad owes its character to an outstanding dressing, and our homemade herb vinaigrette is the undeniable star that elevates this Cobb Salad to gourmet status. Forget the mundane and often overly sweet store-bought alternatives; once you experience the vibrant, fresh, and deeply flavorful taste of this blender vinaigrette, you’ll discover a new standard for salad dressings. It’s remarkably simple to prepare, yet it delivers a complex and captivating flavor profile that perfectly complements every rich and fresh component of the salad.
The foundation of this exquisite dressing begins with a robust red wine vinegar, which provides a sharp, invigorating tang. This acidity is expertly balanced by a touch of granulated sugar, creating a harmonious sweet-and-sour interplay that brightens the entire dressing. Dijon-style mustard plays a crucial dual role: it adds a subtle, piquant depth and acts as a natural emulsifier, ensuring that all the ingredients blend seamlessly into a smooth, cohesive dressing. Fresh garlic infuses the mixture with its pungent, aromatic warmth, while the real magic flourishes with the addition of fresh herbs. We opt for a vibrant combination of flat-leaf parsley and cilantro, or fresh basil if you prefer a different aromatic dimension. These verdant greens saturate the vinaigrette with an invigorating brightness, awakening the palate with every drizzle.
The final touch is the slow, steady stream of high-quality olive oil. As it’s incorporated, these humble ingredients are transformed into a smooth, luscious emulsion that clings beautifully to the salad components, ensuring that each bite is consistently bursting with flavor. The key is to blend until smooth but avoid over-blending, which can sometimes mute the delicate herb flavors.
Beyond its perfect pairing with Cobb Salad, this versatile herb vinaigrette is an invaluable staple to keep on hand in your kitchen. It’s fantastic drizzled over roasted vegetables, used as a quick marinade for various proteins, or simply tossed with any mixed green salad for an instant and significant flavor boost. Its vibrant character, ease of preparation, and refreshing taste make it an indispensable tool for enhancing countless dishes. This dressing is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest methods yield the most extraordinary and memorable culinary results, proving that fresh ingredients and a little care go a long way.
Smart Shortcuts for Effortless Cobb Salad Preparation
While the Cobb Salad is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, assembling all its delightful components from scratch can sometimes feel like a significant time commitment. We understand that in our fast-paced lives, efficiency is key, but never at the expense of taste or quality. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of smart, strategic shortcuts designed to help you whip up this spectacular salad in a fraction of the time. These tips allow you to enjoy all the rich, complex flavors of a classic Cobb Salad, making it an ideal option for bustling weeknights, quick weekend lunches, or efficient meal prep sessions without feeling overwhelmed.
- Pre-Cooked Chicken Options for Swiftness: Instead of dedicating time to grilling chicken from its raw state, you have several excellent and equally delicious alternatives to integrate into your Cobb Salad:
- Rotisserie Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is an absolute lifesaver. It comes perfectly cooked, often beautifully seasoned, and incredibly tender. Simply shred or dice the meat, and it’s ready to be added directly to your salad. This option dramatically cuts down on cooking time and effort, proving invaluable on days when time is short.
- Repurpose Leftover Grilled Chicken: If you’ve previously grilled chicken breasts or thighs for another meal, don’t let any go to waste! Dice any leftover grilled chicken to add a smoky, savory dimension to your Cobb Salad, simultaneously practicing smart food management.
- Convenient Pre-Cooked Chicken Strips: Many grocery stores stock pre-cooked, plain chicken breast strips in their refrigerated sections. A quick dice is all it takes to make these a ready-to-use, protein-packed addition.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs Made Simple: While preparing your own hard-boiled eggs is straightforward, the process of peeling them can sometimes be surprisingly tedious and frustrating. Embrace these shortcuts for ease:
- Store-Bought Hard-Boiled Eggs: An increasing number of supermarkets offer conveniently packaged, pre-cooked, and already-peeled hard-boiled eggs. This is a fantastic time-saving hack that completely eliminates both the cooking and peeling steps, allowing for instant incorporation into your salad.
- Modern Cooking Methods: If you prefer to cook your own eggs but seek an easier peeling experience, consider using an Instant Pot or an air fryer. These contemporary methods often result in eggs that are significantly easier to peel compared to traditional stovetop boiling.
- Bacon in a Breeze: Achieving perfectly crispy bacon can consume precious minutes and create a greasy mess. Streamline this process with:
- Pre-Cooked Bacon: Purchase pre-cooked bacon strips. A quick warm-up in the microwave or a few minutes in a hot skillet will render them perfectly crisp. Then, simply crumble them to your desired size. This method drastically reduces both cooking time and cleanup.
- Effortless Oven-Baked Bacon: For a hands-off approach that guarantees consistently crispy results, bake your bacon in the oven. Lay strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until your preferred level of crispness. This method also allows you to cook larger batches for future use and minimizes splatter.
- Pre-Washed Greens for Instant Freshness: The base of your salad can be ready in seconds by opting for pre-washed and pre-packaged spring mix, romaine, or spinach blends. This simple choice saves you the washing, drying, and chopping time typically required for fresh whole heads of lettuce.
- Frozen Vegetables as Smart Substitutions: For ingredients like edamame and corn, utilizing frozen varieties is not only perfectly acceptable but often just as nutritious and convenient as fresh. Simply thaw or blanch them quickly according to package directions.
By thoughtfully incorporating these practical and efficient shortcuts, you can significantly reduce the overall preparation time for your Ultimate Cobb Salad. This strategic approach ensures you can enjoy this incredibly delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal even on your busiest days, making wholesome eating more accessible and enjoyable. It’s all about intelligent planning and leveraging readily available ingredients to maximize your kitchen efficiency.

Customizing Your Cobb Salad: Endless Variations for Every Palate
One of the most appealing and dynamic aspects of the classic Cobb Salad is its inherent flexibility and incredible versatility. While the traditional combination of ingredients is undeniably delicious and time-tested, this salad truly offers a fantastic and expansive canvas for culinary creativity and personal expression. Feel completely free to experiment boldly with seasonal produce, your personal favorite flavors, and various dietary needs, always keeping in mind the goal of maintaining a balanced texture and a harmonious taste profile. Here are some exciting, inventive, and inspiring variations to spark your imagination and elevate your next Cobb Salad creation:
- Greens Galore: The Essential Foundation: The choice of greens forms the very foundation of any magnificent salad.
- Beyond the Standard Spring Mix: While a tender spring mix provides an excellent, delicate base, consider incorporating crispier and more robust options such as finely chopped romaine lettuce, buttery soft Boston lettuce, or even refreshing iceberg lettuce for a satisfying crunch. A thoughtful blend of different greens can add a delightful complexity of texture and flavor.
- Boost Your Nutrient Intake: Elevate the nutritional profile by integrating dark, leafy greens such as nutrient-dense spinach, massaged kale (massaging with a tiny bit of olive oil and salt helps tenderize it), or peppery arugula for an invigorating, slightly spicy kick and an added layer of sophistication.
- An Elegant Finishing Touch: For an extra layer of gourmet appeal, visual beauty, and concentrated flavor, delicately top your salad with a scattering of vibrant microgreens.
- Protein Powerhouses: Tailor-Made for You: Customize your protein selection to perfectly align with your specific dietary needs, preferences, and culinary mood.
- Seafood Delights: For a delightful pescatarian twist, effortlessly swap the chicken for beautifully grilled salmon fillets, perfectly seared shrimp, or even flaky, high-quality canned tuna (preferably packed in olive oil). Smoked salmon, thinly sliced, can also introduce an elegant and rich gourmet dimension.
- Robust Red Meat Options: For a heartier and more substantial meal, consider thinly sliced, tender grilled steak (such as flank or sirloin) or flavorful leftover roast beef, which will provide a rich, savory, and deeply satisfying element.
- Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Enhancements: To craft a truly satisfying plant-based version, introduce grilled tofu or tempeh, crispy roasted chickpeas, protein-rich black beans, or a hearty lentil salad in place of traditional meats. You can also generously increase the quantities of edamame and corn for an additional protein boost. Remember to omit bacon and utilize a suitable plant-based cheese alternative if following a strict vegan diet.
- Beyond the Hard-Boiled Egg: While hard-boiled eggs are a traditional staple, consider the luxurious experience of perfectly poached eggs for a rich, runny yolk, or even fluffy scrambled eggs for a comforting, breakfast-for-dinner inspired vibe.
- Cheese, Please! The Perfect Dairy Accent: The right cheese selection can introduce a creamy, salty, tangy, or wonderfully pungent dimension that transforms the entire salad.
- Time-Honored Alternatives: Crumbled feta cheese offers a tangy, briny, and fresh flavor profile, while crumbled blue cheese provides a bold, pungent, and intensely flavorful kick that is famously harmonious with crispy bacon.
- Creamy Indulgences: While goat cheese adds a rich, tangy creaminess, shredded cheddar, smooth Monterey Jack, or a mild provolone can also be delightful and familiar additions.
- Aged and Flavorful Cheeses: For a sophisticated twist, consider shaving fresh Parmesan cheese or grating a finely aged white cheddar to introduce a salty, umami-rich depth that lingers on the palate.
- Vibrant Vegetables & Fruits: Enhancing Every Bite: Boost the visual appeal, textural complexity, and nutritional value of your Cobb Salad with an array of additional fresh produce.
- Crisp & Crunchy Additions: Introduce refreshing sliced cucumbers, vibrant chopped bell peppers (any color for a pop of visual appeal), thinly shredded carrots for sweetness, or crisp radishes for a peppery bite.
- Unexpected Sweet Notes: Sweet green peas, earthy roasted sweet potatoes, or even a handful of fresh berries like plump blueberries or juicy raspberries can provide an unexpected and delightful burst of sweetness and acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- Savory & Aromatic Enhancements: Consider thinly sliced red onion for a pungent kick, blanched crisp-tender green beans, marinated artichoke hearts for a tangy briny note, or a scattering of black olives for a Mediterranean touch. Roasted vegetables like tender asparagus spears or caramelized broccoli florets can also add wonderful depth and warmth.
- Extra Herbal Freshness: Beyond the dressing, don’t hesitate to sprinkle additional fresh herbs like delicate dill, refreshing mint, or subtle chives over the assembled salad for an added aromatic flourish and burst of vibrant flavor.
- Exploring Dressing Variations: Diversify Your Drizzle: While our homemade herb vinaigrette is truly stellar, feel empowered to explore other delicious dressing alternatives to match your mood or meal.
- Creamy Indulgences: A classic creamy ranch dressing, a tangy buttermilk dressing, or a rich, homemade avocado-based dressing can lend a luscious, indulgent, and deeply satisfying feel to your Cobb Salad.
- Bright & Tangy Alternatives: A bright lemon-tahini dressing, a simple yet elegant balsamic vinaigrette, or a red wine vinaigrette infused with different herbs (like oregano or thyme) can offer a fresh and exciting perspective on this classic dish.
Embrace the spirit of culinary exploration! Do not be afraid to mix and match these numerous ideas to create a Cobb Salad that perfectly suits your unique taste preferences and makes the most of whatever fresh, seasonal ingredients you have readily available. The ultimate objective is to achieve a harmonious, exciting, and deeply satisfying blend of flavors and textures that ensures every single spoonful of your homemade Cobb Salad is an unforgettable and delightful experience!
Quick Tip: Dressing Separation
It’s completely normal and expected for homemade vinaigrettes, especially those crafted with olive oil, to separate into layers or even solidify slightly when stored in the refrigerator. This phenomenon is simply due to the natural properties and chilling of olive oil. To effortlessly restore your dressing to its perfectly emulsified, pourable state, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes before you plan to serve it. After it has warmed slightly, give the jar a vigorous shake or whisk it briefly until it is smooth and uniform. Your dressing will then be perfectly ready to drizzle generously over your magnificent Cobb Salad!

Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness
The secret to enjoying leftover Cobb Salad while maintaining its peak quality lies in smart and strategic storage. Once the salad greens and other ingredients are tossed with dressing, the lettuce can quickly become soggy, and delicate ingredients like avocado will begin to brown due to oxidation. To preserve the salad’s crispness, vibrant flavors, and deliciousness for future meals, adhere to these simple yet effective storage guidelines:
Serve Smartly: Always prioritize freshness by only tossing the specific portion of the salad you intend to eat immediately with the dressing. This prevents the majority of your salad from becoming saturated and extends its shelf life significantly.
Component Separation is Key: For any remaining salad ingredients that you wish to store, keep each component (such as greens, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, other vegetables, and cheese) in separate, individual airtight containers. This segregation is crucial as it ensures each ingredient retains its unique texture and freshness, preventing premature spoilage.
Avocado Care: Avocado is notoriously quick to brown once cut and exposed to air. For the absolute best results, always dice and add avocado right before serving your salad. If you find yourself with leftover diced avocado, a simple trick is to squeeze a small amount of fresh lemon juice or drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the exposed flesh. Then, store it in an airtight container, ensuring minimal air exposure. This method significantly helps to slow down the oxidation process and keep it fresher for longer.
Dressing Longevity: Your delectable homemade herb vinaigrette is quite resilient. When stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, it will maintain its quality and flavor for up to 1 week. Before each use, remember to give it a vigorous shake to re-emulsify any separated ingredients, ensuring a smooth and consistent dressing.
By diligently following these practical storage tips, you can efficiently prepare your Cobb Salad in advance and confidently enjoy multiple fresh, crisp, and flavorful meals throughout the week without having to sacrifice quality or taste. It’s a fantastic way to ensure healthy, delicious options are always within reach!
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and healthy nature of our Ultimate Cobb Salad, then you’re undoubtedly in for a culinary treat with even more exciting salad creations from our kitchen. Salads, in their incredible diversity, offer endless possibilities for crafting healthy, flavorful, and creatively inspired meals that can grace your table at any time of year. We invite you to expand your culinary repertoire and discover new favorites with these fantastic recipes, each bringing its own unique twist, delightful medley of ingredients, and exquisite dressing to your dining experience:
- Panzanella Salad with a rich balsamic dressing: A rustic Italian bread salad, perfect for utilizing stale artisanal bread and celebrating the peak ripeness of summer tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a textural delight!
- Mango Salad with a unique cinnamon yogurt dressing: A delightful and unexpected fusion, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes with a tropical flair, perfect for a refreshing side or light meal.
- Quinoa Fruit Salad with a zesty citrus vinaigrette: A light, refreshing, and protein-packed option that combines the goodness of quinoa with the sweetness of fresh fruits, all brightened by a tangy dressing, ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a healthy snack.
- Chipotle Chicken Salad with a smoky chipotle dressing: For those who love a little heat and bold flavor, this salad delivers a fiery and incredibly satisfying kick, making it a robust and exciting meal.
- Thai Quinoa Salad with a luscious peanut dressing: A vibrant and exotic blend of crunchy vegetables, hearty quinoa, and an incredibly creamy, savory, and slightly sweet Asian-inspired peanut dressing, offering a symphony of textures and authentic tastes.
These diverse recipes magnificently showcase the incredible versatility of salads, proving unequivocally that they can be far more than just a simple side dish. Each one is a complete and satisfying meal in itself, brimming with flavor and nourishment. We encourage you to dive in, explore these exciting options, and discover your next cherished favorite amongst our collection of delicious and inspiring salad creations!

Print Recipe
Cobb Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
Chelsea Lords
25
25
4 large servings
Equipment
- Small blender
- Grill or grill pan
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or fresh basil
- 2-1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 of the dressing recipe see note 1
- 8 cups spring mix lettuce blend (e.g., 50/50 blend of spinach and spring mix leaves)
- 2 to 3 hard-boiled eggs peeled and diced or sliced, see note 2
- 1/3 cup crumbled center-cut bacon (from 6–7 slices)
- 1/3 cup frozen shelled edamame or sweet peas
- 2/3 cup grape tomatoes halved
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh grilled, fire-roasted canned, or thawed frozen corn)
- 1/2 cup goat cheese or feta cheese (goat is highly recommended)
- 1 lemon (optional, for avocado)
Instructions
Optional Recipe Shortcuts: To save valuable time, you have the option to either omit the chicken entirely or utilize convenient pre-cooked alternatives. Consider adding pre-shredded rotisserie chicken for exceptionally tender and delicious results, or repurpose any leftover grilled chicken you may have. For the hard-boiled eggs, significantly reduce preparation time by purchasing pre-cooked and peeled hard-boiled eggs from your local grocery store, eliminating the need for boiling and peeling. As for the bacon, opt for pre-cooked strips and simply warm them in the microwave until they reach your desired crispness, following the package instructions, before crumbling them.
Prepare the Herb Vinaigrette Dressing: (Refer to Note 1 for guidance on adjusting dressing quantity). In a small, high-speed blender, combine the red wine vinegar, robust Dijon mustard, fresh garlic clove, vibrant fresh flat-leaf parsley, fresh cilantro (or sweet basil, depending on your preference), granulated sugar, and salt and pepper. Begin with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of both salt and pepper, then adjust to your specific taste preference. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is perfectly smooth and uniformly combined. With the blender still running (or in short pulses), gradually and slowly pour in the olive oil until the dressing is beautifully emulsified into a smooth, cohesive liquid. Be mindful not to over-blend, which can sometimes diminish the delicate flavors of the herbs. Taste the dressing and make any final adjustments to the seasonings as needed (more salt, pepper, or a touch more sugar to balance the tang). Transfer the freshly prepared dressing to an airtight jar and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble and serve your salad. Always remember to give it a vigorous shake just before drizzling over the greens.
Optional Grilled Chicken Preparation: If you’ve opted to include the grilled chicken, begin by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, more uniformly sized cutlets. Place these chicken pieces into a large, sealable plastic bag. Pour approximately 1/3 of the freshly prepared herb vinaigrette dressing over the chicken (an approximate visual estimate is perfectly fine here). Seal the bag, ensuring that as much air as possible is pressed out, then gently knead the dressing into the chicken to ensure every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, and for optimal flavor infusion, up to 4 hours. It is crucial not to marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the acidity from the vinegar in the dressing can begin to “cook” or denature the chicken, potentially altering its texture.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, carefully remove it from the plastic bag and discard any remaining marinade. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to a medium-high heat setting. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot grill and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the internal juices run completely clear and a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken from the grill, tent it loosely with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This essential resting period is crucial as it allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy chicken. After resting, proceed to slice or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ready for your salad.
Prepare All Salad Toppings: While the cooked chicken (if used) is resting, efficiently prepare the remaining individual components for your salad. Carefully peel and either dice or slice your hard-boiled eggs (please refer to Note 2 for detailed instructions on how to achieve perfectly cooked eggs if you’re preparing them from scratch). Cook your bacon until it’s wonderfully crisp, then crumble or finely dice it. Boil the frozen shelled edamame according to the package directions, then promptly drain it. Halve all the grape tomatoes. Carefully dice the large avocado (as an optional step to prevent browning, you may squeeze a small amount of fresh lemon juice over the diced avocado). Prepare the corn by either draining canned fire-roasted corn, grilling fresh corn on the cob (consult Note 3 for grilling tips), or simply thawing frozen corn kernels. Finally, arrange the fresh spring mix lettuce blend evenly in a large, attractive salad bowl or on a spacious serving platter, forming the base of your Cobb Salad.
Assemble and Serve Your Masterpiece: With all your ingredients prepared, it’s time to artfully arrange them. Carefully layer all the prepared components—including the cooked chicken (if you’re using it), the hard-boiled eggs, the irresistibly crispy bacon, tender edamame, vibrant grape tomatoes, creamy diced avocado, and sweet corn—in distinct, visually appealing rows or sections over the fresh bed of lettuce. Generously sprinkle the goat cheese or feta cheese crumbles over the top, adding a rich and tangy finish. Just before serving, take your homemade herb vinaigrette, give it a final good shake, and then drizzle it over the salad, adding it to your personal preference for moisture and flavor. It is vital to remember: only dress the specific portion of the salad you plan to eat immediately, as the salad does not store well once dressed. (Please refer to Note 4 and the “Storage Tips” section for comprehensive guidance on how to properly store any leftovers and maintain optimal freshness). Now, savor every vibrant, flavorful bite of your freshly assembled, truly ultimate Cobb Salad!
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Dressing Quantity for Chicken: If you intend to prepare and include the optional grilled chicken, it is recommended to make the full dressing recipe as outlined in the ingredients list. Approximately 1/3 of this prepared dressing will be used to marinate the chicken, leaving the remaining 2/3 specifically for dressing the assembled salad. Should you choose to skip the grilled chicken entirely, you have two options: you can either halve the dressing recipe to make a smaller batch, or prepare the full amount and store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ready for other salads or uses.
Note 2: Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs: To consistently achieve perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs with easy-to-peel shells, place the eggs in a large saucepan or pot and cover them generously with cold water, ensuring there’s about one inch of water above the eggs. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and bring the water to a rapid, rolling boil over high heat. Once a vigorous boil is reached, immediately reduce the heat to medium-high and continue boiling for precisely 6–7 minutes. This timing typically yields firm whites and yolks that are fully cooked but not chalky or rubbery. Promptly transfer the cooked eggs using a slotted spoon into a large bowl filled with ice-cold water (or place them under cold running tap water) for several minutes. This sudden cold shock effectively stops the cooking process and is crucial for making the shells much easier to peel. After cooling, peel the eggs and then chop or slice them according to your preference for the salad.
Note 3: Grilling Corn on the Cob: For a more detailed, step-by-step guide on how to perfectly grill corn on the cob, we encourage you to refer to our dedicated Elote post, which covers various grilling techniques. For the purposes of this Cobb Salad recipe, using one ear of sweet corn, grilled either outdoors or on an indoor grill pan, is ideal. Once the corn is beautifully grilled and has cooled sufficiently to handle, carefully cut the flavorful kernels off the cob and incorporate them into your salad for an extra layer of sweetness and char.
Note 4: Storage for Leftovers: It is critically important not to dress the entire Cobb Salad if you anticipate having any leftovers. Once the dressing is applied, the delicate lettuce leaves will quickly become soggy, and other ingredients may lose their optimal texture. Therefore, always mix only the portion of the salad you intend to consume immediately. For all remaining ingredients, ensure they are kept separate from each other and the dressing, stored in individual airtight containers. Please refer to the dedicated “Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness” section earlier in this article for comprehensive guidance on how to properly store your salad components and dressing to keep them fresh for up to 3 days, with specific advice on preventing avocado browning.
Nutrition Note: Please be aware that the provided nutrition information is an automatically calculated approximation and does not account for the optional grilled chicken addition. Furthermore, it specifically excludes the 1/3 cup of dressing that would be set aside for marinating the chicken. The values presented are calculated for the core Cobb Salad ingredients and the dressing used directly on the salad itself. Actual nutritional values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients and precise preparation methods.
Storage Reminder: For the very best results and to significantly maximize the freshness and quality of your Cobb Salad components, it is imperative to always store the individual toppings and the dressing separately. All salad elements, with the notable exception of diced avocado, will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly in airtight containers. To effectively prevent any leftover diced avocado from browning, apply a small squeeze of lemon juice or a light coating of olive oil over its exposed surfaces, then store it in an airtight container with minimal air exposure.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 444kcal |
Carbohydrates: 18.3g |
Protein: 11g |
Fat: 38.2g |
Cholesterol: 115.5mg |
Sodium: 345.3mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 8.4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. Actual nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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