Cobb Salad with Bacon, Chicken & Blue Cheese

Cobb Salad brings together everything I love about American dining—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and that satisfying feeling of eating something both indulgent and wholesome. I’ve been making this classic salad for over thirty years, and it never fails to impress at family gatherings.

There’s something magical about the way a Cobb Salad comes together in my kitchen. The first time I made it was for a church potluck back in 1985, and I’ll never forget how quickly that big bowl disappeared. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy blue cheese creates layers of flavor that make every bite interesting. What started as a fancy restaurant dish has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cobb Salad

This beloved American salad has earned its place on dinner tables across the country, and after making countless versions over the years, I can tell you exactly why it works so well. Born in Hollywood’s Brown Derby restaurant, the Cobb Salad represents everything great about American cuisine—fresh, hearty, and endlessly satisfying.

• Perfect balance of flavors and textures – Every forkful gives you something different, from crispy bacon to creamy avocado
• Incredibly versatile for any occasion – Works beautifully as a light lunch or elegant dinner party main course
• Simple preparation with impressive results – Most ingredients can be prepped ahead, then assembled in minutes
• Naturally high in protein and healthy fats – Keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy or sluggish
• Customizable to suit different tastes – Easy to swap ingredients or adjust portions based on preferences
• Great for meal prep and entertaining – Components store well separately and assembly is always a showstopper

This colorful salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh American ingredients that brings people together around the table.

Ingredient Notes List

Mixed Greens: I always recommend using a combination of romaine, arugula, and spinach because each brings something special—romaine for crunch, arugula for peppery flavor, and spinach for tender texture.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: Fresh eggs that are about a week old peel much easier than very fresh ones, and I always start them in cold water to prevent that gray ring around the yolk.

Cooked Chicken Breast: Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but if you’re cooking fresh, I prefer grilling or pan-searing with just salt and pepper to keep the flavor clean.

Cherry Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that feel firm but give slightly when pressed—they should smell sweet and earthy at the stem end for the best flavor.

Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese adds that signature tangy bite that makes Cobb Salad special, though you can substitute feta or goat cheese if blue cheese isn’t your favorite.

Crispy Bacon: I always cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render the fat properly and achieve that perfect crispy texture that won’t get soggy in the salad.

Avocado: Pick avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy—I usually buy them a day or two before I plan to use them.

Green Onions: The green parts add a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast, while the white parts can be saved for other cooking projects.

Salad Dressing: A classic red wine vinaigrette complements all the flavors beautifully, though ranch dressing is equally traditional and delicious.

How to Cook Cobb Salad

Step 1. I usually start by cooking the bacon first since it takes the longest and needs to cool completely before chopping. Cook it slowly in a skillet over medium heat until perfectly crispy.

Step 2. While the bacon cooks, I prepare my hard-boiled eggs by placing them in a saucepan with cold water, bringing to a boil, then removing from heat and letting them sit covered for 12 minutes.

Step 3. My grandmother always said to prep your vegetables while other things are cooking, so I wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly and halve the cherry tomatoes during this time.

Step 4. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, I season it simply with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F—it usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side.

Step 5. Once the eggs are done, I immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, which makes them easier to peel and prevents that gray ring.

Step 6. I’ve found that dicing the avocado just before assembly keeps it from browning, so I save this step for last and always use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Step 7. In my kitchen, I arrange the ingredients in neat rows on top of the greens rather than mixing everything together—it makes such a beautiful presentation that guests always comment on.

Step 8. My husband prefers when I serve the dressing on the side so everyone can add as much or as little as they want, keeping the salad fresh and crisp until the very last bite.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover Cobb Salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The key is keeping the wet ingredients like tomatoes and dressing separate from the greens to prevent wilting.

For the best results, I recommend storing the bacon and chicken together in one container, the chopped eggs and cheese in another, and keeping the avocado separate with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. The mixed greens should be completely dry and stored in a container lined with paper towels.

Since Cobb Salad contains fresh vegetables and dairy, I don’t recommend freezing it—the textures just don’t hold up well. However, you can cook and freeze the chicken and bacon separately for up to 2 months if you want to prep those components ahead for quick salad assembly later.

What to Serve with Cobb Salad

Crusty Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor and chewy texture of fresh sourdough perfectly complements the rich, creamy elements in the salad while providing a satisfying contrast.

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges: These add a touch of natural sweetness that balances the salty bacon and tangy blue cheese, plus they provide extra fiber and nutrients to round out the meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad: In my kitchen, I often serve a simple fruit salad with berries and citrus alongside Cobb Salad because the bright, fresh flavors cleanse the palate between bites.

Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks with just a hint of garlic provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra dressing and make the meal feel more complete.

Iced Tea or Lemonade: The refreshing quality of these classic American beverages cuts through the richness of the salad and enhances the overall dining experience.

Corn on the Cob: During summer months, I love adding fresh corn on the cob because it brings out the farm-fresh feeling that makes Cobb Salad so appealing.

FAQs

How many calories are in a typical Cobb Salad?

A standard serving of Cobb Salad contains approximately 450 calories, though this can vary depending on the amount of dressing and cheese you use—I recommend measuring portions if you’re watching calories closely.

Is Cobb Salad healthy and good for you?

Absolutely—this salad provides an excellent balance of lean protein from chicken and eggs, healthy fats from avocado, and plenty of vitamins from the fresh vegetables, making it a nutritionally complete meal.

Can I make Cobb Salad ahead of time for meal prep?

I recommend prepping all the components separately and storing them in individual containers, then assembling just before eating to maintain the best texture and prevent the greens from wilting.

What’s the best dressing for Cobb Salad?

Traditional options include red wine vinaigrette or ranch dressing, but I’ve found that a simple blue cheese dressing made with buttermilk really enhances the classic flavors without overwhelming the other ingredients.