California Cobb Salad
A classic American salad, vibrant and packed with flavor. It features crisp lettuce, grilled chicken, creamy avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese, all drizzled with a tangy red wine vinaigrette. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Eggs and Bacon
- b.Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- c.Once boiling, immediately turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs stand for 10-12 minutes.
- d.While eggs are standing, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble or chop.
- e.After 10-12 minutes, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool completely. Peel and quarter them.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grill the Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- d.Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- e.Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- c.Add the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- d.Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Salad
- b.Peel, pit, and dice the avocado just before assembling to prevent browning.
- c.Create an even bed of chopped romaine lettuce on a large platter or in a wide, shallow bowl.
- d.Arrange the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, quartered eggs, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese in distinct, neat rows over the lettuce.
- e.Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad right before serving, or serve it on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- 2To make peeling hard-boiled eggs easier, use eggs that are at least a week old. The ice bath also helps the shell separate.
- 3If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 4For a shortcut, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon.
- 5Don't dress the salad until you are ready to eat to ensure the lettuce stays crisp and fresh.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, flaked salmon, or sliced steak for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and bacon. Add a can of rinsed chickpeas (seasoned and roasted, if desired) and some grilled halloumi cheese for a hearty vegetarian version.
Cheese AlternativeCheese Alternative
If you're not a fan of blue cheese, substitute it with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar.
Dressing ChangeDressing Change
While red wine vinaigrette is classic, this salad is also delicious with a creamy ranch, green goddess, or a simple lemon-tahini dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
With chicken, bacon, and eggs, this salad provides a high amount of complete protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Healthy Fats
The avocado and extra virgin olive oil are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
High in Fiber
The romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and avocado contribute significant dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This salad is a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin K from lettuce, Vitamin C from tomatoes, and B vitamins from the chicken and eggs, all of which support overall health and wellness.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this salad contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from the healthy fats in the avocado and olive oil, protein, and bacon. The exact count can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.