🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 🥬 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 🥚 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 🥓 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 🐓 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🧀 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta for a milder flavor)
- 🥑 1 avocado, diced
- 🥒 Optional: 1/2 cup diced cucumber
For the Dressing:
- 🧈 1/4 cup olive oil
- 🍋 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 🥄 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 🧄 Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Salad Base
- Wash and Dry:
- Rinse the romaine lettuce thoroughly and dry with a salad spinner. Place it in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Arrange the Toppings:
- Neatly arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and diced avocado in rows or sections on top of the lettuce. Add diced cucumber if desired.
Make the Dressing
- Whisk the Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. For extra flavor, add minced garlic.
- Adjust to Taste:
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble and Serve
- Drizzle the Dressing:
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for individual preference.
- Toss and Enjoy:
- For a more casual presentation, toss the salad before serving to mix all the flavors together.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🌱 Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken and bacon with roasted chickpeas or tofu.
- 🌿 Herbal Boost: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for extra flavor.
- 🥑 Avocado Hack: To keep avocado from browning, toss it lightly with lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- 🥖 Croutons Addition: Add homemade croutons for a crunchy texture.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cobb Salad as a light lunch, a main dish, or a side salad with crusty bread or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing touch.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Cobb Salad is a classic combination of fresh vegetables, savory proteins, and creamy dressing. Its vibrant presentation and satisfying flavors make it a versatile dish, perfect for everything from a family dinner to a casual gathering.
