Easy Classic Cobb Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for a hearty, colorful salad that eats like a meal, this cobb salad recipe is your go-to. It’s one of those dishes that has something for everyone crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and all those vibrant veggies.

I love making this salad when I want a meal that’s fresh, filling, and easy to customize for the whole family. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend lunches, or even as a meal prep option for busy days. And let’s be honest kids love the bacon, adults love the avocado, and no one ever complains when this hits the table.

Why You’ll Love Cobb Salad

This Cobb Salad is everything you want in a balanced, crave-worthy meal. It’s protein-packed, naturally gluten-free, and totally customizable based on what your family likes. You can make it ahead, serve it chilled, and enjoy leftovers the next day. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or salad lovers, this recipe always hits the mark.

Simple Ingredients

This salad uses simple, whole ingredients that pack a big punch of flavor. Here’s what makes it so good:

• Romaine Lettuce: The base of the salad crunchy and fresh, it holds up well to all the toppings.
• Cooked Chicken Breast: Grilled or baked works great this is the hearty, filling protein that makes it a meal.
• Crispy Bacon: Adds crunch, salt, and flavor in every bite. Don’t skip it!
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: A classic Cobb Salad element creamy, rich, and packed with protein.
• Avocado: Creamy and buttery, avocado adds healthy fats and that luscious texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bright, juicy, and sweet they bring color and freshness.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a little sharp bite to balance the richness.
• Blue Cheese or Feta (optional): Adds tang and creaminess, but feel free to skip if your family isn’t into it.
• Creamy Dressing (like ranch or blue cheese): Ties everything together choose your favorite or make it homemade.

Servings and Time

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon and chicken)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved or quartered
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
• 1/3 cup creamy dressing of choice (ranch, blue cheese, etc.)

Instructions

1. Start by cooking your bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop or leave whole.
2. While the bacon cooks, hard-boil your eggs if you haven’t already. Peel and cut in halves or quarters.
3. Slice your cooked chicken breasts into strips.
4. Rinse and chop the romaine lettuce and lay it evenly across your serving plate or bowl.
5. Arrange the toppings in neat rows across the lettuce chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and cheese.
6. Serve with your dressing on the side or drizzle it right over the top just before serving.
7. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate without dressing for up to 1 day.

Top Tips

• Prep in advance: You can cook the bacon, chicken, and eggs a day ahead to make assembly super fast.
• Chop small for little kids: Cutting ingredients into smaller bites makes it easier for kids to enjoy every part of the salad.
• Serve dressing on the side: This lets everyone add the amount they like and helps keep leftovers crisp.
• Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a quick shortcut that makes this salad even easier.
• Chill before serving: Everything tastes better when it’s nice and cold, especially on warm days!

Recipe Variations

• Swap grilled steak or turkey for the chicken
• Use ranch, honey mustard, or balsamic vinaigrette
• Add corn or cucumber for crunch
• Try goat cheese or shredded cheddar instead of blue cheese
• Make it vegetarian by omitting chicken and bacon, and adding chickpeas

Recommended Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Large salad serving bowl or platter
• Ramekins or small bowls (for dressing and cheese)
• Tongs or serving spoons

Make Ahead Tips

Chop the lettuce, cook the chicken, bacon, and eggs, and slice veggies ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers (without dressing) in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep wet ingredients like avocado and dressing separate. No need to reheat just serve cold!

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Crusty bread or rolls
• A light soup like tomato or vegetable
• Lemonade or iced tea
• Fresh fruit for dessert

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

The cobb salad was invented in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. It became an iconic American dish for its bold ingredients and satisfying layers. Today, it’s a staple salad that works just as well at home easy to prep, totally delicious, and full of everything your family needs for a wholesome meal.

If you like this recipe check out my grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and fresh salad!