Cobb Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Bacon

The Cobb Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Bacon is a true classic that perfectly balances freshness, flavor, and hearty satisfaction. Originating from American cuisine, this iconic salad is known for its beautifully arranged ingredients and bold combination of textures. Crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, tangy blue cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs come together to create a salad that feels more like a complete meal than a side dish.

What makes this version especially appealing is how it blends protein-rich ingredients with fresh vegetables, making it both nourishing and indulgent. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering, this Cobb salad is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly satisfying while still feeling fresh and wholesome. Every bite offers something different—crunchy lettuce, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crispy bacon. It’s also a very flexible recipe, allowing you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it looks stunning on the plate, making even a simple meal feel special.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• A complete meal in salad form
• Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables
• Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors
• Great for meal prep or entertaining
• Customizable to suit different dietary preferences

Preparation Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 430–480 calories per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced
• 6 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Cook and prepare all protein ingredients.
2. Chop vegetables and assemble salad base.
3. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
4. Arrange toppings and drizzle with dressing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill, pan-sear, or bake until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice or dice.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.

Step 3: Hard-Boil the Eggs

Boil eggs for 9–10 minutes, cool in ice water, peel, and chop.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Spread lettuce in a large bowl or platter. Arrange chicken, eggs, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, and cheese in neat rows or sections.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving or serve on the side.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or at room temperature
• Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast
• Ideal as a lunch or light dinner
• Serve family-style on a large platter for gatherings

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly cooked chicken for best flavor
• Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning
• Crispy bacon adds essential texture—don’t skip it
• Serve dressing on the side to keep greens crisp

Variations

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.

Turkey Cobb Salad

Substitute chicken with roasted turkey.

Vegetarian Cobb Salad

Replace meat with chickpeas, tofu, or grilled mushrooms.

Low-Carb Cobb Salad

Skip tomatoes and use extra greens and protein.

Dairy-Free Version

Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store salad components separately in airtight containers
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for 2–3 days

Freezing

• Not recommended to freeze assembled salad
• Cooked chicken and bacon can be frozen separately for up to 2 months

Special Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl or serving platter
• Skillet or grill pan
• Sauce whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Conclusion

Cobb Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Bacon is a perfect example of how a salad can be both hearty and refreshing. With its bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and satisfying ingredients, this dish is ideal for any occasion—from casual lunches to elegant dinners. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.