Layered Cobb Salad

This classic Cobb salad brings together crisp lettuce, succulent chicken, and creamy avocado in a meal that's both elegant and satisfying. The homemade French dressing ties all the ingredients together for a restaurant-quality salad you can create in your own kitchen.

I first made this Cobb salad for a summer luncheon with friends, and it's become my go-to impressive dish when I want something that looks beautiful but doesn't require hours in a hot kitchen.

Ingredients

• Romaine or iceberg lettuce: Provides the perfect crisp foundation
• Watercress: Adds a peppery bite that elevates the flavor profile
• Cherry tomatoes: Bring juicy sweetness and bright color
• Chicken breast: Creates substantial protein that makes this a meal
• Bacon: Adds smoky crunch that contrasts with the fresh vegetables
• Hard cooked eggs: Provide creamy richness and extra protein
• Avocado: Delivers buttery texture and healthy fats
• Roquefort or blue cheese: Contributes tangy depth of flavor
• Chives: Offer a mild onion flavor without overwhelming
• Red wine vinegar: Creates the tangy base for the dressing
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth to the dressing
• Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding flavor
• Olive oil and canola oil: Create the perfect dressing base

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salad Base:

Chop the lettuce and watercress into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly across the bottom of a wooden salad bowl or large platter. This creates a lush green foundation for your colorful toppings.

Arrange the Toppings:

Place each of your prepared toppings in neat rows across the lettuce base. Start with tomatoes, then chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and blue cheese. This presentation method not only looks stunning but allows guests to choose their preferred combination of ingredients.

Finish with Garnish:

Sprinkle fresh chives across the entire salad and add several grinds of fresh black pepper. These final touches add color contrast and a fresh herbaceous element.

Create the Dressing Base:

Combine the red wine vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and garlic in a food processor or blender. Pulse until well combined and the garlic is fully incorporated.

Emulsify the Dressing:

With the processor or blender running on medium speed, slowly drizzle in both oils in a thin, steady stream. This gradual addition is crucial for creating a properly emulsified dressing that won't separate.

Dress and Serve:

Pour approximately three quarters to one cup of dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve the dressing on the side to keep the ingredients crisp longer.

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The roquefort cheese is my personal favorite element in this salad. The first time I served this at a family gathering, my cheese-hesitant nephew tried it and declared it was "actually amazing," which has become our inside joke whenever I bring this salad to family functions.

Storage Tips

The assembled salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but you can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store each ingredient in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble. The dressing will keep for up to one week refrigerated in a sealed container, just shake well before using.

Make It Your Own

This Cobb salad welcomes customization based on your preferences or what you have available. Try swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp or steak, use feta instead of blue cheese for a milder flavor, or add cucumber for extra crunch. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon and add extra avocado and roasted chickpeas for protein.

Historical Context

The Cobb salad was reportedly created in 1937 by Bob Cobb, the owner of the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. Legend has it that Cobb was rummaging through the refrigerator late one night, combining leftover ingredients for a quick meal. The salad became so popular with Hollywood celebrities that it earned a permanent spot on the menu and eventually became an American classic.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a complete meal for lunch or dinner, or in smaller portions as a side dish alongside grilled meats. For a beautiful presentation at parties, consider building individual Cobb salads in clear glass bowls or mason jars, creating stunning layers of color. A basket of crusty bread makes the perfect accompaniment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes a Cobb salad different from other salads?

A Cobb salad is distinguished by its presentation style with ingredients arranged in neat rows across a bed of lettuce. The classic combination includes chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, blue cheese, and tomatoes. This particular preparation originated at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood and has become an American culinary icon.

→ Can I prepare the components of a Cobb salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken, bacon, and eggs up to two days in advance. The dressing can be prepared and refrigerated for up to a week. Just wait to dice the avocado and assemble the salad until shortly before serving to maintain optimal freshness and presentation.

→ What protein substitutions work well in a Cobb salad?

While traditional Cobb salad uses chicken, you can substitute grilled shrimp, salmon, steak, or turkey. For vegetarian options, try marinated tofu, tempeh, or additional hard-boiled eggs. The key is maintaining a balance of flavors and textures within the salad.

→ How do I make the perfect emulsion for the French dressing?

The key to a perfect emulsion is adding the oils very slowly while blending continuously. Use a food processor or blender running at medium speed, and pour the oil in a thin, steady stream. This gradual incorporation allows the oil to properly integrate with the acidic ingredients, creating a smooth, stable dressing.

→ What's the best way to serve Cobb salad for a group?

For serving groups, arrange the salad on a large platter rather than a bowl for maximum visual impact. You can also set up a Cobb salad bar with individual ingredients in separate bowls, allowing guests to build their own. Serve the dressing on the side to keep the ingredients crisp until serving time.

→ What type of blue cheese works best in a Cobb salad?

Traditional Cobb salad uses Roquefort, but any good quality blue cheese works well. For a milder flavor, try Danish blue or Gorgonzola dolce. For stronger flavors, Stilton or a robust American blue cheese adds character. Crumble the cheese finely for even distribution throughout the salad.