Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a complete meal right in one bowl. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and good-for-you fats, making it both delicious and nutritious. Each ingredient contributes its own flavor profile, from the smooth, creamy avocado to the sharp, tangy bite of blue cheese and the crispy crunch of bacon. Plus, it’s customizable! You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or add more of what you love. The homemade vinaigrette is simple to prepare, enhancing the overall flavor of this already delightful salad. This Cobb Salad is an excellent option for anyone seeking a refreshing and fulfilling meal!

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and set it aside.
2. Assemble the salad: On a large platter or in a wide salad bowl, create a lovely base with the chopped Romaine lettuce. Add the diced chicken breast, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled blue cheese, and thinly sliced red onion, arranging them in neat rows over the greens.
3. Add the dressing: Drizzle your delicious vinaigrette over the salad, or if you prefer, serve it on the side. Just before serving, gently toss everything together, or let your guests serve themselves to keep the beautifully arranged ingredients intact.
4. Garnish and serve: For an extra touch of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped chives over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and makes a fantastic main course for either lunch or dinner. Pair it with a bite of crusty bread or a soothing cup of soup for a more substantial meal.
• Storage: If preparing in advance, it’s best to keep the components separate and assemble the salad right before serving to preserve freshness. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Helpful Notes

• If you’re looking for a lighter dressing, swap the red wine vinegar for lemon juice or balsamic vinegar.
• For an extra crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds sprinkled over the salad.
• Feel free to customize the salad by replacing blue cheese with feta or goat cheese, or add grilled steak or shrimp for a different protein option!

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this salad. Just shred or chop it and mix it in!

2. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can simply leave out the blue cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

3. How do I keep the avocado from browning?
To prevent browning, toss the diced avocado with a bit of lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad.

4. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Certainly! Feel free to use your favorite greens like baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix for a refreshing twist.

5. How can I make this salad more filling?
To enhance the salad, consider adding cooked quinoa, farro, or a handful of chickpeas to increase the protein and fiber content.