Cobb Salad Bowl

The Cobb Salad Bowl is a masterclass in American culinary tradition, offering a vibrant and hearty meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Featuring a colorful array of fresh greens topped with rows of savory proteins and creamy vegetables, this classic salad is the perfect choice for a nutritious and filling main course.

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What makes the Cobb Salad truly stand out is its balance. Every forkful delivers a satisfying mix of textures, from the crunch of perfectly cooked bacon to the smooth richness of diced avocado and tangy blue cheese. It is a dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and indulgent.

Ingredients

• Protein: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 slices bacon
• Vegetables & Greens: 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, arugula), 1 large avocado (diced), 2 medium tomatoes (diced), 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
• Dairy & Eggs: 4 large eggs, 3 oz (85 g) blue cheese (crumbled)
• Dressing: 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• Other: 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice thinly.

Step 2

While the chicken cooks, place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat and cook until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop.

Step 3

Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 8–9 minutes. Cool under cold running water, peel, and quarter.

Step 4

Arrange salad greens in a large serving bowl or divide among 4 bowls.

Step 5

Neatly arrange grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, red onion (if using), blue cheese, and egg quarters in rows or sections over the greens.

Step 6

Drizzle with ranch dressing just before serving, or serve dressing on the side.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a high-quality grill pan to get char marks on the chicken. When preparing the eggs, simmering them for exactly 8–9 minutes and then cooling them under running water ensures they are easy to peel and have a perfect yellow center.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this bowl by substituting grilled turkey or shrimp for the chicken. For a lighter version, try using turkey bacon and a reduced-fat ranch dressing.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty salad pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing glass of iced tea. Serve it as a stand-alone main dish for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

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Whether you're looking for a low-carb main dish or a vibrant meal to impress guests, this Cobb Salad Bowl is a reliable favorite. With its combination of fresh vegetables and hearty proteins, it delivers a complete and nutritious dining experience in every bowl.

Recipe Questions

→ What makes a Cobb salad authentic?

A true Cobb salad features grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, blue cheese, and tomatoes arranged in rows over mixed greens. The classic presentation showcases each ingredient distinctly rather than tossing everything together.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the grilled chicken, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs up to 2 days in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent the avocado from browning.

→ What greens work best for this bowl?

Traditional Cobb salad uses a mix of romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and watercress. You can substitute arugula, spinach, or mixed spring greens. Aim for a combination that provides both crunch and tender leaves.

→ How do I hard-boil eggs perfectly?

Place eggs in a saucepan covered by an inch of cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 9-10 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and prevent green rings around the yolks.

→ Can I use a different dressing?

Blue cheese dressing is another classic option that pairs beautifully with the ingredients. A vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard works well for a lighter version. Avoid heavy creamy dressings that may overpower the fresh flavors.

→ What protein alternatives can I use?

Grilled turkey breast, shrimp, or even steak make excellent substitutes for chicken. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra avocado, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for protein.