The Classic Cobb Salad: A Hollywood Legend’s Perfect Balance

Discover the art of creating the perfect Cobb Salad, born in Hollywood’s Golden Age at the Brown Derby restaurant. This iconic American salad combines crisp greens, protein-rich toppings, and a signature red wine vinaigrette in a harmonious arrangement that’s as visually striking as it is delicious.
Ultimate Cobb Salad Recipe
By Cook team
Published on December 2, 2024

Created in 1937 by Bob Cobb at Hollywood’s Brown Derby restaurant, this salad was born of a late-night hunger and became a sensation among the Hollywood elite. The original recipe combined finely chopped lettuce with a precise arrangement of protein-rich toppings, creating a salad that was both satisfying and sophisticated.

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Servings:

Variable (1, 2, or 4)

Ingredient Amount
Romaine Lettuce 2 cups
Chicken Breast 4 oz
Bacon 2 slices
Avocado 1/2
Blue Cheese 2 oz
Ingredient Amount
Romaine Lettuce 4 cups
Chicken Breast 8 oz
Bacon 4 slices
Avocado 1 whole
Blue Cheese 4 oz
Ingredient Amount
Romaine Lettuce 8 cups
Chicken Breast 16 oz
Bacon 8 slices
Avocado 2 whole
Blue Cheese 8 oz

Step-by-Step Instructions

1- Prepare Proteins (20 minutes)

  • Grill chicken until cooked through
  • Crisp bacon until golden
  • Hard boil eggs precisely
  • Cool all proteins properly

2- Chop Vegetables (10 minutes)

  • Chop lettuce finely
  • Dice tomatoes evenly
  • Slice avocado carefully
  • Prepare fresh herbs

3- Make Vinaigrette (5 minutes)

  • Whisk red wine vinegar
  • Add Dijon mustard
  • Stream in olive oil
  • Season to taste

4- Arrange Components (10 minutes)

  • Layer chopped lettuce base
  • Create distinct rows
  • Position each ingredient
  • Consider color balance

5- Final Assembly (5 minutes)

  • Add vinaigrette carefully
  • Crumble blue cheese
  • Season with black pepper
  • Serve immediately

Pro Tips :

  • Chop ingredients uniformly
  • Cook proteins ahead
  • Keep ingredients chilled
  • Dress just before serving
  • Use high-quality blue cheese

The Art of Cobb Salad Assembly

Understanding the proper arrangement of a Cobb Salad is crucial to its presentation. The traditional method calls for ingredients to be arranged in rows across the lettuce base, creating a striking visual pattern. This not only makes for an impressive presentation but allows diners to choose their preferred combination of ingredients with each bite.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount
Calories 550
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 8g
Fat 40g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare ingredients ahead?

Yes! Most components can be prepared up to a day ahead. Just assemble and dress right before serving.

The Cobb’s signature is its precise arrangement of ingredients in rows and its specific combination of proteins and vegetables.

While variations exist, a true Cobb Salad should contain the classic components to maintain its character.

Store components separately and reassemble when ready to eat. This maintains freshness and prevents soggy lettuce.

  • hare your Cobb Salad creations using #ClassicCobbSalad – and remember, presentation is key to this Hollywood legend! 🥗✨

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *