Introduction
Cobb Salad is a delightful and colorful dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. Originating from the United States, this hearty salad includes succulent chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocados, and crumbled blue cheese, all perfectly complemented by a tangy dressing. Whether served as a main meal or a side dish, the Cobb Salad is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
Chicken:
– 400g/14 oz chicken breast (2 pieces)
– 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cobb Salad:
– 200g/7 oz streaky bacon strips
– 4 x 9-minute boiled eggs, quartered
– 12 cups cos/romaine lettuce (1 large head or 2 small), chopped
– 2 large tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges then halved (or 250g/8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved)
– 2 avocados, cut into large pieces
– 200g/7 oz gorgonzola dolce or roquefort, crumbled (or other blue cheese)
– 2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
Dressing:
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 5 tbsp apple cider vinegar (substitute with white wine or red wine vinegar)
– 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp eschalot (US: shallot), very finely minced
– 1/2 tsp white sugar
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Dressing
Combine all dressing ingredients (Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, minced eschalot, and white sugar) in a jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously until all ingredients are well-mixed and emulsified.
Flavour Chicken
To ensure juiciness, poach the chicken by placing the breasts in a saucepan and covering them with cold water or broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Once cooked, remove from heat and let the chicken cool to room temperature. Cut the cooled chicken into 2 cm (0.75”) cubes. In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Crisp Bacon
Take the bacon strips and lay them in a non-stick pan without preheating. Turn the heat to medium-high; as the pan heats up, the fat will begin to render out. Cook the bacon for approximately 2 minutes until it turns golden brown, then flip it over and cook the other side for an additional 1.5 minutes until golden. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and drain it on paper towels. Once the bacon has cooled and has become crisp, chop it into pieces that are 1.5 cm (0.6″) in size.
Assemble
On a large serving platter, spread out the chopped cos or romaine lettuce evenly as the base. Neatly arrange the salad ingredients on top of the lettuce in rows: quartered boiled eggs, crispy bacon pieces, large avocado pieces, tomato wedges, and the seasoned chicken. Crumble the blue cheese evenly across the top of the salad and finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped chives. Pour the remaining dressing into a serving jug for later.
Serving
Invite everyone to help themselves to the salad and the dressing. Encourage the guests to drizzle the dressing over their portion as desired.
Notes
Chicken Poaching Tips
For improved flavor, consider adding herbs or garlic to the poaching liquid. Avoid boiling the chicken, as this can make it tough; a gentle simmer helps keep it juicy.
Bacon Options
For a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used instead of streaky bacon. Adjust cooking time as needed as turkey bacon may cook faster.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute the gorgonzola dolce or roquefort with your preferred blue cheese. Alternatively, a crumbly goat cheese can also make for a tasty variation.
Storage Recommendations
If not serving immediately, keep the salad components and dressing separate to prevent wilting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Cook techniques
Poaching Chicken
Poaching involves cooking chicken gently in simmering water or broth to retain moisture. This technique results in tender and juicy chicken. To poach, bring water to a simmer, add chicken breasts, and cook until fully cooked, then cool and cut into cubes.
Crisping Bacon
Start with a cold non-stick pan to render the fat gradually while cooking the bacon. Heat the pan to medium-high, allowing the bacon to crisp up evenly on both sides without excessive splattering.
Assembling a Cobb Salad
For a visually appealing presentation, layer the salad ingredients in rows on a platter. Start with a base of lettuce and arrange the other ingredients over it in systematic rows. This enhances the dish’s aesthetic and makes it easy for guests to serve themselves.
Making Salad Dressing
To create a well-blended dressing, combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. This method ensures all components emulsify nicely, giving the dressing a uniform consistency.
FAQ
How do I poach chicken without overcooking it?
To ensure chicken is poached correctly, keep the water at a gentle simmer and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I use other types of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with other soft cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer.
What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar for the dressing?
You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar for similar acidity and flavor profiles.
How can I make bacon crispy without frying it?
Baking bacon in the oven is an alternative method to achieve crispiness without frying. Place bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! The dressing can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using.
Conclusion
This Cobb Salad with poached chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich blue cheese dressing offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The combination of fresh ingredients not only provides a satisfying meal but also a nutritious option that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy customizing this recipe with your favorite toppings or dressings to make it your own.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Substitute poached chicken with grilled chicken breast, add croutons, and use Caesar dressing for a classic twist.
Avocado and Shrimp Salad
Replace chicken with cooked shrimp, incorporate diced cucumbers, and dress with a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing seafood option.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Swap out chicken and bacon for chickpeas, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, then dress with olive oil and lemon juice for a vibrant vegetarian dish.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Use spinach instead of romaine, add sliced strawberries, almonds, and a poppy seed dressing for a sweet and nutty flavor profile.
Asian Chicken Salad
Change the dressing to a sesame-ginger vinaigrette and add mandarin oranges, shredded carrots, and edamame for an Asian-inspired version.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Replace meat with quinoa and black beans, toss in corn, bell peppers, and a lime vinaigrette for a hearty and protein-packed salad.
Roasted Vegetable and Feta Salad
Include roasted seasonal vegetables, chickpeas, and feta cheese on a bed of mixed greens, dressed with balsamic reduction for a warm salad option.
