Cobb Salad
A composed salad from the Brown Derby in Hollywood: neat rows of chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, tomato and blue cheese over chopped leaves, with a sharp red wine vinaigrette. A genuinely satisfying main-course salad.
Method
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Lower the eggs into boiling water and cook for 9 minutes for a firm but not chalky yolk. Cool in iced water, peel and chop.
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Cook the bacon in a dry pan over medium heat until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes, then drain and chop.
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Whisk or shake the vinaigrette ingredients together until emulsified.
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Toss the chopped romaine and watercress with 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and spread across a large, wide platter.
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Arrange the chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, tomato and blue cheese in neat parallel rows across the leaves.
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Scatter the spring onions over the top and grind on plenty of black pepper.
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Bring the remaining vinaigrette to the table and let everyone dress and toss their own portion.
Chef’s Tips
- Dice everything to roughly the same size — about 1 cm — so a single forkful carries all of it.
- Toss the avocado in a little of the vinaigrette immediately to stop it browning.
- Poached chicken is more tender than grilled here, and it soaks up the dressing better.
Pairing Suggestions
- A dry rosé or a Chardonnay
- Serve with crusty bread
- Follow with fresh berries
Storage & Reheating
Components keep separately for 2 days. Assemble and dress at the last minute; a dressed Cobb wilts within 30 minutes.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.