Cobb Salad with Chicken

Cobb Salad with Chicken Recipe - American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cobb Salad with Chicken is a classic American dish that is both delicious and nutritious. This salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

History

The Cobb Salad was created in the 1930s at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles. It was named after the restaurant's owner, Robert Cobb, who reportedly threw together a bunch of leftovers to create this iconic salad. The original recipe included avocado, tomatoes, bacon, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and lettuce, all topped with a vinaigrette dressing.

Ingredients

1-2 chicken breasts
3-4 hard-boiled eggs
6 slices of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
1 diced avocado
2 diced tomatoes
0.5 chopped red onion
8 oz (227 g) shredded cheddar or monterey jack or blue cheese
1 shredded romaine head

How to prepare

Grill or sauté the chicken breasts and cut them into strips.
Line the plates with lettuce and place the ingredients on a diagonal; top with the dressing of your choice.

Variations

Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
Add some sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or cheddar, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the chicken breasts thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the ingredients into uniform pieces for a visually appealing presentation.

- Crumble the bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cobb Salad with Chicken as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling or sautéing the chicken breasts adds a delicious smoky flavor to the salad. Hard-boiling the eggs ensures that they are cooked through but still creamy in the center.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the Cobb Salad with Chicken to suit your taste preferences. You can substitute any of the ingredients with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the components of the Cobb Salad in advance and assemble them just before serving. Store the cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and chopped vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the ingredients in a visually appealing manner on a large platter or individual plates. Drizzle the dressing over the top in a decorative pattern for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Cobb Salad with Chicken with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. The light and fresh flavors of the salad complement a variety of beverages.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cobb Salad with Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cobb Salad with Chicken contains around 400-450 calories, making it a balanced meal option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

The Cobb Salad with Chicken is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the vegetables like tomatoes and avocado. Each serving contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salad is rich in healthy fats from the avocado, bacon, and blue cheese. Each serving contains around 20-25 grams of fat, with the majority being unsaturated fats.

Proteins

The chicken and eggs in the Cobb Salad provide a good amount of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal. Each serving contains approximately 30-35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The Cobb Salad with Chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. The vegetables in the salad provide a variety of essential nutrients to support overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (blue cheese), eggs, and bacon, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, the Cobb Salad with Chicken is a nutritious and well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a light lunch or dinner.

Summary

Cobb Salad with Chicken is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this salad is a nutritious and satisfying meal option for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of ingredients in this iconic American salad!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Cobb Salad with Chicken. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl with a passion for cooking. I had always loved experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new ingredients and techniques to create delicious dishes.

One day, I was visiting my Aunt Martha, who was known for her amazing cooking skills. As we sat down for lunch, she served us a beautiful Cobb Salad with Chicken. The colors and flavors of the salad were simply irresistible. I asked her for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me.

I carefully wrote down the ingredients and instructions, eager to recreate the salad at home. It quickly became one of my favorite recipes, and I would make it whenever I wanted to impress my family and friends.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own special touches and twists to make it truly my own. I would often serve the Cobb Salad with Chicken at family gatherings and dinner parties, and it always received rave reviews.

One day, a friend of mine who owned a small restaurant asked me if I would be willing to share my recipe with her. She wanted to feature it on her menu, and I was honored that she thought so highly of my cooking.

I happily agreed, and soon enough, the Cobb Salad with Chicken became a popular dish at her restaurant. People would come from far and wide to taste my creation, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that my recipe was bringing joy to so many.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Cobb Salad with Chicken for my loved ones, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. It became a beloved family tradition, something that we would always enjoy together during special occasions and holidays.

The salad itself was a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The tender grilled chicken, the crispy bacon, the creamy avocado, the tangy blue cheese, and the fresh vegetables all came together in perfect harmony. Every bite was a delight for the senses, and I could see the happiness on the faces of those who tasted it.

I often think back to that day when I first discovered the recipe for Cobb Salad with Chicken. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, a moment that sparked a passion for cooking that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

I am grateful to Aunt Martha for sharing her recipe with me, and I am grateful to all the people who have enjoyed my version of the salad over the years. Cooking has always been a source of joy and fulfillment for me, and I hope that my recipes will continue to bring happiness to others for many years to come.