Cobb Salad with The Best Balsamic Vinaigrette
This recipe features a classic Cobb salad with a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette that truly elevates the dish.
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or poached)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta cheese as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Guide:
- Prepare the Chicken: Grill or poach the chicken breasts according to your preference. Once cooked, chop or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl or platter, layer the chopped romaine lettuce. Arrange the remaining salad ingredients on top in separate sections: cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon, avocado slices, quartered eggs, and red onion (if using).
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake vigorously until well emulsified.
- Serve: Drizzle the desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips:
- For added smokiness, grill the romaine lettuce hearts for a few minutes before chopping.
- Prepare all the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad and toss with dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Don’t like blue cheese? Feta cheese crumbles make a delicious substitute.
- Want to add a bit of crunch? Top the salad with croutons or toasted bread cubes.
- This salad is easily customizable. Feel free to add other ingredients you enjoy, such as sliced cucumber, chopped bell peppers, or crumbled walnuts.
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