Avocado & Bacon Cobb Salad- No Dressing Recipe

Wash and dry greens

Rinse romaine and baby spinach under cold water. Spin or pat dry thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad. Chop romaine into 1- to 1.5-inch pieces.

Prepare tomatoes and cucumber

Halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel (if desired) and thinly slice the cucumber into half-moons, then measure out 1/2 cup. Gently toss tomatoes and cucumber with the chopped greens in a large salad bowl to combine.

Cook and chop bacon

Cook 8 slices of bacon until crisp by pan-frying over medium heat (about 8–10 minutes, turning as needed) or baking on a rimmed sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, cool briefly, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.

Prepare eggs

Place 4 eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn off heat and cover; let stand 10–12 minutes for fully set yolks. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes, peel, and quarter or halve.

Prepare chicken (optional)

If using cooked chicken, shred or cube 2 cups of breast meat. Warm slightly if preferred or use cold. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Prepare avocado

Halve and pit 2 avocados. Score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the skin, then scoop out with a spoon and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Immediately toss the avocado pieces with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning and to add brightness.

Cheese and finishing proteins

Crumble 3/4 cup blue cheese or feta. Reserve for topping. Keep bacon, egg, avocado, and chicken ready to assemble.

Slice onion and chop chives

Thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion (about a few thin rings). Chop 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely. These will add oniony brightness and mild onion bite.

Season greens

Drizzle the salad base lightly with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and the reserved 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper evenly over the greens. Toss gently to distribute seasoning without bruising the avocado.

Arrange Cobb-style

On the dressed greens, arrange toppings in rows or sections for a classic Cobb presentation: place chopped bacon, quartered hard-boiled eggs, avocado cubes, shredded/cubed chicken (if using), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled cheese in parallel rows or in attractive clusters. Scatter the thin red onion and chopped chives over the top.

Final seasoning

Taste a portion and adjust with an additional pinch of salt, a grind of black pepper, or a light extra drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon if desired. Because this is 'no dressing,' rely on the olive oil and lemon to provide bright, light coating.

Serve

Serve immediately so the avocado stays fresh and the bacon remains crisp. Provide extra lemon wedges and freshly ground pepper at the table.