Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Wash and dry romaine and baby spinach. Chop romaine into bite-sized pieces and place in a large shallow bowl or on a platter. Scatter the spinach (or mixed greens) evenly over the romaine.

Season and cook chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub both sides with 1 tbs olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and cook 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Remove from pan and rest 5 minutes, then slice into 1/2-inch strips or dice.

Prepare the hard-boiled eggs by placing eggs in a saucepan, covering with cold water, bringing to a boil, then turning off heat and covering for 10 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, peel and quarter. Cook bacon until crisp (pan or oven), drain on paper towels and crumble. Halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, slice the avocado just before assembly to prevent browning.

Arrange toppings in rows over the bed of greens: place sliced chicken in one row, quartered eggs in another, crumbled bacon in another, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and a row of thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle 3 oz blue cheese crumbles evenly over the salad. If using, add smoked or pickled jalapeño sparingly for a touch of heat.

Make dressing

In a small bowl whisk together 1 tbs mayonnaise, 3 tbs sour cream, 2 tbs buttermilk, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 oz blue cheese crumbles, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined. For a thinner dressing add additional buttermilk 1 tsp at a time until desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon to balance.

If you prefer a chunkier dressing, gently fold additional blue cheese crumbles into the finished dressing and let sit 10 minutes to soften the flavors.

Drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the arranged salad (or serve on the side). Toss lightly at the table or let guests help themselves. Serve immediately so avocado and greens remain fresh.

Suggested serving: divide into 4 equal portions.