Trop House Cobb Salad Recipe

Prep greens

In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, baby spinach, and red leaf lettuce. Chill in refrigerator while you assemble other components so greens stay crisp.

Cook and prepare chicken

If chicken is not pre-cooked: season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.

Cook bacon

Cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp in a skillet or on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 12–18 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.

Prepare eggs

Place 3 eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a gentle boil, then turn off heat and cover for 10–12 minutes. Drain and transfer to ice water for 5 minutes. Peel and quarter.

Grill or roast corn

If using fresh corn: brush with a little oil and grill over medium-high heat until lightly charred (6–8 minutes) or roast on a sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes. Cut kernels off the cob. If using frozen or canned, warm and drain before using.

Prepare produce & nuts

Dice pineapple and avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion. Lightly toast 1/4 cup macadamia nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring until fragrant (2–3 minutes); chop roughly and let cool.

Assemble protein & toppings

Arrange the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, quartered eggs, pineapple, avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, cucumber, red onion, toasted macadamia nuts, and crumbled cotija or feta in neat rows or sections over the chilled greens for the classic Cobb presentation.

Make the dressing

In a jar or small bowl combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbs fresh lime juice, 3 tbs olive oil, 1 tbs white wine vinegar, 1 tbs honey, 1/2 minced habanero (start with less if sensitive), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake in a sealed jar until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness, acidity or heat as desired (add more honey to mellow, more lime for brightness, or more habanero for heat).

Optional straining

If you prefer a smoother dressing, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove habanero fibers and garlic bits.

Just before serving, drizzle desired amount of Citrus-Habanero Vinaigrette over the arranged salad (or serve dressing on the side). Gently toss individual portions or let guests serve themselves from the composed platter to preserve the attractive Cobb layout.

Garnish with microgreens or cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.