Cobb Recipe

Hard-boil eggs

Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook 9 minutes for firm yolks. Immediately transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes, then peel and halve or quarter.

Cook bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon strips on a foiled rimmed baking sheet without overlap. Bake 12–16 minutes until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.

Prepare croutons (if making from scratch)

If making fresh croutons, toss 2 cups cubed day-old bread with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, tossing once, until golden and crisp. Cool and measure 1 cup for the salad.

Wash and dry the mixed lettuces thoroughly, then tear larger leaves into bite-size pieces and place in a large shallow salad bowl or platter to form a base.

Core and dice the roma tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. If you prefer, toss tomatoes with 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper to season lightly.

Peel (optional) and slice the cucumber into half-moons about 1/4-inch thick.

If using fresh corn, briefly sauté 1 cup corn kernels in a small skillet over medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil until lightly browned, 3–4 minutes; season with a pinch of salt. If using canned or frozen, drain or thaw and pat dry, then warm or use cold as preferred.

Halve or quarter the peeled hard-boiled eggs; slice the avocado in half, remove pit, slice or dice, and toss gently with a squeeze of lime to prevent browning.

In a blender or food processor combine the small ripe avocado (pitted and scooped), Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lime juice, garlic clove, fresh dill and parsley, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth. Add 1–2 tbsp water to reach desired pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt, pepper or lime) as needed.

Transfer dressing to a container and chill briefly if not using immediately. Stir before serving.

On the bed of mixed lettuces arrange the components in rows or sections for classic Cobb presentation: place diced tomatoes, corn, cucumber, chopped bacon, crumbled feta, hard-boiled egg pieces and avocado slices in separate lines or clusters across the greens. Scatter croutons over the top and sprinkle chopped chives or parsley if using.

Serve the Avo Ranch on the side or drizzle 1/3–1/2 cup over the salad just before serving. Toss gently if guests prefer mixed salad, or leave arranged for plated portions.

Finish with an optional extra grind of black pepper and an extra pinch of flaky salt over avocado or eggs.