Cobb Salad Brown Derby Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 17, 2025

The iconic Cobb Salad holds a special place in American culinary history, and the Brown Derby version is a timeless classic. Originating from the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, this salad is a perfect blend of fresh, crisp ingredients layered with rich flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this salad combines the creaminess of avocado, the savoriness of bacon, and the tang of blue cheese in every bite. It’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite for entertaining or a simple weekday meal.

In this detailed recipe, you’ll learn how to recreate the Brown Derby Cobb Salad with authentic ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. From the dressing to the perfect assembly, this recipe will guide you through making a dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive.

Let’s dive into the flavors that made the Brown Derby Cobb Salad a legendary American classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Brown Derby Cobb Salad is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, salty bacon, and tangy blue cheese creates a harmonious taste explosion that keeps you coming back for more.

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with protein and fresh vegetables.

Additionally, this salad is highly customizable. You can easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

It’s perfect for meal prep or impressing guests with a beautifully layered, restaurant-quality salad at home. Plus, the homemade dressing takes it from good to unforgettable.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, and watercress)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the dressing:
    • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Salad spinner (optional, for drying greens)
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving platter or large salad bowl

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salad greens: Rinse your mixed salad greens thoroughly and dry them using a salad spinner or by patting them dry with paper towels. Place the greens in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Cook and dice the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breast using your preferred method (grilled or pan-seared is ideal). Allow it to cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon slices until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
  4. Prepare the hard-boiled eggs: Boil eggs for about 10 minutes, cool in ice water, peel, and chop.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.
  6. Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter, arrange the salad greens as the base. Neatly line up rows of diced chicken, bacon, avocado, chopped eggs, cherry tomatoes, and blue cheese on top of the greens.
  7. Season and dress: Lightly season the salad with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the top or serve on the side for guests to add as desired.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped chives over the salad for a fresh, oniony finish.
  9. Serve immediately: Serve the salad fresh and crisp for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For the crispiest bacon, bake it in the oven on a wire rack at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. This method also reduces mess!”

Swap out the blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder flavor. For a vegetarian twist, omit the chicken and bacon and add roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein.

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add an extra layer of aroma and flavor.

If you want a creamier dressing, mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. To make this salad more filling, add quinoa or cooked farro beneath the greens.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 450 kcal
Protein 35 g
Fat 28 g
Carbohydrates 12 g
Fiber 7 g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Brown Derby Cobb Salad shines as a stand-alone meal, but you can pair it with some crusty bread or a light soup to round out the meal. A chilled glass of white wine or a sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

For a casual gathering, serve the salad buffet-style with all components laid out so guests can assemble their own bowls. This interactive approach is both fun and practical.

Conclusion

The Brown Derby Cobb Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and classic American flavors. Its rich history combined with its hearty, satisfying profile makes it a go-to recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions.

With this recipe, you can bring a touch of Hollywood glamour to your dining table effortlessly.

Whether you’re a salad lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe offers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. Give it a try and enjoy the combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements that define this iconic dish.

Looking for more delicious salads to try? Check out our Classic Caesar Salad Recipe, Refreshing Greek Salad Recipe, and Waldorf Salad Recipe for more inspiration!

📖 Recipe Card: Cobb Salad Brown Derby Recipe

Description: A classic Cobb salad featuring fresh greens, crisp bacon, avocado, chicken, and blue cheese. This Brown Derby favorite is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens
  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinaigrette dressing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Lay mixed greens evenly on a large platter.
  2. Arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese in rows on top of greens.
  3. Sprinkle chopped chives over the salad.
  4. Drizzle red wine vinaigrette dressing evenly.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 30 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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