Cobb Egg Salad Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, satisfying, and delightfully creamy salad that feels like a celebration on a plate, this Cobb Egg Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the rich flavors of crisp bacon, tangy blue cheese, refreshing cherry tomatoes, and buttery avocado, all perfectly coated in a luscious blend of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and red wine vinegar. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that dazzles with its blend of textures and colors, making any meal feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to whip up this fantastic Cobb Egg Salad Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, balancing creaminess, tanginess, crunch, and freshness to create a salad that’s bursting with flavor and eye-catching color.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the dressing, binding the salad ingredients beautifully.
- Greek yogurt: Offers a tangy twist and lightens the dressing for a fresher, healthier touch.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides brightness and acidity to balance the creamy base.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and deepens the overall taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the salad.
- Hard-boiled eggs (8, cut into eighths): The star ingredient, bringing protein and a tender texture.
- Bacon (8 strips, cooked and crumbled): Introduces a smoky crunch that elevates every bite.
- Avocado (1, thinly sliced): Brings creaminess and a buttery softness that perfectly complements the eggs.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1/2 cup): Contributes sharp, tangy notes that make this salad memorable.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Freshly chopped chives (2 Tbsp.): Provides a mild onion flavor and a fresh, green finish for garnish.
How to Make Cobb Egg Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by mixing the creamy base that will tie everything together. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and red wine vinegar until smooth and thoroughly blended. Season the mixture generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing is critical because its tangy creaminess perfectly balances the smoky bacon and rich blue cheese later on.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Next, gently toss together the hard-boiled egg pieces, crumbled bacon, thin avocado slices, crumbled blue cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large serving bowl. Handle the ingredients with care—keeping the chunks intact preserves the salad’s inviting texture and colorful presentation, which is part of what makes this Cobb Egg Salad Recipe so appealing.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
Pour the prepared dressing gradually over the salad mixture, folding it in lightly just until all the ingredients are lightly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep those beautiful, distinct chunks and layers, which make this salad so delightful to eat. Any extra dressing can be saved for those who want a little more flavor on the side.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Give the salad a taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed—that final touch personalizes the flavors perfectly. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped chives, and add extra bits of egg, bacon, blue cheese, and tomatoes to create an inviting and colorful presentation. This final step transforms the dish from a simple salad to something truly special.
How to Serve Cobb Egg Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped chives are a must for their mild oniony flavor and vibrant green color, but you can also sprinkle a few more crumbles of bacon and blue cheese on top for extra indulgence. Some fresh cracked black pepper and a few halved cherry tomatoes scattered on the plate enhance both the look and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp baguette, buttery croissants, or crunchy crackers that offer the perfect contrast. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or roasted asparagus to keep things balanced but brilliant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider serving the Cobb Egg Salad Recipe layered in a clear glass bowl so guests can see the colorful strata of ingredients. Alternatively, spoon it onto a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing green salad twist or use it as a filling for sandwiches and wraps to take it on the go without losing any flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cobb Egg Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping it chilled maintains freshness while the flavors continue to mingle beautifully, although it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
Since this salad includes creamy dairy and avocado, freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture and flavor, causing separation and mushiness. Enjoy it fresh or refrigerated instead to keep its delightful qualities intact.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as the eggs and creamy dressing will not hold up well with heat, and it’s tastiest when served chilled or fresh from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cobb Egg Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While blue cheese gives a wonderful tang and sharpness, feel free to substitute with feta, goat cheese, or even a mild cheddar depending on your preference.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan or dairy-free?
You can swap out mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for vegan alternatives and omit the blue cheese. Replace bacon with plant-based bacon or smoked tempeh for a similar smoky crunch.
How do I hard boil eggs perfectly for this salad?
Place eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then turn off heat and cover for 10-12 minutes. Cool immediately in ice water to make peeling easy and prevent overcooking.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the salad components and dressing separately ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep textures fresh and vibrant.
What makes this Cobb Egg Salad Recipe different from a traditional Cobb salad?
This salad captures the iconic flavors of a Cobb salad in an easy-to-make, chunky egg salad form, focusing on creamy dressing and perfectly textured bites rather than layering on a platter.
Final Thoughts
This Cobb Egg Salad Recipe quickly becomes one of those dishes you want to make again and again, whether for a casual lunch or a special gathering. Its delightful combination of flavors, creamy dressing, and colorful ingredients makes it truly special. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to salad!
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Cobb Egg Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cobb Egg Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic Cobb salad, combining hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, tangy blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a smooth and tangy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad is easy to prepare and serves six with vibrant ingredients for a visually appealing and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp. Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 8 hard-boiled eggs, cut into eight pieces, plus more for garnish
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus more for garnish
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, plus more for garnish
- 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, thoroughly stir together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and red wine vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, gently mix the hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, sliced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes. Be careful not to mash the ingredients so the salad retains its chunky texture and appealing appearance.
- Add the Dressing: Gradually fold the prepared mayonnaise and yogurt dressing into the salad mixture, adding just enough to lightly coat all ingredients. Reserve any extra dressing for serving if desired.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish generously with freshly chopped chives and top with extra eggs, bacon, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes for an attractive and appetizing finish.
Notes
- Hard-boil eggs ahead of time to save preparation time.
- Use room temperature eggs and avocado for better flavor blending.
- For a dairy-free version, omit blue cheese and substitute yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Reserve some bacon and cheese for garnish to enhance presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American