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This Strawberry Cobb Salad transforms the classic into a vibrant summer meal with juicy strawberries adding unexpected sweetness to savory bacon, creamy avocado, and tender chicken. The homemade mustard vinaigrette brings everything together with its tangy punch, making this a perfect light dinner for warm evenings.
I first created this salad when strawberries were overflowing at our farmers market last summer. What started as a way to use extra berries quickly became our favorite warm weather dinner, especially when we entertain on the patio.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy enough to hold up to heavier toppings while providing the perfect fresh base
- Hardboiled eggs: Adding protein and rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with the tart dressing
- Ripe avocados: For buttery richness look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Bacon: Providing that irresistible smoky crunch use quality thick cut for better texture
- Red onion: Adding sharp contrast and beautiful color soak in ice water for 5 minutes to mellow if desired
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient bringing unexpected sweetness choose ripe berries with deep red color
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breast meat
- Whole grain mustard: Creates texture and visual appeal in the dressing with tiny mustard seeds
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dressing far superior to bottled varieties
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one since this flavor shines through in the dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Base:
- Wash and chop all vegetables and arrange in a large serving bowl. Take time to properly dry the romaine after washing as this ensures the dressing adheres better to the leaves rather than sliding off wet surfaces. Arrange ingredients in sections for visual appeal.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Whether pan frying or grilling, the key is not to rush the cooking process. Medium heat allows the chicken thighs to cook through while developing golden brown exterior without burning. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Make the Dressing:
- The emulsification technique is crucial here. Start by thoroughly combining all acidic ingredients before slowly drizzling in the olive oil while whisking constantly. This creates a temporarily stable mixture where the oil is suspended in tiny droplets throughout the dressing rather than separating.
- Assemble and Serve:
- For family style presentation, gently toss everything together just before serving. For more formal occasions, arrange components separately on a platter allowing guests to build their own salads according to preference. The dressing can be drizzled over top or served on the side.
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The whole grain mustard is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it years ago when trying to recreate a dressing from a bistro in France. The tiny popping seeds provide unexpected texture and visual interest that elevates this from ordinary salad to something truly special.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad works beautifully for meal prep when components are stored separately. Cook chicken and bacon up to three days ahead and refrigerate. Hard boil eggs up to five days in advance. Wash and dry lettuce then store with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Prepare dressing up to a week ahead and store in a jar in the refrigerator just shake well before using. Wait to cut avocados and strawberries until shortly before serving to prevent browning and softening.
Perfect Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Spinach or mixed greens can replace romaine. Grilled salmon or steak works beautifully instead of chicken. Blue cheese or feta adds interesting flavor dimensions. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken and bacon with roasted chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika for a similar savory quality. Any seasonal berries can replace strawberries blueberries and blackberries are particularly good alternatives.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a complete meal or alongside grilled bread brushed with olive oil. For entertaining, pair with a chilled rosé or sparkling water with muddled berries. A light soup like chilled cucumber makes a lovely starter if serving this for guests. For dessert, continue the strawberry theme with simple berries and whipped cream to complete the meal without overwhelming the fresh flavors of the salad.
Cultural Context
The Cobb salad has a fascinating history dating back to 1937 at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant. Owner Bob Cobb reportedly created it as a late night meal from leftovers in the kitchen. The traditional version features chicken, bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes, and hard boiled eggs over lettuce. This strawberry variation maintains the hearty protein elements while offering a seasonally inspired twist. The addition of fruit to salads has become increasingly popular as chefs explore the sweet savory balance that appeals to contemporary palates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Make the dressing ahead and shake well before using.
- → What can I substitute for chicken in this salad?
Grilled salmon, shrimp, or tofu make excellent protein alternatives. For a vegetarian version, double the avocado and eggs or add chickpeas for protein.
- → How do I perfectly cook hardboiled eggs?
Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan, cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 9-12 minutes (9 for medium eggs, 12 for large). Transfer to an ice bath immediately to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
- → Is there a dairy-free dressing alternative?
The mustard vinaigrette in this recipe is naturally dairy-free. It uses olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and garlic for a flavorful dressing without any dairy ingredients.
- → What's the best way to store leftover salad?
Store dressed salad separately from undressed components. Keep dressed greens for no more than a day. Store other components separately for up to 3 days. Sliced avocado should be sprinkled with lemon juice and stored in an airtight container to prevent browning.
- → Can I use different berries in this salad?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries work beautifully in place of or alongside strawberries. Each berry will bring its own unique flavor profile to complement the savory elements.