Clara Bennett – Page 28 – tasteandtome.com

Think a Cobb salad is boring or fussy to make? You’ll find it’s anything but — simple prep, bold flavors, and endless swaps let you tailor it fast. I’ll walk you through classics and playful twists, from grilled chicken and bacon to shrimp with mango, plus keto and party-sized mini cups, so you can pick the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next meal. Classic Cobb Salad With Creamy Red Wine Vinaigrette Classic Cobb Salad With Creamy Red Wine Vinaigrette — a colorful, crunchy lunch that feels like a restaurant meal at home. Ingredients: 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, butter, and/or iceberg), torn 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 avocado, diced 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta) 1/2 cup cucumber, diced 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Creamy Red Wine Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for creaminess) 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance) Salt and pepper, to taste How to Make: Prepare the dressing: in a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and honey. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened; season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter or in a big bowl as the base. Neatly arrange rows or sections of chicken, bacon, eggs, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese over the greens. Lightly season the salad with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Drizzle the creamy red wine vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for guests to add. Toss gently if serving mixed, or let diners assemble bites from the arranged rows for a classic presentation. Enjoy this vibrant Cobb salad — it’s satisfying, fresh, and perfect for sharing! Grilled Chicken and Bacon Cobb Salad A smoky, crunchy Grilled Chicken and Bacon Cobb that’s hearty enough for dinner but fresh enough for lunch. Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 6 slices bacon 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, butter, or mixed) 1 avocado, sliced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (optional) 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved or sliced 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken) Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or garlic powder (optional, for chicken) Juice of 1 lemon or 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (for dressing) 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for dressing) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for dressing) 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for dressing) How to Make: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry, rub with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika or garlic powder if using. Grill the chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice. While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-size pieces. Make the dressing: whisk lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon, honey (if using), and salt and pepper; slowly whisk in the 3 tablespoons olive oil until emulsified. Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter or divide among plates. Neatly row the sliced grilled chicken, chopped bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber (if using), and hard-boiled eggs over the greens. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top and season with a little extra black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they like. Enjoy a crunchy, smoky bite in every forkful — perfect for a satisfying meal any time! Turkey and Avocado Cobb Salad Bright, creamy turkey-and-avocado Cobb that’s ready in minutes. Ingredients: 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, butter lettuce, baby spinach) 8 oz cooked turkey breast, diced or shredded 1 large ripe avocado, diced 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered 6 cherry tomatoes, halved 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional) 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen), optional 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Simple Lemon-Dijon Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup Salt and pepper to taste How to Make: Wash and dry the salad greens, then spread them evenly on a large platter or in a bowl. Arrange turkey, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, bacon (if using), blue cheese, red onion, and corn in rows or sections over the greens. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the top and season with a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Toss lightly at the table or serve assembled so everyone can take a bit of everything. Dig in and enjoy a bright, satisfying Cobb that’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor! Shrimp and Mango Cobb Salad Bright, tropical flavors meet classic crunch in this Shrimp and Mango Cobb Salad. Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, butter lettuce, arugula) 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered 1 avocado, sliced 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup cucumber, diced 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional) 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking shrimp) Salt and black pepper, to taste Lime wedges, for serving For the dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime) 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste How to Make: Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter or in a bowl as the base. Neatly arrange shrimp, diced mango, bacon, eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cheese in rows or clusters over the greens. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and squeeze lime wedges over the top if desired. Toss gently on individual plates or leave arranged for guests to serve themselves. Enjoy the bright, sweet-and-savory bite of this shrimp and mango Cobb! BLT Cobb Salad With Tangy Ranch A fresh, crunchy BLT twist on the classic Cobb with a tangy ranch kick. Ingredients: 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, and baby greens) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (optional for extra protein) 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered 1 ripe avocado, diced 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 cup croutons or toasted bread cubes 1/3 cup tangy ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade) 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish) Salt and black pepper, to taste Lemon wedge (optional, to brighten avocado) How to Make: Cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken, dice warmed or cold cooked chicken into cubes. Arrange mixed greens on a large platter or in a salad bowl as the base. Neatly arrange cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, shredded cheese, and red onion in rows or sections over the greens. Scatter croutons on top and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle tangy ranch dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and squeeze a little lemon over the avocado if using. Toss briefly at the table or let guests serve themselves to keep textures crisp. Dig in and enjoy a crunchy, creamy BLT Cobb with a zippy ranch finish! Steak and Blue Cheese Cobb Salad Steak and Blue Cheese Cobb Salad — bold, savory, and crunchy all in one forkful. Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak 1 tbsp olive oil (for steak) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (or a mix of romaine and butter lettuce) 2 cups mixed salad greens 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled 2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced 1 avocado, sliced 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped (optional) For the dressing: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp honey (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste How to Make: Pat the steak dry, rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet or grill over high heat until very hot. Cook the steak 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust time for thickness), then remove and let rest 5–10 minutes. While steak rests, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, minced garlic, honey (if using), and salt and pepper to make the dressing. Arrange chopped romaine and mixed greens on a large platter or divide among plates. Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Top the greens in rows or groups with sliced steak, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, hard-boiled egg quarters, red onion, and blue cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve on the side. Scatter chopped chives or green onions over the top if you like a fresh onion hit. Dig in and enjoy the rich, tangy, and satisfying flavors of this Steak and Blue Cheese Cobb Salad! Veggie Cobb Salad With Crispy Chickpeas Veggie Cobb Salad With Crispy Chickpeas — a crunchy, colorful twist on a classic that’s hearty, healthy, and full of flavor. Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry 1 tbsp olive oil (for chickpeas) 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp garlic powder Salt and black pepper, to taste 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, butter, spring mix) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 medium cucumber, diced 1 ripe avocado, sliced 1/2 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen) 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered (optional for extra protein) 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional) 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives Simple Lemon-Tahini Dressing: 3 tbsp tahini 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp maple syrup or honey 2-3 tbsp warm water (to thin) Salt and pepper, to taste How to Make: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the dried chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread chickpeas in a single layer and roast 20–25 minutes, shaking once, until crispy. Let cool slightly. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and warm water until smooth; season with salt and pepper and adjust thickness with more water if needed. Arrange mixed greens on a large platter or in a bowl as the base. Neatly row or scatter the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, shredded carrots, corn, and red onion over the greens. Add quartered eggs and sprinkle crumbled cheese and chopped herbs over the top, if using. Scatter the crispy chickpeas over the salad just before serving so they stay crunchy. Drizzle the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad or serve on the side for guests to add their own. Toss gently or let everyone help themselves and enjoy the mix of textures and flavors. Serve this Veggie Cobb right away for maximum crunch — it’s bright, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner! Salmon and Dill Cobb Salad A bright, elegant Cobb salad with tender salmon and fresh dill—light enough for lunch, fancy enough for guests. Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (about 6–8 oz each) Salt and black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, butter lettuce, arugula mix) 2 hard‑boiled eggs, peeled and quartered 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced 8 cherry tomatoes, halved 4 strips cooked bacon, chopped 1/2 cup cucumber, diced 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 2 tbsp capers (optional) 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish) 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese Dill‑Lemon Dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh) 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste How to Make: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until just cooked through; remove and let rest 2 minutes, then flake or slice. While salmon cooks, whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl; taste and adjust seasoning. On a large platter or individual plates, arrange mixed greens as the base. Neatly arrange eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bacon, red onion, and capers in rows or clusters over the greens. Place salmon pieces on top of the salad. Sprinkle chopped dill and crumbled cheese over everything. Drizzle dressing evenly over the salad, or serve on the side. Finish with an extra pinch of dill and a grind of black pepper. Enjoy a forkful of bright, creamy, and savory bites—this Salmon and Dill Cobb is a winner every time! BBQ Pulled Pork Cobb Salad A smoky, tangy twist on a classic Cobb—BBQ pulled pork adds bold flavor and hearty protein to this crisp, colorful salad. Ingredients: 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, or your favorite mix) 1 cup shredded BBQ pulled pork (leftover or store-bought) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or thawed frozen) 1/2 avocado, sliced 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped red onion 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional) 1/3 cup BBQ ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade) Salt and black pepper to taste Lime or lemon wedge for serving (optional) How to Make: Warm the pulled pork if chilled: microwave for 30–60 seconds or heat briefly in a skillet until heated through. Toss the mixed greens lightly with a tablespoon or two of the BBQ ranch dressing so leaves are just coated. Arrange the dressed greens on a large platter or individual plates. Pile the warm pulled pork down the center or in a mound on one side of the greens. Neatly arrange cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado slices, egg quarters, crumbled cheese, bacon, and red onion in rows or clusters around the pork for the classic Cobb look. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top if using, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining BBQ ranch dressing over the salad, or serve extra on the side. Squeeze a little lime or lemon over the avocado for brightness if you like. Dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, crunchy, and tangy in every forkful! Mediterranean Cobb Salad With Feta and Olives Bright, tangy Mediterranean flavors meet the classic Cobb in this feta-and-olive-packed salad. Ingredients: 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, or spring mix) 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 2 small breasts) 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup English cucumber, diced 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered or sliced 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional) Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish (optional) For the dressing: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste How to Make: Prep the ingredients: wash and dry the greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the onion, and crumble the feta. If not already cooked, poach, grill, or pan-sear chicken breasts, then cool and dice or shred them. Make the dressing: whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or shake in a jar until emulsified. Arrange the greens on a large platter or divide among plates as the base. Neatly arrange chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, eggs, and red onion in rows or clusters over the greens for the classic Cobb look. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or almonds and chopped parsley or oregano over the salad if using. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for people to add as they like. Toss lightly at the table or let guests serve themselves from the platter. Enjoy a bright, satisfying Mediterranean twist on the Cobb—every bite is savory, tangy, and delightfully crunchy! Spicy Cajun Chicken Cobb Salad A bold, spicy twist on the classic Cobb—smoky Cajun chicken brings heat and flavor to crisp veggies and creamy dressing. Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade) 1 tbsp olive oil 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, or mixed baby greens) 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or quartered 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 ripe avocado, sliced 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled (or feta if preferred) 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels (fresh or thawed frozen) 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional) Salt and pepper to taste For the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp honey or to taste 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra kick) Salt and pepper to taste How to Make: Pat chicken dry and rub both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning and a little salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice. While chicken cooks, arrange mixed greens on a large platter or in bowls. Neatly layer or scatter sliced chicken, hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, corn, and red onion over the greens. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, optional 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper until emulsified. Taste dressing and adjust seasoning or sweetness as needed. Drizzle dressing over the assembled salad or serve on the side. Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top if using, and give the salad a gentle toss just before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, crunchy, creamy harmony—this Cajun Cobb is a flavor-packed meal all on its own! Whole30-Friendly Cobb Salad Keto-Friendly Cobb Salad Bowl Bright, hearty, and low-carb — a Keto-Friendly Cobb Salad Bowl that keeps you satisfied without the carbs. Ingredients: 4 cups mixed leafy greens (romaine, butter lettuce, and spinach) 6 oz cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded 3 large eggs, hard-boiled and quartered 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled 1 ripe avocado, diced 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for stricter keto, reduce or omit) 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta 2 tbsp chopped chives or green onion 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Lemon wedge (optional) How to Make: Start by arranging the mixed leafy greens in a large bowl or on a platter as the salad base. Evenly distribute the diced chicken, quartered eggs, crumbled bacon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes over the greens in neat rows or clusters. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives on top. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper until emulsified. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve on the side for people to add themselves. Give everything a gentle toss if you like mixed bites, or let diners serve themselves from the composed bowl. Squeeze a little lemon over the avocado if desired and adjust seasoning to taste. Enjoy this creamy, crunchy, and protein-packed Cobb — keto-friendly and totally satisfying! Mini Cobb Salad Cups for Parties Ingredients: 12 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves (washed and patted dry) 12 mini phyllo or wonton cups (store-bought, about 1 1/2–2 inches) 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely diced 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 1/2 cup cooked bacon, finely crumbled 1/2 cup hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives 1/4 cup avocado, diced (optional) 1/3 cup creamy ranch or red-wine vinaigrette for drizzling or serving Fresh ground black pepper, to taste How to Make: Set out the mini phyllo or wonton cups on a serving platter. Place a small lettuce leaf inside each cup to create a crisp base. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of diced chicken into each cup as the first layer. Add a pinch of quartered cherry tomato on top of the chicken. Sprinkle a small amount of crumbled bacon into each cup. Top with a little chopped hard-boiled egg and a few crumbles of blue cheese. If using, add a tiny cube of avocado and a few snips of green onion to each cup. Drizzle a small amount of ranch or vinaigrette over each assembled cup, or serve dressing on the side. Finish with a crack of fresh black pepper and a quick visual check to balance colors. Serve immediately so cups stay crisp and enjoy the party-ready bites. These mini Cobb cups are crunchy, creamy, and totally irresistible — perfect for grazing and impressing guests.