Recipe: Cobb Salad

This recipe is from the June 2002 issue of Gourmet.

Cobb Salad Dressing

• 3 tbsp red-wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Cobb Salad Ingredients

• 3 (1 1/4 pounds) skinless boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 California avocados
• 1 head (8 cups) romaine, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide slices
• 6 bacon slices, cooked until crisp, drained, and finely chopped
• 3 (3/4 pound) medium tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 to 3 oz (1/2 to 3/4 cup) Roquefort, crumbled
• 2 bunches watercress, coarse stems discarded
• 2 hard-boiled large eggs, halved and forced through a coarse sieve
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives

Cobb Salad Dressing Directions

Whisk together all dressing ingredients except oil in a bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.

Cobb Salad Directions

Bring 5 cups water to a simmer in a 2-quart saucepan, then simmer chicken, uncovered, 6 minutes. Remove pan from heat and cover, then let stand until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and cool completely. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

Halve, pit, and peel avocados, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

Spread romaine over bottom of a 6- to 8-quart glass bowl and top with an even layer of chicken. Sprinkle bacon over chicken, then continue layering with tomatoes, cheese (to taste), avocados, watercress, eggs, and chives.

Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss.

Dressing can be made and salad assembled 1 hour ahead and chilled separately, covered.

Suggested Wine Pairings

Gray Monk 2010 Pinot Auxerrois

Mount Riley 2009 Pinot Noir