California Cobb Salad

 A California Cobb Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish filled with fresh vegetables, protein, and creamy dressing. It’s a classic American salad with a West Coast twist, often incorporating healthy ingredients like avocado. Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

2 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or butter lettuce)

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or roasted)

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled

1 hard-boiled egg, sliced

1/4 cup cucumber, sliced (optional)

1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and crumble the bacon, grill or roast the chicken, and slice the avocado, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and radishes. Slice the hard-boiled egg.

2. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the mixed greens as the base.

3. Layer the Salad: Neatly arrange rows of chicken, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese, egg, and any other toppings you like over the greens.

4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.

5. Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving or serve on the side. Toss lightly if you prefer.

This salad is rich in flavor and texture, with creamy avocado, crispy bacon, savory blue cheese, and tender chicken. You can adjust the ingredients based on preferences or availability, adding extra veggies or even swapping the dressing for ranch or a vinaigrette.