Refreshing Summer Cobb Salad with Brown Derby Dressing
This vibrant and flavorful Summer Cobb Salad, inspired by the delightful dish I tasted on my honeymoon, combines a medley of fresh greens and savory ingredients, all finely chopped for a delightful bite. Topped with the iconic Brown Derby Dressing, each component complements the others beautifully, making it a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal. Ideal for the hottest summer days, this salad can stand alone or be served alongside your favorite crusty bread. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for both casual lunches or elegant dinners. The meticulous preparation and presentation of this salad create an equally delicious and visually appealing dish.
N/A
Servings
420
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Iceberg lettuce
1/2 head (finely chopped)
Watercress
1/2 bunch (finely chopped)
Chicory lettuce
1 bunch (finely chopped)
Romaine lettuce
1/2 head (finely chopped)
Tomatoes
2 medium (skinned, seeded, and finely chopped)
Smoked turkey breast
1/2 lb (finely diced)
Crisp bacon
6 slices (crispy and finely diced)
Avocado
1 (sliced in half, seeded, peeled, and finely diced)
Hardboiled eggs
3 (finely diced)
Chives
2 tablespoons (chopped fine)
Blue cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Water
2 tablespoons (none)
Sugar
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced very fine)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing and drying all the greens. Chop the iceberg lettuce, watercress, chicory, and romaine into very fine pieces, nearly minced, and set aside in a large bowl.
2
Prepare the tomatoes by cutting them in half, seeding them, and finely chopping them. Set aside with the greens.
3
Next, finely dice the smoked turkey breast, avocado, hardboiled eggs, and crispy bacon. Each ingredient should be roughly the same small size for uniformity in texture and flavor.
4
In a chilled salad bowl, arrange the minced greens in a base layer. On top, layer the diced tomatoes, turkey, avocado, eggs, bacon, and crumbled blue cheese in visually striking rows.
5
Sprinkle the chopped chives over the salad for an added touch of flavor and garnishing.
6
Combine all dressing ingredients except olive oil in a blender and blend until smooth. With the blender running, slowly add the olive oil and continue blending until emulsified.
7
To serve, present the salad to your guests in its arranged state, then drizzle the dressing just before serving. Toss lightly for an even coating and serve in chilled bowls.
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
15g
Carbs
31.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Summer Cobb Salad with Brown Derby Dressing?
It is a vibrant and flavorful salad inspired by a classic dish, featuring finely chopped greens and savory ingredients topped with an iconic emulsified dressing.
How long does it take to prepare this Cobb salad?
This recipe is quick to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
What types of lettuce are used in the base?
The salad uses a mix of iceberg lettuce, watercress, chicory lettuce, and romaine lettuce.
What are the primary proteins in this recipe?
The primary proteins are smoked turkey breast, crispy bacon, and hardboiled eggs.
What kind of dressing is served with this salad?
It is served with a homemade Brown Derby Dressing made with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
How should the vegetables be prepared for this salad?
All greens and vegetables should be finely chopped or minced to ensure a delightful, uniform bite.
How many calories are in a serving of this Cobb salad?
Each serving contains approximately 420 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
The salad provides 31.5g of protein per serving.
What are the nutritional facts for fat and carbohydrates?
The salad contains 28g of fat and 15g of carbohydrates.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for the salad?
The tomatoes should be skinned, seeded, and finely chopped.
What is the secret to a good Brown Derby Dressing?
The secret is to blend the base ingredients first and then slowly add the olive oil while the blender is running to create an emulsion.
How should the salad be presented?
The ingredients should be arranged in visually striking rows on top of a bed of minced greens.
When should I add the dressing?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Is there garlic in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 2 cloves of garlic, minced very fine.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 3 hardboiled eggs, finely diced.
What makes this salad a good summer meal?
Its fresh ingredients and chilled presentation make it light yet satisfying for the hottest summer days.
Can I serve this with anything else?
Yes, it is excellent served alongside your favorite crusty bread.
What type of turkey should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 lb of smoked turkey breast.
How much bacon is needed?
You will need 6 slices of crisp bacon, finely diced.
What is the purpose of the watercress and chicory?
They add unique textures and a slightly peppery or bitter flavor profile to the mixed greens base.
Is there any sugar in the dressing?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the flavors in the dressing.
How is the avocado prepared?
The avocado is seeded, peeled, and finely diced.
What garnish is used for this salad?
Two tablespoons of finely chopped chives are sprinkled over the top for flavor and garnish.
What equipment do I need for the dressing?
A blender is required to properly emulsify the dressing ingredients.
Should the salad bowls be prepped in any specific way?
Yes, using chilled salad bowls is recommended for the best refreshing experience.
How many types of lettuce are included?
There are four types: iceberg, watercress, chicory, and romaine.
Does the dressing contain mustard?
Yes, it includes 1/8 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 21 ingredients in total, including those for the salad and the dressing.