original cobb salad

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Vickie Parks
Renton, WA

Robert H. Cobb and Herbert Somborn (former husband of film star Gloria Swanson) opened the iconic hat-shaped Brown Derby Restaurant on Wilshire Blvd in the 1920s. (It later closed Sep 1980). More branches eventually opened in other parts of Los Angeles. The one at 1628 North Vine Street in Hollywood is arguably the most well-known because it was close to all the movie studios and was frequented by famous movie stars, which made 'the Derby' a Hollywood landmark. One of the most popular menu items was the famous Cobb Salad which was said to be THE dish to order. (It sadly closed April 3, 1985.)

(1 rating)
yield 4 to 6
prep time 20 Min
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For original cobb salad

  • COBB SALAD
  • 1/2 head
    finely chopped iceberg lettuce, chilled
  • 1/2 bunch
    finely chopped watercress, chilled
  • 1 sm
    bunch chicory, finely chopped
  • 1/2 head
    very finely chopped romaine lettuce, chilled
  • 8 oz
    chopped roast chicken or roast turkey (depending on what story you believe and/or on the whims of the home chef)
  • 2 md
    tomatoes, finely diced
  • 1 lg
    avocado, finely diced
  • 6
    strips of bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
  • 3 lg
    hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp
    chopped chives
  • 1/2 c
    finely grated roquefort cheese
  • BROWN DERBY OLD-FASHIONED FRENCH DRESSING
  • 1/4 cup
    water
  • 1/4 cup
    red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp
    sugar
  • 1/2 tsp
    freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp
    worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 tsp
    english mustard (or dry mustard)
  • 1 clove
    garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup
    olive oil
  • 3/4 cup
    'salad' oil (such as vegetable oil or canola oil or corn oil or other neutral oil)

How To Make original cobb salad

  • 1
    DRESSING: Blend all of the French Dressing ingredients together (except the oils). Add the olive oil and salad oil, and mix well. Chill well until ready to serve the salad.
  • 2
    SALAD: Toss the greens together, and place on a platter.
  • 3
    Arrange the chicken, tomatoes, and avocado over the top of the greens.
  • 4
    Sprinkle the bacon, eggs, chives and cheese on top.
  • 5
    The Brown Derby Cobb Salad was arranged in an attractive pattern for presentation when it was served. And the salad was then gently tossed at the table (with the Brown Derby Old-Fashioned French Dressing) when it was served.
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