original cobb salad

Renton, WA
Updated on Jun 3, 2015

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.)

prep time 20 Min
cook time
method No-Cook or Other
yield 4 to 6

Ingredients

  • COBB SALAD
  • 1/2 head - finely chopped iceberg lettuce, chilled
  • 1/2 bunch finely chopped watercress, chilled
  • 1 small bunch chicory, finely chopped
  • 1/2 head - very finely chopped romaine lettuce, chilled
  • 8 ounces chopped roast chicken or roast turkey (depending on what story you believe and/or on the whims of the home chef)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
  • 1 large avocado, finely diced
  • 6 - strips of bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
  • 3 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • 1/2 cup finely grated roquefort cheese
  • BROWN DERBY OLD-FASHIONED FRENCH DRESSING
  • 1/4 cup - water
  • 1/4 cup - red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 teaspoon 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

  • Step 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.
  • Step 2
    SALAD: Toss the greens together, and place on a platter.
  • Step 3
    Arrange the chicken, tomatoes, and avocado over the top of the greens.
  • Step 4
    Sprinkle the bacon, eggs, chives and cheese on top.
  • Step 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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