A Cobb salad is already a meal in itself—hearty, colorful, and packed with proteins and veggies. But when you add smoky, tender barbecue pork, it takes this classic dish to an entirely new level. This version blends the best of two worlds: the freshness of a crisp salad and the bold, savory-sweet flavors of slow-cooked pork. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or when you want something light but still satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork (tossed in barbecue sauce)
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or a mix of romaine and spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup sweet corn kernels (grilled or canned)
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or cheddar if preferred)
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- Extra barbecue sauce, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Prepare the pork:
If you already have leftover pulled pork, simply reheat it in a skillet with a few tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce until warm. If making fresh, slow-cooked or smoked pork shoulder works best for that authentic, tender bite. - Cook the bacon and eggs:
Fry the bacon until crisp, then crumble once cooled. For the eggs, boil for 10–12 minutes, then cool, peel, and slice. These add classic Cobb salad richness. - Assemble the greens and toppings:
On a large platter or in a wide bowl, spread the romaine lettuce as the base. Arrange the toppings in neat rows across the top: barbecue pork, cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, black beans, sliced eggs, bacon crumbles, and onions. Scatter the blue cheese over everything for that bold tangy kick. - Dress and finish:
Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad, then lightly drizzle some extra barbecue sauce over the pork to enhance its smoky sweetness. Toss gently if you prefer everything mixed, or leave it arranged beautifully for presentation.
Serving:
Serve this salad as a hearty main dish. It pairs well with cornbread, grilled vegetables, or a tall glass of iced tea. Each bite balances freshness with smoky richness, making it both light and indulgent at the same time.