If you’re looking for a fresh, filling, and flavor-packed salad, a Cobb salad might just become your new favorite. This classic American dish isn’t just another bowl of greens — it’s a beautiful, satisfying combination of protein, healthy fats, and crisp vegetables that turns a simple salad into a complete meal.
In this post, we’ll walk you through an easy Cobb salad recipe that you can whip up at home, plus tips for the best homemade dressing and ingredient swaps if you’re looking to keep it healthy or vegetarian.
What Is a Cobb Salad?
The Cobb salad was invented in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. It’s traditionally made with chopped greens, crispy bacon, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocado, and blue cheese, all arranged beautifully in rows.
Unlike tossed salads, Cobb salad is typically layered, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cobb Salad Recipe
- High in protein and nutrients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Customizable and family-friendly
- Naturally gluten-free
- Works great as a healthy lunch idea or light dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into a classic Cobb salad. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences!
For the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce (or a mix of greens)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (or feta if preferred)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Homemade Dressing:
This simple Cobb salad dressing is tangy and complements the ingredients perfectly.
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cobb Salad at Home
Step 1: Cook your proteins.
Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through, and let it rest before slicing. Fry the bacon until crispy and boil the eggs to your liking (usually 9–10 minutes for a firm yolk).
Step 2: Prep your veggies.
Wash and chop the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado, and crumble the cheese.
Step 3: Make the dressing.
In a bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic, olive oil, and seasoning until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the salad.
Lay the chopped lettuce as a base. Then, arrange your toppings in rows: chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and onions if using.
Step 5: Drizzle and serve.
Drizzle the dressing on top or serve it on the side. Enjoy immediately!
Variations and Healthy Swaps
Looking to make your Cobb salad healthier or vegetarian? Here are a few easy ideas:
- Vegetarian Cobb Salad: Swap the chicken and bacon with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely.
- Low-fat: Use grilled turkey bacon or skip bacon for a lighter version.
- Low-carb/Keto Cobb Salad: Just reduce the tomatoes and skip the onion.
Tips for the Best Cobb Salad
- Use freshly cooked ingredients for the best taste and texture.
- Meal prep friendly: Store the toppings separately and assemble just before eating.
- Double the dressing and keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving it at a lunch gathering, packing it for a workday meal, or enjoying it for a light dinner, this homemade Cobb salad recipe is a must-try. With its perfect balance of protein, veggies, and creamy dressing, it’s a healthy and delicious meal that satisfies every time.