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Cobb salad is a classic American salad made with chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, onions and blue cheese served over a bed of lettuce greens. Cobb salad is not a typical “dieter’s choice” little skinny green salad – it’s a hearty main dish that will make anyone full! As you can see from the list of Cobb salad ingredients, Cobb salad makes a satisfying meal for even the biggest appetite!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Cobb Salad

Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is a perfect mix of savory chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese. The variety of flavors keeps this salad exciting and far from boring.
Satisfying and Filling: This is not your average light salad—it’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Visually Stunning: The layered presentation of this salad is a feast for the eyes and will impress anyone you serve it to.
Quick and Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in just 10 minutes.
Customizable for Any Taste: You can easily swap or add ingredients like turkey bacon, different cheeses, or your favorite dressing to make it your own.

Cobb Salad Ingredients List – Easy Acronym

For years I could never remember the Cobb salad ingredient list, until I came across the acronym that makes it so easy. All you have to remember is EAT COBB :)

E – Egg – Sliced for creaminess and additional protein.
A – Avocado – Brings rich, buttery texture and healthy fats to the mix.
T – Tomato – Juicy and slightly sweet for a refreshing pop of flavor.
C – Chicken – Provides hearty protein; rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
O – Onion – A mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
B – Bacon – Crispy and savory, it adds the perfect salty crunch.
B – Blue Cheese – Crumbled for a tangy, bold finish.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Now you’ll be able to recite the Cobb Salad recipe off the top of your head – just remember to EAT COBB :)

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Classic Cobb Salad

Knife – For chopping chicken, bacon, and vegetables with ease.
Cutting Board – A safe surface for all your chopping needs.
Mixing Bowl – Perfect for tossing the greens with dressing.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate quantities for all ingredients.
Serving Plates – Showcases the beautifully layered salad.

The Origin Of The Cobb Salad

Cobb salad was originally created in 1937 in the Hollywood restaurant Brown Derby by the owner named Robert Cobb. The story goes that Robert Cobb was looking for a snack in the restaurant’s kitchen, and grabbed whatever ingredients he could find: lettuce, hard-boiled egg, avocado, tomato, chicken, onion, bacon and blue cheese. He chopped the ingredients and mixed it to make himself a quick meal, and it tasted so good that he put it on the restaurant’s menu, and that’s how Cobb salad was born. And the rest, as they say, is history.

How To Make A Cobb Salad

Cobb salad is really delicious – I can eat it every week and never get tired of it! The most fun part of making and serving Cobb salad is the presentation. Layering the ingredients as shown on my photo is the easy way to impress! Layered salad just looks so much better than when everything is tossed into a mess. I always serve Cobb layered, and then people can toss it themselves by mixing it with the fork on their plate if they’d like.

First, toss the salad greens with the dressing and put on the plate. Then layer the ingredients in “stripes” on top of the lettuce: eggs, avocado, tomatoes, chicken, onions, bacon, blue cheese.

My favorite shortcut to making Cobb salad is to use the meat from a rotisserie chicken. I also always cook bacon in a microwave – this way it’s ready in just one minute! On my Cobb salad picture the bacon that I used was turkey bacon (in case you are wondering why it doesn’t look like regular bacon), but of course you can use regular bacon for the classic taste. If you don’t feel like boiling eggs, you can buy packaged boiled eggs in most supermarkets these days :) Or just follow my foolproof instructions for how to make hard-boiled eggs and how to peel eggs easily!

You can make Cobb salad with any bottled salad dressing you like – I like to use Ranch or Blue Cheese. Or you can make your own salad dressing from scratch by whisking 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil with 2 tsp vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Classic Cobb Salad with a warm piece of garlic bread or a buttery dinner roll for a complete meal.
Pair it with a light soup, such as tomato or chicken broth, for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Arrange the salad on a large platter for a buffet or party, allowing guests to serve themselves.
Drizzle extra dressing on the side for those who enjoy a little more flavor.
Enjoy it as a meal prep option by keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Tips For Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce, ripe avocados, and juicy tomatoes will make all the difference in flavor and presentation. Avoid wilted greens or overripe produce to keep the salad vibrant.
Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: Chop the chicken, cook the bacon, and boil the eggs in advance to save time when assembling the salad. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers until ready to use.
Customize Your Dressing: While Ranch and Blue Cheese dressings are classic options, you can experiment with vinaigrettes or a tangy honey mustard for a unique twist.
Layer for Presentation: Arranging the ingredients in rows or stripes not only looks beautiful but also allows everyone to see all the delicious components of the salad.
Avoid Soggy Greens: If you’re prepping in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the greens just before serving. This keeps the lettuce fresh and crisp.
Dietary Modifications: Substitute turkey bacon for a lower-fat option or opt for feta cheese if blue cheese isn’t your favorite. There’s plenty of room to tailor this salad to individual tastes.
Serving for a Crowd: Multiply the recipe as needed, and arrange it on a large platter for a family-style presentation.

Variations And Substitutions

Protein Options: Swap the chicken for turkey, grilled shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but grilled or roasted chicken adds a unique flavor.
Cheese Choices: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Bacon Alternatives: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option, or skip it altogether and add roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Greens Variety: While classic Cobb salad often uses iceberg or romaine, you can use mixed greens, spinach, or kale for a nutrient boost.
Dressing Upgrades: Ranch and Blue Cheese are traditional, but vinaigrettes, balsamic glaze, or even a light Caesar dressing can add a fresh twist.
Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly: Stick to low-carb vegetables and use a sugar-free dressing to keep the salad keto-friendly.
Add Extra Veggies: Cucumber slices, roasted bell peppers, or shredded carrots can bring more texture and flavor.

Storage And Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Cobb salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the ingredients separate prevents the greens from wilting and the other components from losing their texture.
Greens and Dressing: Store the greens and dressing separately to avoid sogginess. Toss them together only when ready to serve.
Eggs and Avocado: Hard-boiled eggs can be stored peeled or unpeeled for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Avocado is best added fresh, but you can drizzle lemon or lime juice over chopped avocado to keep it from browning if storing for a short time.
Reheating Bacon: If using regular or turkey bacon, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to restore crispiness before adding it to the salad.
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the salad up to a few hours before serving but hold off on adding the dressing and avocado until just before eating for optimal freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Cobb salad different from other salads?

Cobb salad is unique because of its hearty ingredients and layered presentation. Unlike many green salads, it includes protein-rich elements like chicken, bacon, and eggs, making it substantial enough for a main course.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken and bacon with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. The variety of vegetables and cheese ensures the salad remains flavorful and satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep the greens fresh?

To keep greens fresh, wash and dry them thoroughly before storing them in the refrigerator. Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels, then store in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

How can I make this salad low-carb?

This salad is naturally low in carbs, but you can keep it even lower by ensuring the dressing is sugar-free. Adding more low-carb veggies, like cucumbers or peppers, and avoiding starchy additions keeps it keto-friendly.

Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Yes! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before layering it into the salad.

What dressing pairs best with Cobb salad?

Classic options include Ranch or Blue Cheese dressing, but vinaigrettes or even a tangy balsamic glaze can add a fresh twist. Choose your favorite to customize the flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and vibrant presentation.

Other Easy Salad Recipes

Greek Yogurt Apple Raisin Salad: A creamy and refreshing mix of crisp apples, sweet raisins, and tangy Greek yogurt for a healthy, satisfying snack or side.

Chickpea Cucumber Salad Bowl: A protein-packed, crunchy salad featuring chickpeas, fresh cucumbers, and a zesty dressing.

Marshmallow Fruit Salad (5 Cup Recipe): A fun and nostalgic blend of fruit, marshmallows, and creamy goodness in every bite.

Kani Salad with Spicy Mayo: A Japanese-inspired salad with imitation crab, crunchy veggies, and a kick of spicy mayo.

Avocado Shrimp Egg Salad: A rich and creamy salad combining shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, and avocado for a filling meal.

Apple Carrot Slaw: A vibrant, sweet, and tangy slaw with shredded carrots and apples in a light dressing.

Mason Jar Greek Chicken Salad Meal Prep: A convenient and flavorful meal prep recipe layering Greek salad ingredients and grilled chicken in mason jars.

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