Classic Cobb Salad

· · · · · ·

This Classic Cobb Salad recipe loaded with so much more than just lettuce – it’s got blue cheese, bacon, avocado, eggs, chicken, and onion. I love this classic cobb salad recipe, and you will too!

White bowl filled with cobb salad, layered with chicken, bacon, red onion, blue cheese, hard boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes on a blue and white striped napkin.

NOTE: This post contains some links to Amazon, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase from Amazon at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!

The Classic Cobb Salad is one of my all-time favourite salads. It’s the perfect hearty salad recipe for dinner because it’s loaded with so much more than just lettuce – it’s got blue cheese, bacon, avocado, eggs, chicken, and onion. With a traditional cobb salad dressing, I love this classic cobb salad recipe, and you will too!

DON’T LOSE THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE, PIN IT FOR LATER!

Classic Cobb Salad - This Classic Cobb Salad recipe loaded with so much more than just lettuce - it's got blue cheese, bacon, avocado, eggs, chicken, and onion. I love this classic cobb salad recipe, and you will too!

Why I love this hearty Cobb Salad recipe

The original cobb salad was first made by Bob Cobb who was the owner of the Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood, California in the 1930s. It is rumoured that the salad was mixed together using the leftovers he found in the kitchen, along with some bacon cooked by the line cook, tossed together with their French dressing. I love this salad because to this day it’s still a great way to use leftovers.

↑ Back to top.

RELATED: Layered Cobb Salad Trifle

White bowl filled with cobb salad, layered with chicken, bacon, red onion, blue cheese, hard boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes on a blue and white striped napkin.

What do you need to make a Cobb Salad?

To make the cobb salad you will need:

  • Chopped romaine lettuce
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Grilled chicken breasts
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Bacon slices
  • Avocado
Overhead photo of the ingredients needed for cobb salad: Chopped romaine lettuce, hard boiled eggs, grilled chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bacon slices, and avocado.

To make a traditional cobb salad dressing from scratch you will need:

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Garlic
  • Salt & Pepper
Ingredients for a classic cobb salad dressing in little bowls: Extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, salt and pepper.

↑ Back to top.

How to make a Classic Cobb Salad

This hearty salad comes together easily in three simple steps:

Step 1 Mix: mix together cobb salad ingredients in a large bowl. You can top the lettuce with other ingredients displayed on top, or toss to combine. 

Step 2 Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and garlic until well combined. 

Step 3 Serve: Pour dressing over salad, or serve dressing on the side. 

Fork with lettuce, chicken and red onion with a hearty classic cobb salad in the background.

Make this Classic Cobb Salad recipe, then check out my Montreal Steak Salad with Pears, Cranberries and Honey Mustard Dressing, Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad, and Classic Waldorf Salad and more of my healthy salad dressing recipes.  

↑ Back to top.

TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, and how to avoid making it a disaster.

Is cobb salad a hearty salad?

Yes, Cobb salad is generally considered a hearty salad. It is a substantial salad that typically contains a variety of ingredients, including lettuce, grilled or roasted chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cheese (often blue cheese), and sometimes additional components like corn, cucumber, or red onion. The combination of these ingredients, along with a rich dressing like blue cheese or ranch, contributes to its heartiness. Cobb salad is often enjoyed as a main course due to its satisfying and filling nature.

Time saving salad making tips

PRO TIP

Pat lettuce with paper towels after you wash it. No one likes a soggy salad.

↑ Back to top.

Cobb Salad substitutions

You can make this classic cobb salad your own version by adding red onion and cucumber, or make it a Southwestern Cobb salads with corn and black beans. You can substitute ham and turkey, shrimp, or crab in place of the grilled chicken. Or add some fresh herbs, like chopped chives or parsley. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit!

How long does Cobb Salad last?

Like most salads, don’t leave Chicken Cobb Salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Store cobb salad in air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will stay the freshest without the dressing on it.

↑ Back to top.

White bowl filled with cobb salad, layered with chicken, bacon, red onion, blue cheese, hard boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes on a blue and white striped napkin.

Other classic salad recipes to try

  • Classic Waldorf Salad – This Classic Waldorf Salad is full of fresh, crispy, apples, celery, grapes and walnuts with a creamy mayonnaise dressing served over a bed of lettuce.
  • Classic Deviled Ham Salad – This classic homemade ham salad recipe using leftover ham and hard boiled eggs can be served so many ways and makes a great lunch. Use it to top salads, on its own, or as deviled ham spread on bread. 

↑ Back to top.

Classic Cob Salad Square Featured Photo - This Classic Cobb Salad recipe loaded with so much more than just lettuce - it's got blue cheese, bacon, avocado, eggs, chicken, and onion. I love this classic cobb salad recipe, and you will too!
No ratings yet

Classic Cobb Salad Recipe

9e6272d16533b616004d97f7b4e6c8d058595fc2b634d1a35e29d9ad2c6a4ccc?s=20&d=mm&r=g - This Classic Cobb Salad recipe loaded with so much more than just lettuce - it's got blue cheese, bacon, avocado, eggs, chicken, and onion. I love this classic cobb salad recipe, and you will too!Janice
The perfect hearty cobb salad recipe loaded with so much more than just lettuce - it's got blue cheese, bacon, avocado, eggs, chicken, and onion. I love this classic cobb salad recipe, and you will too!
prep: 10 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
calories: 354kcal
servings: 12 -16 cups of salad
pin Rate Save Print

Ingredients 

For the salad

  • 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups hard boiled eggs (sliced or cut)
  • 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup red onion (sliced)
  • 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
  • 1 avocado (sliced)

For the dressing

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon pepper
  • 1 clove garlic (crushed)

Instructions

  • Assemble salad ingredients in a large bowl. You can top the lettuce with other ingredients displayed on top, or toss to combine. 
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and garlic until well combined. 
  • Pour dressing over salad, or serve dressing on the side. 

  • If you loved this salad be sure to check out my Strawberry Feta and Mint Salad!

Notes

For tips, substitutions, storage and serving info be sure to read the full Classic Cobb Salad post.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 380mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g

Disclosure

Recipes and photos are for your personal enjoyment only — please share the love by linking, not copying!
TRIED THIS RECIPE?Follow @Salads4Lunch or tag #salads4lunch!

White bowl filled with cobb salad, layered with chicken, bacon, red onion, blue cheese, hard boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes on a blue and white striped napkin.

More recipes to enjoy:

  • Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad (Fresh, Sweet & Nutty)

    If you’re looking for a fresh, satisfying salad that works for lunch, meal prep, or a simple side dish, this cranberry apple quinoa salad recipe checks all the boxes. It combines fluffy quinoa, crisp apples, tart dried cranberries, and toasted nuts with a light honey-lemon dressing. The result is a salad that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty with plenty of texture in every bite.

  • Stovetop Cabbage Roll Soup

    If you love classic cabbage rolls but don’t love all the rolling and baking, this Stovetop Cabbage Roll Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. It has all the cozy flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls — tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and rice — simmered together in one big pot. No stuffing, no layering, no fuss.

  • Carrot Ribbon Salad (Fresh & Crunchy Carrot Salad for Spring)

    If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful side that comes together in minutes, this Carrot Ribbon Salad is about to be your new go-to. Thinly shaved carrots tossed in a light lemon-honey dressing create the perfect balance of crisp texture and bright flavor. It’s simple, beautiful, and exactly the kind of salad that makes everyday meals feel a little more special.

  • Stovetop Italian Pasta Fagioli Soup

    This stovetop Italian pasta fagioli soup works perfectly as a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch option. The ingredients are easy to find, the steps are simple to follow, and the end result is a hearty bowl of soup that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

  • Classic Pea Salad with Bacon and Cheese (No Mayo)

    Say goodbye to heavy, overly-mayo-laden recipes, and say hello to this bright, light, and flavor-packed Classic Pea Salad. This isn’t your grandmother’s creamy classic (although we love hers too!); this version uses a light, tangy sour cream-based dressing that makes every spoonful feel fresh and wonderful. It’s the simple, cold side dish that perfectly complements any grilled chicken or baked fish.

  • Easy Homemade Cream of Asparagus Soup

    Cream of Asparagus soup is one of those recipes that feels cozy, simple, and a little special, even if you’re still getting comfortable in the kitchen. It’s smooth, comforting, and lets fresh asparagus shine without a long ingredient list or tricky techniques. If you’re new to cooking soups from scratch, this is a great place to start.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating