What makes a Cobb salad so delicious? It’s all about the cool contrast of garden-fresh ingredients, with savory toppings and a tangy dressing. Can’t you already taste the crispy lettuce, creamy avocado and crunchy bacon with bursts of blue cheese?

Much like the story of Caesar salad, Cobb salad is said to have come about through the resourcefulness of a restaurateur who craved a late-night (early morning) snack. It was way back in 1937 when Robert Cobb, who co-owned Hollywood’s original Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, got hungry and rooted around in the restaurant fridge for options.

He threw together what ingredients he had on hand – lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, tomato, avocado, chicken, bacon and cheese – chopped it all up and added a simple vinaigrette. Pleased with the results, he shared the recipe with his buddy Sid Grauman of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, who popularized the salad at his establishment, too.

Today, the Cobb salad is a go-to choice for a filling lunch or a light dinner. Back in 2022, the Cobb went viral thanks to Jennifer Aniston mentioning she ate one almost daily on the set of Friends. If you’re curious, Aniston has given details about that particular salad, which is different from the classic Cobb salad recipe I am sharing with you today.

What makes a Cobb salad a true Cobb salad?

The beauty of a Cobb salad is you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. I love that it keeps that spirit from the original, when Cobb simply used what he had on hand. Even so, there are some ingredients and aspects common across Cobb salad recipes.

At the heart of a Cobb salad is its combination of proteins. The grilled chicken, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs provide different tastes and textures, making the salad a filling option for lunch or dinner. The protein sources also help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.

Next, Cobb salads almost always have avocado as an ingredient. The creamy, velvety berry-fruit gives you a dose of healthy fats and a delightful texture. Along with the richness of the cheese, the avocado helps to offset the acidity from the tomatoes and the zing of the vinaigrette dressing.

Speaking of dressing, a classic red wine vinaigrette is often used in a Cobb salad. Its tanginess enhances the flavors of the ingredients, while its lightness keeps the salad tasting fresh and vibrant.

As noted with the creamy avocado, a variety of textures and colors are also common characteristics of a Cobb: crunchy green lettuce and crispy golden brown bacon meets creamy chartreuse avocado, juicy red tomatoes and fresh white chunks of cheese. These salads usually plate so nicely and give a flavor explosion with every bite.

The Cobb salad has withstood the test of time for its perfect blend and balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients. At the same time, it’s open to interpretation and adaptation, so there’s a variation to suit every palate.

Ingredients you’ll need to make this classic Cobb salad recipe

Gather up the following ingredients to prepare my family’s favorite recipe for a delicious, satisfying Cobb salad.

SALAD INGREDIENTS:

Romaine Lettuce: Creates a crisp, refreshing base for the salad. If you prefer a lighter flavor and crunchier texture, you can use iceberg lettuce.
Chicken Breasts: Seasoned, roasted chicken adds protein and flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Contribute to the salad’s creaminess and texture.
Avocado: Provides a rich, creamy taste and healthy fats.
Bacon: Crispy bacon delivers a salty, smoky flavor and irresistable crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bring pops of juiciness, sweetness and freshness.
Red Onion: Brings beautiful color and a sharp, aromatic flavor.
Blue Cheese or Feta Cheese: Either cheese adds a tangy, savory element, with the blue cheese crumbles being more pungent. If you like a little less of a kick, feta works nicely.
Chives: Lend a vibrant color as a garnish and bring a mild onion flavor.

VINAIGRETTE DRESSING INGREDIENTS:

Shallot: Adds depth and a subtle onion flavor to the dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness.
Vegetable Oil: This is the dressing’s neutral base.
Dijon Mustard: Emulsifies the dressing and adds a distinct, tangy taste.
Salt: Enhances the flavors while balancing acidity.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
Sugar: Balances the acidity and brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

What to serve with Cobb salad

Wondering what to serve with your Cobb salad? While this salad has plenty of protein by itself, grilled or barbecued meats work great as entrees for a larger meal. Try it with grilled salmon, shrimp skewers, a juicy steak, barbecued chicken, pork chops or ribs.

Another option is to add a hearty side dish with a sweet twist, like my sweet potato soufflé. As for other sides, consider serving your Cobb salad with some refreshing fruit, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a citrusy fruit salad.

Or serve it with a soup, like a simple tomato bisque, roasted butternut squash soup or a chilled cucumber soup. Speaking of cucumbers, this light, creamy cucumber salad would also make a great pairing.

For a lighter meal, tuck slices of warm, crusty bread, like a French baguette or a sourdough loaf. The bread will not only complement the flavors of the salad but is also perfect for soaking up any remaining dressing.

When it comes to beverages, a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs nicely with the salad’s tangy dressing and complements the meal’s fresh flavors. For non-alcoholic options, go with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water infused with fresh mint and cucumber.

Frequently asked questions about Cobb salad

Here are a few of the most common questions about Cobb salad. If you have a question I haven’t answered here, let me know in the comments. I will respond as soon as I can!

What is the difference between a chef salad and a Cobb salad?

Both salads usually have lettuce, meat, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs. However, a Cobb salad typically includes avocado, bacon, and a vinaigrette dressing. A chef salad usually has additional vegetables, like cucumber and bell peppers, and often comes with a creamy salad dressing like ranch dressing.

Why do Cobb salads have so many calories?

Cobb salads can be high in calories because of the cheese, bacon, and dressing. To make a lighter version, use less cheese, swap bacon for turkey bacon, and use a lighter dressing.

Are Cobb salads healthy?

Cobb salads can be a healthy choice because they contain a good variety of nutrients from vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Because they can be high in calories, be mindful of your portion sizes and opt for lighter-calorie ingredients if you’re keeping up with them.

Now that you know more about Cobb salads, it’s time to make one!

More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try

If you enjoy this classic Cobb salad, check out more of my family’s favorite recipes. They are all delicious and grandma-approved.