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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!

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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.

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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.

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.

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How to make a Classic Cobb Salad

Cobb salad ingredients chopped and arranged on a wooden cutting board showing bacon, red onion, avocado slices, sliced chicken, cut romaine lettuce, hard boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese.

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

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.

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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

To save time, grill the chicken in an air fryer.
You can also make the bacon in an air fryer.

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

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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.

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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.

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