The Origin of the Iconic Cobb Salad
Legend has it that in 1937, a hungry restaurant owner named Bob Cobb found himself rummaging through the refrigerator of The Brown Derby in Hollywood, California, late one night. With a bit of culinary improvisation, he gathered what he had on hand—avocado, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tender cooked chicken breast, and a few other flavorful ingredients—and arranged them into a hearty, satisfying salad. That spontaneous creation became the now-famous Cobb Salad, a timeless classic born from a midnight craving!
We love Cobb salad and this one is a hit every time!
– Kate
Why You’ll Love Cobb Salad
Cobb salad isn’t just a salad—it’s a full, satisfying meal in a bowl. Here’s why it’s a favorite for so many:
- A Perfect Balance of Flavors: From smoky bacon and creamy avocado to tangy blue cheese and juicy tomatoes, every bite is a flavor explosion.
- Protein-Packed and Filling: With chicken, eggs, and bacon, it’s hearty enough to keep you full for hours—no sad desk lunches here!
- Customizable to Your Taste: Swap in your favorite cheese, add grilled shrimp, or go vegetarian—Cobb salad is endlessly adaptable.
- Great for Meal Prep: It holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping ahead for lunches or quick dinners.
- Visually Stunning: With its colorful, neatly arranged ingredients, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Cobb Salad Recipe Ingredients
- Mixed greens – A vibrant blend of leafy greens adds freshness, color, and a nutrient-rich base to the salad.
- Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, chopped tomatoes bring a burst of flavor and a pop of red to every bite.
- Avocados – Creamy and rich, avocados add a buttery texture that balances the crispness of the greens.
- Cucumber – Cool and refreshing, cucumber slices offer a hydrating crunch that lightens the dish.
- Sweet bell peppers – add a subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch to the mix.
- Turkey bacon – Smoky and savory, turkey bacon delivers all the flavor with a leaner twist.
- Chicken breasts – Tender, protein-packed chicken makes this salad hearty enough for a full meal.
- Boiled eggs – Sliced boiled eggs bring creaminess and a boost of protein to round out the salad.
- Corn – Sweet and golden, corn kernels add a juicy pop of flavor and a touch of summer.
- Black beans –: Earthy and satisfying, black beans add fiber and a plant-based protein boost.
- Green onions – These mild, zesty scallions add a fresh bite and a hint of sharpness.
- Marble cheese – A melty mix of cheddar and mozzarella, marble cheese adds richness and a creamy finish.
When we make this salad, we use a LARGE sheet pan and cover it with parchment paper. We pack on as much ingredients as the sheet pan will hold!
How to Make a Cobb Salad
Step 1
Gather ingredients.
Step 2
Arrange your salad ingredients from one end of the dish to the other OR build inwards from either end. This way, everyone can build their own salad by choosing the ingredients and quantity they want for their own plate.
What salad dressings pair well with Cobb salad?
Well, I’m glad you asked! We usually go for a creamy ranch, but we have served this salad with a green goddess dressing.
A build your own salad which is great for adults & kids.
– Lisa
How to Store Cobb Salad
Store Ingredients Separately: For best results, keep the salad components (greens, proteins, veggies, cheese, and dressing) in separate airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and keeps textures crisp.
Refrigeration: Store all components in the fridge at or below 4°C (40°F). Most ingredients will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
Dressing Tip: Always add the dressing just before serving. If it’s already mixed in, the salad is best eaten within 24 hours.
Meal Prep Hack: Layer ingredients in a mason jar—start with the dressing at the bottom, then heavier items like beans and chicken, and finish with greens on top. Shake when ready to eat!
Pro Tips for Making Cobb Salad
- Use Crisp, Cold Greens: Romaine and iceberg lettuce are traditional, but adding a bit of arugula or butter lettuce can bring extra texture and flavor. Chill your greens before assembling for maximum crunch.
- Cook Ingredients Ahead: Hard-boil eggs, grill or roast chicken, and cook bacon in advance. This makes assembly quick and keeps everything at the perfect temperature.
- Dice Uniformly: Cut all toppings—chicken, avocado, tomatoes, eggs, and bacon—into bite-sized, evenly sized pieces for a balanced bite every time.
- Layer Thoughtfully: Arrange ingredients in neat rows or sections for that signature Cobb salad look. It’s visually appealing and lets diners mix as they like.
- Use a Bold Dressing: A tangy red wine vinaigrette or creamy blue cheese dressing complements the richness of the toppings. Make it from scratch for the best flavor.
- Add a Crunch Element: Croutons, toasted nuts, or crispy shallots can add a satisfying crunch and elevate the texture.
- Serve Immediately: Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant—especially the avocado and dressing.
Cobb Salad
Ingredients
- 5 – 6 cups Mixed greens
- 2 Tomatoes, chopped
- 2 Avacados, chopped
- 1/2 package Turkey bacon, cooked, chopped
- 2 breasts Chicken, cooked, chopped
- 4 Eggs, boiled, sliced
- 1 can Corn, drained
- 1 can Black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 – 4 Green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1 – 2 cups Marble cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Arrange your salad ingredients from one end of the dish to the other OR build inwards from either end. This way, everyone can build their own salad by choosing the ingredients and quantity they want for their own plate.
Notes
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More Recipes Like This
Whether you’re craving something light and zesty or hearty and satisfying, there’s a salad here to match every mood and season. These aren’t your average greens—they’re vibrant bowls of inspiration that will make you fall in love with salad all over again. Give some of our other favorite salads and dressings a try!
Napa Cabbage Salad – tender cabbage with a sweet dressing and a crunchy baked salad topper
Cobb Salad – it’s full of fresh ingredients!
Greek Salad – a traditional Greek salad with a secret ingredient
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing – a creamy dressing without raw egg
