If you need one salad that actually eats like dinner, Cobb is it: crispy bacon, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, eggs, and blue cheese in one cold, crunchy, satisfying bowl.
Protein Score
Protein per serving: 40g (depends on your chicken portion)
Protein Score: ???? Powerhouse (25g+)
Protein Boost (pick 1)
- Add ½ cup chickpeas (not keto, but great for higher fiber)
- Add 1 extra boiled egg per plate
- Add ½ cup cottage cheese on the side (sounds random, works)
- Swap chicken breast for rotisserie chicken thigh meat for extra richness
Ingredients
Creamy Lemon-Garlic Herb Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove finely grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess
- Salt + black pepper
The salad
- 1 head romaine or iceberg chopped
- 4 strips bacon cooked + crumbled
- 1 ½ cups tomatoes diced
- 2 cooked chicken breasts diced (or grilled/roasted)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 2 tablespoon chives minced
- 1 avocado sliced
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbled
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Boil eggs: 10–11 minutes, cool, peel, chop.
- Cook bacon: crisp, drain, crumble.
Build the base: lettuce on a big platter or 4 bowls.
Make it pretty: arrange chicken, eggs, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, blue cheese, and chives in rows.
- Chill (optional): 10 minutes helps flavors pop.
For the dressing: Whisk everything until it thickens slightly. Let sit 5 minutes so the garlic mellows.
- Dress at the table: drizzle dressing right before eating.
Nutrition
Why you will love this salad
Cobb works because it hits every craving: salty (bacon + cheese), creamy (avocado), hearty (chicken + eggs), and fresh (lettuce + tomato). It’s the “clean-out-the-fridge” salad that still feels like a restaurant plate.
What I love about making this salad is all the textures and flavors you get in just one dish. Perfect for a balanced meal.
Texture Guard
- Keep bacon crispy: cook and cool fully before adding.
- Avoid watery salad: pat tomatoes dry and don’t dress until serving.
- Meal prep rule: store ingredients separately, assemble fresh.
Storage + Meal Prep
- Fridge: 3 days (store components separately)
- Best setup:
- Chicken + eggs in one container
- Lettuce in a separate container with a paper towel
- Bacon is separated for crispness
- Dressing in a jar
- Do not assemble ahead (it turns soggy fast)
FAQ
1) Is Cobb salad keto-friendly?
Yes, especially with romaine, chicken, eggs, bacon, avocado, and blue cheese. Keep tomatoes moderate if you’re very strict.
2) How much protein is in a Cobb salad?
Usually 35–45g per serving, depending on how much chicken you use.
3) What’s the best cheese for Cobb salad?
Blue cheese is classic, but feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar also work.
4) Can I make Cobb salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep everything separate and dress only at serving.
5) What can I use instead of bacon?
Turkey bacon, prosciutto crisps, or smoked almonds for crunch.
6) What can I use instead of chicken breast?
Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken thighs, or even canned tuna.
7) How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Slice right before serving or toss slices with lemon juice.
8) What dressing goes best with Cobb salad?
Classic red wine or Dijon vinaigrette, or a creamy lemon-garlic herb vinaigrette like the one above.
Try these next
- Sheet Pan Pork Chops, Brussels Sprouts & Apples
- Selwa’s Marinated Chicken
- Veggie Quinoa Lunch Bowl
- Garlic Cilantro Lime Avocado Crema
If you are cooking protein-forward after 45, check out my other high-protein recipes and meal ideas on the blog.
Cook With Love, Eat With Joy!
Share Your Experience
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to see it.
Tag @petitgourmetsd and use #petitgourmetsd so I can share your plate.
Explore More
Visit The Petit Gourmet for more comforting, nourishing recipes:
https://thepetitgourmet.com
I love ordering Cobb Salad at restaurants but the fresh salad at home was even more fabulous.
Thank for stopping by Alma, I agree with you, nothing like homemade!