Cobb Salad, the Non- Recipe Way
Cobb Salad, the Non-Recipe Way
No wrong way to make a Cobb salad
Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite meals: the Cobb salad. It’s hearty, colorful, and super satisfying—but the best part? It’s totally flexible.
This is not a recipe. It’s more like a framework. A guide. A way to pull together a balanced, delicious plate without measuring or overthinking.
This one hits all the right notes—protein, healthy fats, crunchy veggies, and flavor for days.
The Cobb Salad Formula
Here’s the basic breakdown I use, and you can mix and match based on what’s in your fridge:
1. Greens:
Start with a big handful of greens—romaine, spinach, arugula, butter lettuce or a mix. Whatever you’ve got.
2. Protein:
Traditionally, Cobb salads have grilled chicken, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. But any combo works—leftover salmon, rotisserie chicken, deli turkey or even beans ( I recommend garbanzo) if that’s what’s handy.
3. Veggies:
Tomatoes and avocado are the usual suspects, but cucumbers, bell peppers, or even leftover roasted veggies ( asparagus in this case) work beautifully.
4. Something salty or crunchy:
I love blue cheese or feta crumbles, but you could do olives, nuts, or sunflower seeds. Whatever adds that little extra pop.
5. A simple dressing:
Olive oil + vinegar + mustard + a pinch of salt = done. Or grab your favorite bottled one and call it a win.
How I Make It Work
I use edge time to prep little things here and there—hardboiled eggs are a staple item in our fridge at all times, chopping/roasting extra veggies during dinner, pulling cooked chicken from the freezer etc. Then at meal time it’s more assembly than cooking.
Some days I eat it from a big bowl. Other days, I pile everything into a divided lunchbox for an on-the-go version. It’s fancy enough but still easy.
Kid Variations:
Use a divided plate and put their selection of toppings in each section. As always serve with a familiar carb and maybe leave out the dressed greens depending on preferences.
Examples of selections:
Diced grilled chicken
Halved cherry tomatoes
Sliced hard-boiled egg
Cubed avocado (or guac)
Cheese cubes
Bacon bits
Mini lettuce leaves or baby spinach on the side
Dip: Ranch or honey mustard in a small container
Think “Lunchable” style
Real Life > Perfect
There’s no wrong way to build a Cobb salad. The magic is in making it work for you—with your schedule, your preferences, and what’s already in your fridge.
So the next time you’re staring into your fridge thinking What should I eat?—just remember: you don’t need a recipe. You just need a rhythm.
And a Cobb salad might be the answer.
