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Keto Cobb Salad

By Dr. Eric Berg DC

09/23/2024

Keto Cobb Salad

keto-cobb-salad-with-ranch-dressing

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 5

Per serving: 721 calories, 34.4 g protein, 16.8 g carbohydrates, 58.6 g fat

Ingredients

Ranch dressing

¼ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise 

½ lemon, juice of

2 Tbsp fresh parsley

2 Tbsp scallions 

1 Tbsp dried dill

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ cup heavy cream

 

Cobb salad

2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

⅓ cup scallions, chopped

⅔ cup cherry tomatoes

2 avocados, pitted and diced

3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

⅓ cup blue cheese, crumbled

2 cups chicken breast, cooked and chopped

6 slices bacon, chopped

Directions:

Directions:

  1. In small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, scallions, dill, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. 

  2. Gradually add heavy cream while continuously whisking until fully incorporated. Set aside.

  3. In large salad bowl, create bed of romaine lettuce.

  4. Arrange scallions, tomatoes, avocados, eggs, blue cheese, and chicken on top of lettuce.

  5. Top with crispy bacon and homemade ranch dressing and toss to evenly coat ingredients.

  6. Serve immediately and enjoy! 


Recipe tips:

  • To make a vegetarian option, substitute bacon and cooked chicken breast for tofu or tempeh.

  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, make a simple vinaigrette by blending olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

  • Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breast. 

Are you looking for a light and nutritious addition to your weekly meal rotation? Look no further than this satisfying Keto Cobb Salad!


Packed with fresh veggies, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy homemade ranch dressing, this dish has everything you need to create a wholesome and filling lunch or dinner.


Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe 


Nothing beats a hearty and satisfying salad, especially when it's packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that burst with flavor. 


This Keto Cobb Salad delivers that and more, making it an ideal choice for anyone following a Healthy Keto® diet.


The combination of velvety Cobb Salad dressing, crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes create an irresistible dish your entire family will enjoy. 


Additionally, the protein from chicken breast and hard-boiled eggs will keep you feeling full for hours.


This has been confirmed by research published in Nutrients, stating that egg consumption enhances satiety, which may reduce overall calorie intake and support weight management. 


Another reason to love this Keto Cobb Salad recipe is that each serving contains just 8.6 grams of net carbs, which are calculated by subtracting dietary fiber from a meal's total carb count.


"Because the body doesn't digest fiber, it won’t impact blood sugar levels and can be excluded from the total carb count," explains Dr. Berg.


This is terrific news for those adhering to a low-carb lifestyle, as it allows more flexibility in your meal planning without compromising taste. 


Beyond its health benefits, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.


You'll also appreciate this salad's versatility. If blue cheese isn't your favorite, replace it with feta or goat cheese. For seafood lovers, grilled shrimp or salmon can easily substitute the chicken.


Furthermore, this easy Cobb Salad recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, and even special occasions or gatherings.


Cobb salad

What is Cobb salad? 


Cobb salad is a beloved American classic that first appeared in the 1930s at the Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California. It was named after Robert Howard Cobb, one of the restaurant's founders and owners.


Today, it remains a household favorite thanks to its fresh and hearty ingredients.


The original Cobb Salad recipe included romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and blue cheese, which are still found in this tasty low-carb recipe.


The main difference between the classic and keto-friendly versions is the dressing.


While traditional Cobb Salad dressing contains sugar and vegetable oil, this low-carb option features a keto-friendly ranch sauce crafted from heavy cream and herbs.


The result is a luscious and savory dressing that flawlessly complements this dish's ingredients without disrupting fat-burning or ketosis. 


Blue cheese steak salad

Keto Cobb Salad variations 


This Keto Cobb Salad is extremely versatile and can be easily customized to suit different taste preferences. 


Here are a few variations you can try at home: 

  • Cobb steak salad: Replace chicken breast with grilled steak for a heartier protein option.

  • Buffalo chicken Cobb salad: Toss the chicken in low-carb buffalo sauce and layer it over a bed of crisp greens for a zesty, nutrient-dense meal. 

  • Low-carb Cobb salad wraps: To create a portable lunch, wrap the ingredients in large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas. 

  • Balsamic Cobb salad: Toss Cobb salad ingredients in an olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter dressing that won’t overwhelm the delicate lettuce leaves


Woman making salad

Storing and serving tips


If you have any leftover Cobb Salad, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it before serving to avoid soggy greens.


You can also prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad when ready to eat. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or busy weekdays.


Serve this Keto Cobb Salad as a standalone dish, or pair it with your favorite low-carb soup or choice of protein.


Salmon salad

More keto-friendly salad recipes


Salads are an excellent way to add nutritious, low-carb vegetables to your diet while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures. There are endless keto-friendly salad variations packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep you satisfied and on track with your health goals.


Try these simple but nutritious low-carb salad recipes.


Salmon Salad

This refreshing and nutritious Salmon Salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.


The blend of silky avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and crisp greens on top of tender salmon is simply unbeatable.


You can also incorporate other seafood, such as shrimp or crab meat, to elevate the taste and introduce more variety. 


Keto Steak Salad

If you're a steak lover, this Keto Steak Salad is the perfect feast for you.


Enjoy grilled or pan-seared steak over a bed of leafy greens topped with tomatoes, onions, and shredded cheese. Add avocados and a dash of fresh lime juice for a velvety and tangy finish.


Vegan Carpaccio Salad

If you are looking for a plant-based alternative to the classic Cobb salad, this Vegan Carpaccio Salad might become your new favorite meal.


Combining thinly sliced radishes, beets, carrots, and avocado with a spring mix creates a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s as eye-catching as delectable. 


Toss it with a sugar-free lemon vinaigrette dressing or drizzle with homemade Keto Cobb sauce for a decadent touch. 


Chicken Caesar salad

Chicken Caesar Vinaigrette Salad

Need help deciding between a Caesar or Cobb salad? This Chicken Caesar Vinaigrette Salad provides the best of both worlds.


It features all the classic Caesar salad ingredients, including romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese, while adding grilled chicken for a hearty protein boost, similar to a Cobb salad.


Keto Taco Salad

Serve this Keto Taco Salad at your next gathering for a mouthwatering, low-carb option that’s sure to impress your guests. 


Seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, onions, and creamy avocado, topped with sour cream, come together to create a delectable and satisfying meal. 


To spice things up, incorporate hot sauce or jalapeños.


Keto Greek Salad

Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired dish with this Keto Greek Salad, which includes crispy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives.


Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, and pair it with a low-carb Greek dressing crafted from olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.


Happy woman eating salad

Final thoughts


This Keto Cobb Salad is a flavorful meal that perfectly balances fresh vegetables, chicken, egg, bacon, and blue cheese with sugar-free ranch dressing made from aromatic herbs and heavy cream.


Cobb Salad has endless variations to suit different taste buds and dietary preferences, allowing you to mix and match ingredients for a customized, delicious experience every time.



FAQ


1. What is Keto Cobb Salad?

Keto Cobb Salad is a low-carb version of the traditional recipe, which originated in California in the 1930s. It typically includes romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and blue cheese. 


The main difference between the classic and keto-approved variations is the sugar-free dressing, which is made by blending herbs with heavy cream, sour cream, and mayonnaise. 


2. How much salad should I eat on keto?

It’s recommended that those following keto consume between 7 to 10 cups of salad daily. Salads are an excellent way to obtain essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. 


Regularly eating salad on keto not only helps meet nutrient needs but also supports digestion, promotes satiety, and can aid in maintaining optimal health while staying within your carb limits.


3. Is Cobb salad good for you?

Cobb Salads can be nutritious, especially when prepared with low-carb toppings and a homemade dressing. 


4. Is Keto Cobb Salad good for weight loss?

Yes, Keto Cobb Salad can be a helpful meal for weight management, especially when paired with a wholesome and nutritious diet. This salad is high in protein and fiber, which help keep you satiated, curb cravings, and support weight loss. 


5. Are salads low-carb?

Salads can be low-carb, depending on the ingredients used. Traditional recipes often include high-carb options such as croutons, candied nuts, and sugary dressings. 


On a Healthy Keto® diet, it's important to replace these with low-carb alternatives like nuts, seeds, cheese, and sugar-free dressings to keep your salad both nutritious and keto-friendly.



Source


  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10304460/

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