Cobb Salad in a Jar with Buttermilk Ranch is the perfect lunch recipe to make ahead and eat when you’re on the go!
Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Ranch
Chicken, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, eggs, blue cheese and lettuce all conveniently layered in a jar with a light homemade ranch – portable and perfect to make ahead to take to work, school, the beach, park or anywhere you want a delicious meal on the go! This is a very large salad, with plenty of protein so it will leave you full for hours. Perfect if you have leftover grilled chicken.
If you’re not familiar with jar salads, the dressing goes on the bottom layered with vegetables that don’t wilt and topped with the more delicate lettuces. I wasn’t sure how the avocado would hold up, but I ate my second salad two days later at the beach and it was still perfect (mine was not too ripe). To eat, shake it all up and pour it onto a plate.
Cobb Salad Helpful Tips:
- If you prefer to use powdered buttermilk instead of buying a carton, that would work fine.
- No jar, no problem. Salad can also be made ahead and stored in a regular Tupperware container. Just be sure to put the dressing on the side in a separate container.
More Mason Jar Recipes You May Enjoy:
- Protein Egg and Quinoa Mason Jar Salad
- Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Soy Vinaigrette
- Brussels and Chickpea Salad in a Jar with Artichokes
- Overnight Oats in a Jar
Cobb Salad in a Jar with Buttermilk Ranch
Equipment
- large mason jar
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 1% buttermilk
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped scallion
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
- fresh black pepper
Salad
- 2 strips center-cut bacon
- 10 grape tomatoes, quartered
- 2 ounces 1/2 small avocado, diced
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, diced
- 4 ounces grilled chicken breast, diced, or leftover rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 ounce crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese, 1 generous tablespoon
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Instructions
- Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Set aside
- Cook the bacon according to package directions. Once cooked, place strips on a paper towel lined plate and allow to cool. Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes, avocado, eggs, and chicken. Once cool, chop the bacon.
- In each quart size mason jar, divide all ingredients evenly. Layer the dressing, chicken, tomato, eggs, cheese, bacon and top with chopped romaine and avocado (I suggest adding avocado the day you plan to eat it).
Last Step:
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Nutrition
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this recipe was delicious! I didnt have buttermilk so I used fat free greek yogurt and milk. and i cant get scallions where i live so I omitted them. Will make again!
(I sent a message but I don’t think it went through. Apologies if this is a repeat.) I LOVED this recipe; the dressing is fabulous! Question, though: I’m on WW Blue plan. Your recipe gives it 5 WW Blue points, but when I enter it in my app, it gives it 7 pts (this is on Blue plan in my app). I don’t understand. Can you explain why?
Do, and rely, on your own calculations. The recipe and the nutrition facts are based on the ingredients SHE used, not the ones you used.
I use her calculations as a guide, but if I want solid numbers, I do it myself based on my ingredients. It’s not hard.
Is the amount of green scallions correct? I chopped up an entire batch and it barely gave me 1/4 cup and I was trying to double the recipe.
I don’t see how this can be under 400 calories but I’ll take it! So good and that dressing is a keeper!
How long will these keep, refrigerated?
I made 4 salads on Sunday and it lasted until Friday for me. I used the jars she recommended and they worked really well. I didn’t use avocado, but I would add that day of anyway.
Soooo good! I’m not even a big salad fan and this was delicious. The dressing is fantastic! I would love to see more jar salads like this. 🙂
This was absolutely delicious. The ranch dressing is so tasty and makes the salad. Great meal and very satisfying.
how long do these salads last in mason jar?
For how long would you say this dressing lasts in the refrigerator? I would like to make enough to last for several days. I want to plan the lunches for the next week and I plan to have a salad for lunch at least 4 of the days of the next 5. I know if it is already made and planned, I won’t be tempted to cheat! Thanks for any answer you can give.
About 4-5 days.
The buttermilk dressing is delcious. This will be my new favorite go to salad!
This is one of our favorite recipes! My daughter loves the idea of the salad in a jar. The dressing is delicious and so easy to make. You can also make substitutions if someone doesn’t eat a particular ingredient. This salad is very far from boring and is always a hit to serve to guests at a lunch or dinner party. It is always perfectly fresh and crispy as the directions guide you to the correct order for the ingredients!
I love that the ranch is made from scratch! It was so tasty, I will never buy ranch again. I didn’t want to spend extra money on buttermilk, so I made my own by mixing lemon juice with milk and letting it sit for 10 min to thicken. Absolutely loved it!
The only thing I would do differently next time, and it’s just a personal preference, is put the bacon in a separate baggie so I can warm it up before adding it to the salad. I’m not a big fan of cold bacon.
Thank you for making Cobb salad healthy!
Hello! I made this today – and calculated the points, and came up with 9 points. Can you tell me what I may have done wrong?
Are you using the recipe builder?
So the whole jar is 10 Blue points because there 2 servings in it, correct?
Jennifer Vowles
Hi Jennifer! This recipe makes 2 jars- 1 jar is 1 serving.
Hi Gina- what is a good substitute for buttermilk to make the dressing dairy free?
so flavorful and satisfying!!!
How many SP’s for the dressing alone?
https://www.skinnytaste.com/low-fat-buttermilk-ranch-dressing/
Hi GINA – I read that I can make my own buttermilk by adding 1 TBSP Vinegar to 1 cup of milk. I am assuming it would work in this recipe. What are your thought?
Thanks and I love your recipes.
I love your meal plans. Especially how you include WW points as well as calories. Thank you
The amount of blue cheese in this recipe is a little confusing. Can you clarify the recipe? Thanks.
“1/2 ounce 1 generous tablespoon crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese”
Don’t know if I have just been missing it but I love the “Jump to Recipe” feature.
Thanks Gina.
This sounds wonderful. I love ranch dressing. Are you able to provide the
Number of freestyle smart points just for the dressing. It looks to
Like you indicate 5 points for the whole salad but what is it
For just the dressing? Thank you
LOVE this salad. The homemade dressing is amazing.
This is for the moderator: I just left a review because I love this dish but when I entered the calories, fat, etc in my Weight Watchers calculator online, it says 9 points per serving vs. the 5 it states here….This is the 2nd time a recipe is different points when I enter it on WW online via the Calculate a SmartPoints Value. Can somebody please assist. I hope I’m wrong here because I didn’t budget 9 points for lunch. Sad face. Can somebody please double check the nutritional info and get back to me?
Hi Karen! The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.
The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.
This is a delicious salad on any day but the DRESSING is what distinguishes it from the rest. Being a food lover but also on WW, I love when I can turn a classic love (Ranch Dressing) into a calorie friendly option that is also delicious. This recipe nails it! I’ve done various versions of the salad either on a plate (if home) or in tupperware (when not) and though I’ve never done it in a glass jar, I’m sure it’s delish no matter how you plate it. Bonus: only 5 WW freestyle points and so filling. Husband has also enjoyed this salad so that may be the extra/extra bonus since he’s not a salad guy.
Delicious!! I wanted there to be more! Can’t wait for lunch today to have another one. Your recipes are all amazing, easy, and delicious. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!
Love your cookbooks and your blog! Such amazing recipes. Thank you for sharing. I have found that when I make a salad at home, its never as good as when I get one from a restaurant. But this salad…its amazing! Made it this week as part of my meal prep and it is one that I will keep in rotation. Great flavors, very filling and so easy to do. Please make more of these recipes. 🙂 Thank you so much!
Do you happen to know how long this dressing will store in the refrigerator? Was thinking about making a double batch of dressing, but wasn’t sure how long fresh dressing keeps?
What’s your reccomendation for keeping the avocado from turning brown?
Add it last
How many jars are the ingredients divided into ?
Says 2 in the nutrition info
I made this and we loved it. Used fresh herbs from our garden and it was amazing. Thanks
😃 Oooh Fresh herbs! Great idea👍
Can yogurt be substituted for mayo?
Thanks!
I have searched high and low for a ranch dressing that tasted like it came from a restaurant. This nailed it! Tripled just the dressing recipe to have on hand all week for dips and salads. Thank you thank you!!! I did make a version of this salad without the meat (had to throw together a fast lunch) and the addition of blue cheese did not disappoint
So glad!!
This was DELICIOUS! The dressing is fantastic, and I hate mayonnaise, so that’s saying a lot! Your recipes are amazing and your meal plans are really helping ny husband and I keep on track. Thank you for all you do, Gina.
awesome!
Gina – what can I substitute for the bacon.? I am making it now and will leave it out but, I know bacon adds flavor to it.
I loved this ranch dressing. It was so easy to make and I don’t think I’ll ever buy salad dressing again, because this was better then anything I’ve tried before. I made it with the light mayo, and I also substituted greek yogurt for the mayo. Both are really good. Mayo’s better though.
Can you suggest a different dressing? I am not a big ranch fan?
Oh my gosh, heading to the store right now , must eat these! I have been craving Cobb salad for a while now. Thank you!
Gina, I am having trouble getting back on the WW wagon. I for one would like you to continue with the meal plans, because I am fixing to make myself a Cobb Salad in a Jar to take to work! And will probably make the Pork Carnitas as well. Your recipes helped me get below a milestone weight once before and I know know they will help me do it again! Thanks for all you do!
I made these with baked salmon for this week. They’re fantastic!
I made this the other day just as a regular salad because I didn’t have time to make it in advance and the dressing is DELICIOUS! I love all your recipes by the way – the cookbook and webiste – we basically eat them 5 nights a week! I’m curious how long you have been able to keep this recipe in the fridge? Was thinking about making a few for lunch this week and wondered if you found the lettuce held up well for a few days or if it’s best to eat it the next day? Thanks so much!
Maybe 2 days?
I’m confused to how you calculate your Smart Points? For many of your recipes, if I type in the exact same recipe into the recipe creator, I get a different number of smart points. For this salad, I get 19 instead of the 9 you have listed. That’s a significant difference. Can you explain the best way to use the online app to track your recipes?
The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.
The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.
Make sure you are putting in the correct number of servings. I got 9 so when I put it in the recipe builder.
Looking forward to making this recipe today for back to school tomorrow! Thanks so much!
Do you know how many points the dressing itself is? Thanks!
Hi. I love your recipes, and they go over very well with all of my family. This looks great for work. I’m a teacher, so make ahead meals for lunch are awesome. I’ve started counting carbs recently, and I’m still new to figuring out what foods have them. Can you help me figure out where the carbs are coming from in the salad? Is it the milk, mainly?
This was absolutely delicious! I used turkey bacon instead of regular. My husband accidentally threw away the chicken I had prepared in advance a couple of days ago, so I just added a little extra turkey bacon to each. I have a feeling this is going to be a regular on the lunch menu at my house! Thank you so much.
This is such a great way to take salad to go – I always struggle with how to pack mine for work. Thanks for the great idea!
How many calories in just the dressing?
Yes, please – what are the smart points for just the dressing?
This looks good , but I am confused about the serving size. It is it yields two servings, but then it says one jar is for one serving. Can you clarify please? Thank you.
1 serving per jar, recipes makes 2 jars.
I am totally confused. If you make the recipe as it is written, how many mason jars do you fill? And then each serving per jar (2 servings) 9 sp? So one jar would be 18 sp?
It fills 2 jars (1 serving each) sorry for the confusion!
Jeanne, The recipe makes 2 servings. One jar for you and one jar for a friend (or for another day). Each jar is considered a serving which equals 9 Smart Points. Hope that helps you.
Hi, Gina! Thanks for the wonderful recipe! What size mason jars do you use for this?
Help! I Can’t find the jar size either.
Quart size mason jar. 🙂
I got a pack of a dozen jars at Bed Bath & Beyond for a little over $10.00.
Forgive me for sounding clueless, but . . I see recipes for “jar salads” everywhere — so are you supposed to eat it from the jar, or pour it out into a plate or bowl?
Her directions say shake it all up and pour it on a plate. 🙂
I believe that most people poor them into a bowl or onto a plate. I’ve also heard others say they shake the jar and eat it that way. I think whichever you prefer works.
I meant pour not poor!! Lol, I think my phone hates me….
Do you have a basic chicken recipe for this
Hi Helena,
I think it would be best to eat from a plate. Because of the size of the jar and the width of the mouth. That way you can get a nice selection of each item on your fork. I would use the jar to store left overs if you aren’t able to eat the whole thing.
I hate to ask, but do you have a recommendation for a non-dairy substitute for the buttermilk? I’m allergic to cow’s milk, but am fine with any sheep or goat milk products. I can substitute the blue cheese for a goats milk blue cheese, but am unsure how to substitute the buttermilk. Thank you!
Perhaps goat’s milk?
Try making buttermilk with vinegar. I have to try this too because we have a non dairy eater in the house. Use 1 scant cup of whatever type of milk you can have, and add 1 tbls of white vinegar, let it sit for a bit maybe 5-10 min. I have done this with cow milk and read that you can do the same with non dairy also, just haven’t tried it yet.
Absolutely love this! When I saw it on your snapchat i immediately knew I HAD to make it – adding it to next weeks’ meal plan!
You are going to LOVE it!!