Salads are a lunchtime staple. And none more popular than the American classic Cobb salad. Cobb standing for Craving Occasional Bacon & BlueCheese. Yeah I totally made that up. But it’s so true, right?! I mean, if I was on death row and I could only have a salad ‘last meal’ choice, it would be the hearty, bacon-y Cobb.
Until now…
Introducing the Autumn Cobb salad with pomegranate vinaigrette. I considered naming this the Autumn COPP salad (Constantly Obsessing Pomegranate & Pecans). But my trend setting skill for new words is seriously lacking. Plus it drives my husband nuts when I do this – romantical, fantastical, computie…I’ll stop now.
This, THIS is the salad I would have for my last meal. Every bite sends me to my happy place (which isn’t jail BTW).
As I ate this, I closed my eyes and savored every bite, imagining the changing leaves, the fall feasts, my cute, cool-weather boots…then SLAP. A piece of lettuce slingshotted a huge drop of pomegranate vinaigrette on my eyelid. Startled, but determined not to lose focus, I kept eating. Vinaigrette on my eye and all, I couldn’t stop shoving this sentimental flavor-party in my mouth.
That reminds me. The vinaigrette! The pomegranate vinaigrette in this Autumn Cobb salad just adds a little extra nirvana. Plus it’s the easiest salad dressing EVER with only THREE ingredients, and takes just a minute or two to whip up. Make a big batch and have it on hand the rest of the week because I KNOW it would taste amazing on any salad variation.
To make the vinaigrette, put 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds in a mini food processor, with 2 tablespoons light olive oil, and a 1/2 tsp balsamic vinaigrette. Pulse well.
If you are particular about the consistency of your dressing and would prefer not to have the seeds in it, pour the mixture from the food processor into a fine mesh strainer with a small bowl underneath. Then press the mix through the strainer to reserve all the liquid into the bowl. This step isn’t required, since you’ll be eating pomegranate seeds in the salad anyway. Once strained, the dressing equals about 1/8 cup, which is perfect for this salad. Double or triple the recipe if you’d like more vinaigrette to keep for later.
To assemble the salad, grab four cups, or two large handfuls of your favorite lettuce combination. I used a spring mix. Then add approximately 2 heaping tablespoons pomegranate seeds, 1 tablespoon crumbed goat cheese, 2-3 tablespoons pecans (mine was more like 3, since I like the BIG guys on my salad) and 1/2 cup shredded chicken (I used leftovers from the night before – whoop whoop!) Arrange all your toppings in a pretty ‘lil pattern if you are a neat freak or throw them all on at once if you are more the rebel type.
If this easy, healthy, fall-inspired salad doesn’t make your heart pitter-patter, I might have to fling some vinaigrette on your eyelid to knock some sense into you! What are your favorite fall flavor combos?
Time Saver Tip
De-seed the pomegranate before-hand by cutting it into fourths, then submerge the section you will be working with in a large container of room temperature water. Slowly pry the seeds away from the membrane. The seeds will float to the bottom while the membrane of the pomegranate floats to the top. Discard any top-floaters and drain the water. Keep the pomegranate seeds in a container in the refrigerator.
PrintAutumn Cobb Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups lettuce of choice (I used a spring mix)
- 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 heaping tablespoons pomegranate seeds
- 2–3 tablespoons pecans
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
Pomegranate Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl or plate
- Pour 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, olive oil and balsamic in a small food processor or blender. Pulse until well combined and the seeds have all turned in to juice.
- Optional: Place a mesh strainer on top of a small bowl and pour liquid into the strainer to remove remaining seeds.
- Pour vinaigrette on top of the salad.

That vinaigrette is KILLING IT GIRL! I am totally obsessed with all things Pomegranate this time of the year, and I totally want this for dinner!
The pomegranate obsessive phase is completely normal this time of year. When you start sneaking those juicy seeds in your purse, that’s when you have a problem 😉
Ummmm YES. New favorite salad FOR SURE! I never buy pomegrantes because I hate de-seeding them, but your tip makes it sound so simple! I think I might have to pick one up this week just so that I can make that dressing. It sounds absolutely divine!
De-seeding them is such a pain in the rear, but the water trick definitely helps. I am tempted to buy them de-seeded already but it’s so expensive! I think you should totally make this dressing Kat!
ok… I have to admit, not only do I look forward to getting a delicious recipe to try (which never disappoint) but enjoy your “narrative” maybe even a little more ! 🙂 Thanks for the giggles and beautiful food!!
★★★★★
Oh I am so glad Shar! I hope you love this salad just as much as the other recipes!
I have two pomegranates (okay, one and a half!) sitting in my fridge, begging to be made into this amazing salad dressing!
Perfect timing Alisa! Love when that happens. Enjoy this dressing!
Love the salad and the especially the dressing! Yum!
Thank you Sandhya! Enjoy! 🙂
This salad looks delicious! Pinning for later!
Love the pin love Mary! Thanks so much!
oh girl you just got REAL fancy in here with your pomegranate dressing. I love it! Cobb salads are the best – and yes i think your acronym is absolutely correct!
Oh you know me – miss fancy shmancy over here, with unwashed hair, yoga pants, and avocado smeared on my shirt. Hehehe. Thanks girl!
Yum! I am going to make this tonight! Thanks
Great! Enjoy Heather!
Yum! I love cobb salads, especially your version. I’m going to make this soon!
★★★★★
ME TOO! Cobb salads are like the ultimate “supreme” salad – seriously the best if you are starving and need a filling meal. Of course my version is delish but I am a tad bit biased. 😉 Thanks Anne!
Loving this salad! I also think its great you mentioned seeded the Pom yourself! It’s like $1 more (for less seeds) if you buy the seeds themselves (no thank you!) I like the water way. Another way I like is cut it in half hold it over a bowl cut side down, and whack the crap out of the top with the back of a spoon. (serious aggression release!) Love you’re blog girl keep on keepin’ on!
I know right?! Buying the seeds is convenient but so much more expensive plus I feel like you get way more seeds with the whole pomegranate than buying a ‘lil ready-to-eat package. Oh I love your angry de-seeding tip. I may need that for therapy! Thanks girl! xo
Ummm…YUM! That looks so delish 🙂
Well I mean I certainly think so!!
Ohhh man, this looks so delicious! It is definitely making me want a salad for dinner tonight!
Go for it Logan! Grab all these ingredients and make yo’self a big, nummy salad!
Yum, yummier, yummiest…can’t wait to try it.
★★★★★
I hope you love it Kim!
This salad looks fantastic! I love cobb salads! thank you for sharing this recipe!
So glad you think so Ashleigh! xo
FALL on a plate, but HEALTHY! You’re killing me with this one! It looks so beautiful too! I’m adding this to my list of lunch recipes this week. I kick started my healthy eating goals today and this recipe is PERFECT for it!
YES (happy dance) so glad this salad will help you get a kick start your healthy eating goals! Fall on a plate is so right! Thanks Evi!
Oh how I love pomegranate seeds and goat cheese! I can’t wait to try this salad. Pinned! I would be honored for you to check out our conference and affiliate program. We need talented bloggers like you! http://www.foodbloggingconference.com/become-an-affiliate/
Hi Chrissa! I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog today. This looks delicious. I love adding pecans and fruit to salads!
I’m so glad you stopped by Dani! Pecans and fruit make life just so much better!
That pomegranate dressing looks amazing! Just bought a pomegranate for a recipe I’m testing later this week and now I totally know what I’m doing with leftovers!
Perfect! I saw those beautiful seeds on your endive hummus boats. YUM. Enjoy this salad Jessica!
Salads are a staple of mine right now and this one looks amazing! Of course, anything with goat cheese is my fav. 🙂 That vinaigrette sounds amazing too!
I haven’t had goat cheese IN FOREVER so when I bought it and topped this salad with those creamy crumbles, I remembered why I loved it so much! Thanks Justine!
I love pomegranate and in this rainy weather (it’s raining for a week here, in Hungary) this salad is the best way to survive this period.
Is it weird of me to love rainy weather? Something about the raindrops hitting the house makes me just feel comfy and content. Same way I feel about pomegranates too 😉
This. Looks. SO!!! Good! Like, I want it in my mouth already! Yum!
★★★★★
Rachel, get this in your belly! Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve recently been making salads with goat cheese – so yummy! Pomegranate vinaigrette looks FANTASTIC.
I could seriously have straight up lettuce and goat cheese. It makes everything like 124,483,239 time better. Oh, the vinaigrette does that too. Thanks Jess!
this looks so awesome, beautiful photos! is it sweet? i wonder if i could add honey to it?
Thank you Tiffany! It is slightly sweet from the pomegranate juice, but not overly sugary. If you like your dressing to have a sweeter edge, you could certainly add honey to the food processor or blender when you are making the vinaigrette.
Oh my gosh that DRESSING! And everything else really, but I seriously want that dressing. Pinning for when I get my hands on some pomegranate seeds!!
Yes, the dressing is just a perfect combo of sweet and a little tangy (the balsamic). Thanks so much Ashley!
This looks delicious! Definitely something I want to make!
Thanks Rache. This Autumn Cobb seriously tastes as delicious as it looks!
You had me at pomegranate. This looks fantastic and it always helps to add another salad recipe to the collection. Thanks for sharing!
Pomegranates draw everyone – those darn seeds are more charismatic than I am! But that’s ok, I feel the same way about ’em. Thanks Donnica!
Oh my goodness, this salad is beautiful! I love the pops of colors and the blend of sweet with the cheese and crunchy nuts. So yummy!
Thanks Lauren! The combo of textures (and flavors) could win anyone over!
Salad is my favorite food and I am just as clumsy as you when it comes to eating salad! Why can’t I get it all into my mouth on the first try?! haha
Ugh the struggle is real. You totally get it. Phew, glad I’m not the only one!
This looks so good! It’s my kind of dish and I want to make it immediately. 🙂
Hope you love it Melanie!
I have been LOVING fall salads! I’d probably just swap that chicken out for some beans or something vegetarian but other than that, I LOVE the pomegranate idea!
Great idea Liz! I bet tempeh would be a great alternative to chicken or adding quinoa would be a good as well. Enjoy!
Love the COPP 😉 And the dressing looks to-die-for! Can’t wait to try it.
Whoo hoo! Maybe my new name IS setting a trend?! Thanks Alexandra!
This looks SO delish. That dressing… omg.
Thanks Liz. Yeaaaaaah the dressing is pretty epic!
Totally craving this!!
Totally make this Sara! Feed the craving girlfriend 😉
This looks awesome! I’m not huge on salads, but this actually looks like something I’d enjoy. Thanks so much for linking up with The Alder Collective. Hope to see you again next week. Have an awesome night!
Thanks Cristi. I know that salads can be so BLEH at times. This one has a lot of flavor bursts that I think any non-salad lover would like. I appreciate you stopping by!
OH WOW! I absolutely am going to try that vinaigrette out. I think this would be a good salad to make for a small dinner party, and I’ve never tried making a dressing before.
★★★★★
Yes try the dressing Sam! It’s seriously easy to make and sure to impress if you make this salad for a dinner party. Peeps be like, “you made that?!” and feel free to take FULL credit!
Good Morning Chrissa!! Just popping in to let you know your post has been picked as a feature at the Welcome Home Wednesday Link Party! Stop by this morning to see your feature and link up! Don’t forget to grab your “Featured Button” too!
★★★★★
Oh my! This looks amazing!