Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad

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The Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad is a colorful, hearty twist on the classic Cobb that brings all the flavors you love into a satisfying, make-ahead dish. This salad blends tender pasta with crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and rich hard-boiled eggs, all drizzled with a tangy homemade dressing. It’s a fantastic option for summer picnics, easy dinners, or meal-prep lunches that actually excite you when you open the fridge.

What makes this dish truly irresistible is how balanced and customizable it is. Each bite is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, making it equally loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a robust side, it stands out as a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet fresh and light.

Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad

You’ll love this recipe because it brings you the best of both worlds: the comforting appeal of pasta and the vibrant, healthy goodness of a traditional Cobb salad. It’s quick to assemble, great for feeding a group, and stays delicious even after a night in the fridge. Plus, it’s easy to adjust to your taste—swap proteins, try different greens, or add your favorite cheese for a personal touch.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow-ties work beautifully here. Their nooks and crannies hold onto the dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente and let it cool slightly before tossing to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

Ingredients for the Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad

The beauty of the Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad lies in its fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each component adds a unique texture and taste, making the salad hearty and satisfying.

Rotini pasta
The base of the dish, rotini provides a tender, chewy texture that catches all the dressing and holds up well.

Romaine lettuce
Crisp and refreshing, the lettuce lightens up the pasta and adds that signature Cobb crunch.

Cherry tomatoes
These juicy bursts of sweetness balance the savory elements beautifully.

Bacon
Smoky and salty, bacon pieces add irresistible flavor to every bite.

Hard-boiled eggs
Creamy yolks and firm whites bring richness and protein.

Avocado
Smooth and buttery, avocado makes the salad feel extra luxurious.

Red onion
A bit of sharpness from thin slices of red onion keeps things lively.

Blue cheese crumbles
Optional but traditional, blue cheese adds tangy, creamy depth.

Homemade vinaigrette
A zesty dressing ties all the flavors together perfectly.

How To Make the Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

While the pasta cooks, chop the romaine, halve the cherry tomatoes, cook and crumble the bacon, peel and slice the eggs, dice the avocado, and thinly slice the red onion.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, eggs, avocado, and red onion. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with blue cheese crumbles if desired and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Serving and Storing the Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad

This Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad feeds about 6 to 8 people as a side dish or 4 to 6 as a main. It’s perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or a light summer dinner. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for best flavor. To store, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If making ahead, add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and green.

What to Serve With Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

The smoky char of grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy salad.

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread complements the cool, crisp textures of the salad.

Lemonade or Iced Tea

Refreshing drinks like lemonade or sweet iced tea are ideal for a summery meal.

BBQ Ribs

For a hearty backyard feast, serve alongside sticky, tender BBQ ribs.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted asparagus or carrots add even more colorful veggies to the table.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, buttery corn rounds out the meal beautifully.

Fruit Salad

A light, juicy fruit salad cleanses the palate and adds natural sweetness to your spread.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad, you’ll also enjoy these creative and delicious salads:

• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken for a bright and zesty alternative.
• Apple Salad if you’re craving something fruity and crisp.
• Easter Fruit Fluff Salad for a creamy, sweet twist that works as a side or dessert.
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad to satisfy all your eggy, creamy pasta cravings.
• Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes for a refreshing, tangy veggie side.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try swapping the bacon for turkey? Did you mix in ranch or blue cheese dressing?

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Conclusion

The Loaded Cobb Pasta Salad is a vibrant, filling dish that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. With its bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy prep, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Whether you enjoy it at a summer picnic or as a light dinner, it’s a salad worth making again and again.

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