Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Refresh Your Post-Holiday Cravings with This Heavenly Low-Calorie Cobb Salad Dressing

 
After indulging in all the rich holiday feasts, nothing hits the spot like a fresh, crisp Cobb salad. I had some leftover turkey begging to be used, so I cubed it up and tossed it into a classic Cobb—only to discover that this iconic salad actually has its very own signature dressing! It originated at the legendary Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood (who knew? I certainly didn’t until recently).

I decided to make a lighter version of the classic, and with my lemon tree still loaded with beautiful Meyer lemons, I plucked one and added its fresh juice. Let me tell you—this dressing is absolutely heavenly. Tangy, bright, perfectly emulsified, and surprisingly low in calories thanks to the addition of water and a balanced oil ratio. It’s the perfect post-holiday reset that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. 

Whether you blend it in a mini food processor, shake it in a jar, or use an immersion blender, it comes together in minutes. Drizzle it over your favorite Cobb salad loaded with turkey, bacon, avocado, eggs, tomatoes, and blue cheese, and prepare for pure salad bliss.

Low-Calorie Cobb Salad Dressing

Adapted from mollyshomeguide.com

⅔ c. vegetable oil

⅓ c. extra virgin olive oil

⅓ c. red wine vinegar

Juice from ½ Meyer lemon (or regular lemon)

¼ c. water

1½ T. Dijon mustard (I love Pommery for its texture)

2 t. Worcestershire sauce

1 t. sugar

1 garlic clove, finely minced

¼ t. kosher salt (or to taste)

Copious freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Place all ingredients into a mini food processor, blender, or quart-sized mason jar.

 If using a processor or blender: Secure the lid and pulse/blend on high until fully combined and emulsified.

 If using a jar: Seal tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and cohesive.

 Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more pepper or salt as desired.

 Serve immediately over your Cobb salad, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before each use.

This dressing is light, vibrant, and the fresh lemon truly makes it sing. Your post-holiday salads will never be the same!

 
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2 comments:

Marie Smith said...

I make similar dressings regularly. The red wine vinegar would be new for us. I will try it!

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

That salad looks amazing. Red wine vinegar is one of my favorite things - my mouth is watering!