Taste of the Parks: Recreate the Iconic Cobb Salad from Disney’s Hollywood Brown Derby ~

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

If you’ve ever dined at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, chances are you’ve heard whispers (or raves) about the salad. The Cobb Salad. A dish so legendary it’s earned a place in both Disney and culinary history.

Unlike your average greens, this Cobb Salad is a finely chopped, flavor-packed masterpiece—and now, you can make it right at home. Whether you’re a Disney foodie, a nostalgic vacationer, or just a lover of a good, hearty salad, this recipe brings the magic straight to your table.

The Story Behind the Salad

The original Cobb Salad was created in the 1930s at the original Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood by owner Bob Cobb (yes, really). It’s said that one late night, Cobb raided the kitchen and threw together leftovers—chicken, avocado, blue cheese, bacon, egg, and more—into a finely chopped salad. The result? A dish that became an instant hit with celebrities and socialites alike.

Disney’s version pays homage to this Hollywood classic, and it’s been a guest favorite ever since Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened its doors.

Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad Recipe

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1/2 head iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
1/2 bunch watercress, finely chopped
1 small bunch romaine lettuce, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and finely diced
1/2 cup cooked turkey breast, finely chopped (or substitute roasted chicken)
2 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
4 strips crisp bacon, finely crumbled
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Chives for garnish (optional)

For the Dressing (French-style vinaigrette):

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Make the dressing:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the ingredients:

Finely chop all lettuces and mix them together as the salad base. Dice or crumble all other ingredients uniformly—the magic of this salad is in the uniform bite of every forkful!

3. Assemble the salad:

On a large serving platter or shallow bowl, arrange the chopped ingredients in neat rows over the bed of lettuce. Think: stripes of bacon, egg, avocado, tomato, blue cheese, and turkey.

4. Toss and serve:

Just before serving, pour dressing to taste over the top and toss gently so that every bite is balanced and flavorful. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Cobb:

Uniform chopping is key. This isn’t a rustic, rough-cut salad—it’s meant to feel elegant and composed in every bite.
Make it your own. Swap turkey for grilled chicken, or use a different cheese if blue isn’t your thing (though purists might say that’s blasphemy).
Serve immediately. The salad is best enjoyed freshly tossed so the lettuce stays crisp.

Bring the Magic Home

There’s something special about recreating a Disney favorite in your own kitchen—it’s not just a meal, it’s a memory. The Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of golden-era glamour and park-day joy all in one.

So whether you’re hosting a Disney movie night, craving a lighter dinner, or just looking to impress with something iconic, this Cobb Salad is your new go-to.

Bon appétit—and see you in the parks!

From Your Kitchen to the Golden Age of Hollywood—We’ll Get You There

Ready to dine at Be Our Guest Restaurant in person and try the original Grey Stuff in all its glory? We’ll Craving a taste of old Hollywood charm and the legendary Cobb Salad from the Hollywood Brown Derby? Let us take you there in style:

Reserve your table at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and savor the dish that made the Derby famous
Plan a star-studded Disney itinerary perfectly cast for your family’s unique story
Master the art of Lightning Lanes, park hopping, and must-see shows with insider ease
Discover the best resorts for your budget, vibe, and red carpet-worthy relaxation

Whether you’re planning your first Disney premiere or returning for an encore, Rope Drop Travel is your trusted agent behind the scenes—making every detail picture-perfect. Until then, enjoy your Cobb Salad… and remember: “It all started with a salad.”