How many calories are in a Zaxby's Cobb Zalad?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for a Zaxby's Cobb Zalad varies greatly, starting from 530 to over 780 calories, largely depending on whether the chicken is fried or grilled. This popular salad, with its mixed greens, cheese, bacon, and egg, can be a high-calorie meal or a lighter choice.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for Zaxby's Cobb Zalad differ by protein type and dressing choice. The total can be significantly reduced by choosing grilled chicken and a lighter dressing over fried chicken and creamy sauces.

Key Points

Choose Chicken Wisely: The biggest calorie difference is between fried chicken fingers and grilled chicken breast.
Dressings Add Calories: Creamy dressings contribute a significant amount of fat and calories; a vinaigrette is a lighter choice.
Skip the Toast: Texas Toast adds roughly 150 calories and is easily skipped to reduce the total count.
Customize Toppings: Skipping bacon, fried onions, or cheese can lower calories and fat.
Control Dressing: Ordering dressing on the side helps manage calorie intake.
Consult Official Resources: Zaxby's provides nutritional information on their website, the most reliable source for up-to-date data.

Zaxby's Cobb Zalad Calorie Breakdown

When ordering a Zaxby's Cobb Zalad, the biggest factor determining the total calories is the type of protein selected. Zaxby's offers three main Cobb Zalad options: fried chicken, grilled chicken, and a meatless garden option. Each provides a different nutritional profile, and understanding these differences is crucial for anyone watching their intake.

Fried vs. Grilled vs. Garden Calories

The most significant calorie difference comes from how the chicken is prepared. Fried chicken fingers add a substantial amount of fat and calories compared to lean, grilled chicken breast. A standard Fried Cobb Zalad contains around 780 calories, excluding dressing. The Grilled Cobb Zalad is a lighter option, at about 680 calories before dressing. The Garden Cobb Zalad, without chicken, has the lowest calorie base at approximately 530 calories. These figures are for the salad's main components and do not include the dressing or Texas Toast.

The Impact of Dressings and Sides

While the base of the Cobb Zalad is a good starting point, the add-ons can increase calories quickly. Most dressings are high in fat and calories. For example, creamy Ranch or Blue Cheese can add 100-200 calories or more per packet, sometimes doubling the total fat. Choosing a lighter vinaigrette can save a substantial number of calories. The Texas Toast served with the Zalad is not included in the base calorie count. Each slice adds about 150 calories. Skipping the toast or requesting a light dressing can greatly impact the meal's nutritional profile.

Additional Toppings and Customization

Zaxby's ingredients include mixed greens, carrots, red cabbage, cheddar jack cheese, bacon, hard-boiled egg, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fried onions. Customizing an order is an effective way to control calories and fat. Order modifications include:

Skipping the bacon and fried onions: Both are high in fat and can be omitted to save calories.
Requesting less cheese: Reducing the amount of cheese helps cut back on fat and sodium.
Ordering dressing on the side: This lets you use only the amount needed.
Forgoing the Texas Toast: This is an easy way to eliminate 150 calories.

Being mindful of these additions allows someone to enjoy the Cobb Zalad while keeping dietary goals on track. For the most accurate and current information on any menu item, always consult the official Zaxby's Nutrition information page.

Comparing Cobb Zalad Calorie Counts


Cobb Zalad Version	Chicken Type	Base Calories (excl. dressing/toast)	Approx. Total with Dressing & Toast	Protein	Fat	Sodium
Fried Cobb Zalad	Fried Chicken Fingers	780	930+	55g	45g	2130mg
Grilled Cobb Zalad	Grilled Chicken Breast	680	830+	58g	35g	1820mg
Garden Cobb Zalad	No Chicken	530	680+	27g	34g	910mg

Note: Total with dressing and toast is an estimate. Dressings and any customization will alter the final nutritional values.

Conclusion: Quick Summary for Smart Ordering

The number of calories in a Zaxby's Cobb Zalad varies, but is within a diner's control. The primary decision is whether to choose fried or grilled chicken, a difference of over 100 calories. Dressing choice and Texas Toast add another major variable. By selecting grilled chicken, skipping fried onions and bacon, and choosing a lighter dressing or ordering it on the side, someone can make the Cobb Zalad a more calorie-conscious meal. Customization empowers people to make informed decisions at fast-food restaurants, allowing for a delicious meal that aligns with nutritional preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cobb Zalad can be a healthier choice depending on how it's ordered. Grilled chicken, a low-calorie dressing, and no Texas Toast make it a more balanced meal. The fried version with creamy dressing is high in fat, sodium, and calories.

The grilled chicken version has a lower calorie count than the fried chicken version. The Grilled Cobb Zalad contains around 680 calories, while the Fried Cobb Zalad is closer to 780 calories, excluding dressing and Texas Toast.

Each slice of Texas Toast adds approximately 150 calories to the Cobb Zalad meal. Skipping the toast is a simple way to reduce calorie intake.

Lighter options like a vinaigrette are the best for a lower-calorie dressing. Creamy dressings such as Ranch or Blue Cheese have much higher amounts of fat and calories.

Yes, removing certain toppings reduces the total calories. Skipping bacon, fried onions, and cheddar jack cheese helps bring the calorie count down, especially for grilled or garden options.

The Garden Cobb Zalad, without chicken, contains roughly 530 calories before adding dressing or Texas Toast. This is the lowest-calorie base option.

The Cobb Zalad consists of mixed greens with carrots and red cabbage, cheddar jack cheese, bacon, hard-boiled egg, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fried onions. It is served with your choice of chicken and dressing, plus a slice of Texas Toast.