Chicken Cobb Salad from Au Bon Pain features tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, ripe avocado, hard-boiled eggs, smoky bacon, and crumbled blue cheese, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing and hearty meal.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Small whisk (for vinaigrette)
- Serving platter or individual salad bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tender pieces that blend well with the crisp romaine lettuce and creamy avocado. Selecting ripe avocado is crucial for the salad's rich texture, while perfectly hard-boiled eggs add protein and depth. Crispy cooked bacon should be evenly distributed to provide a smoky contrast, and crumbled blue cheese contributes a tangy, bold flavor that enhances the vinaigrette's tang. Measure olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard accurately for the dressing to achieve the perfect balance of taste. Your Chicken Cobb Salad from Au Bon Pain copycat menu will deliver a refreshing and hearty meal when these ingredient details are followed precisely.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce; chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips.
- Peel and slice the hard-boiled eggs.
- Pit, peel, and slice the avocado.
- Crumble the cooked bacon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Arrange romaine lettuce in a large mixing bowl or on a serving platter.
- Neatly arrange chicken, avocado, eggs, bacon, and crumbled blue cheese on top of the lettuce.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette.
- Toss gently (if desired) and serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Cobb Salad from Au Bon Pain copycat menu offers a balanced combination of grilled chicken, crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese. If fresh avocado is unavailable, consider substituting with sliced cucumbers or green bell peppers to maintain crunch and freshness. When hard-boiled eggs are unavailable, you can use thinly sliced turkey or ham for added protein. Dijon mustard in the vinaigrette can be replaced with whole-grain mustard or a mild yellow mustard if needed. You should always taste and adjust seasoning throughout preparation to suit your flavor preferences.
Tips
Ensure the romaine lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing to prevent soggy salad when adding the vinaigrette. Use a sharp chef's knife on a stable cutting board to achieve clean cuts of chicken, avocado, and eggs, avoiding mushiness. When preparing the vinaigrette, whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper slowly to emulsify and enhance flavor. You can arrange the ingredients artistically on the serving platter before drizzling vinaigrette, allowing you to control the amount and presentation of your Chicken Cobb Salad.
Nutritions
Chicken Cobb Salad from Au Bon Pain offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a nutritious meal option. Grilled chicken breasts provide lean protein to support muscle repair and growth, while avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium. Hard-boiled eggs add essential vitamins such as B12 and D, and bacon brings smoky flavor along with added protein and fat. Your salad is also rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber from crisp romaine lettuce, enhancing digestion and overall health.
Storage
To keep your Chicken Cobb Salad fresh, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Wrap the avocado slices tightly in plastic wrap or toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the texture of other ingredients.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can swap grilled chicken with roasted turkey breast or grilled shrimp to alter the protein profile. Substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese to adjust the flavor and accommodate different palates. Try using mixed greens instead of romaine lettuce to increase fiber and nutrient diversity in your salad. If you prefer a creamier dressing, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs instead of the vinaigrette.
Allergies
Chicken Cobb Salad from Au Bon Pain contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from the blue cheese, and bacon which may include preservatives that trigger sensitivity. Avocado can also cause allergic reactions in individuals with latex-fruit syndrome. You should verify ingredient lists and consult with a healthcare provider if you have known food allergies before consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Cobb Salad from Au Bon Pain is loved for its fresh, high-quality ingredients including tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese, all perfectly balanced with a zesty vinaigrette. The combination of textures and flavors offers a satisfying and wholesome meal that appeals to health-conscious diners. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to enjoy this nutritious dish at home with customizable ingredients and control over freshness and portion size. Your homemade Chicken Cobb Salad can deliver the same delicious experience while giving you the satisfaction of preparing a restaurant-quality meal.