Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread features tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, ripe avocado, hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and blue cheese crumbles, all tossed in a creamy, herb-packed Green Goddess dressing, creating a fresh and flavorful combination of textures and tastes.
Equipments
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Salad bowl
- Mixing spoon or tongs
- Small bowl (for mixing dressing, if making homemade)
- Whisk (for dressing)
- Saucepan (for boiling eggs)
- Skillet or grill pan (for cooking chicken and/or bacon)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 large eggs
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ensure your chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for even grilling and tender results. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon are essential for the authentic Green Goddess dressing flavor, so using fresh rather than dried will greatly enhance the taste. When preparing hard-boiled eggs, use a saucepan to achieve the perfect firmness without overcooking. Crisp bacon adds a salty crunch, so cook it in a skillet or grill pan until just crispy to balance the salad's creamy components. Your homemade Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread copycat menu will be more vibrant and flavorful with these ingredient tips in mind.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cook bacon in skillet or grill pan until crispy; drain and set aside.
- Boil eggs in saucepan for 10 minutes; cool, peel, and slice.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook in skillet or grill pan until cooked through; let rest and slice.
- Chop romaine lettuce and add to salad bowl.
- Slice avocado.
- In small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and blue cheese crumbles on top of lettuce.
- Drizzle with Green Goddess dressing.
- Toss gently using mixing spoon or tongs, or serve dressing on the side.
- Transfer to serving plates or bowls.
Substitution
Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread copycat menu combines grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and blue cheese with a vibrant Green Goddess dressing. If fresh herbs like tarragon or chives are unavailable, dried versions can be used but reduce the quantity by half to avoid overpowering flavors. For a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise or sour cream without sacrificing creaminess. You can cook chicken and bacon in the same skillet to save time, just ensure to wipe excess fat before grilling the chicken to prevent flare-ups. Hard-boiled eggs can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making salad assembly quicker.
Tips
When boiling eggs, placing them in boiling water for exactly 10 minutes ensures a firm yolk without overcooking or greenish discoloration. Use freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, and tarragon in the Green Goddess dressing for vibrant flavor, as dried herbs can alter the taste and texture. Resting the cooked chicken breasts before slicing allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist for your salad. Ensure you toss the salad gently to evenly coat ingredients with dressing without wilting the crisp romaine lettuce.
Nutritions
Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken provides a balanced mix of protein from grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy bacon, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. The ripe avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting cardiovascular health. Blue cheese adds calcium and essential minerals while the creamy herb dressing, rich in fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon, offers antioxidants and vitamins. Your meal delivers essential nutrients with vibrant flavors, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Storage
Store your Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients until ready to serve, especially to preserve the crispness of the romaine lettuce and avocado. Refrigerate at or below 40degF and consume within 1 to 2 days for optimal taste and safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled shrimp or turkey breast for chicken to create a different protein profile while maintaining the salad's hearty appeal. Swap romaine lettuce with baby spinach or mixed greens to add a variety of nutrients and change the texture experience. For a dairy-free option, replace blue cheese with sliced almonds or avocado slices to keep creaminess and add crunch without compromising flavor. Consider making the dressing with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream to enhance protein content and reduce fat.
Allergies
The Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken contains common allergens such as eggs in both the hard-boiled eggs and the dressing, as well as dairy from the blue cheese crumbles, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Bacon and chicken present could pose concerns for individuals with meat allergies, while fresh herbs and garlic might trigger sensitivities in some people. If you have food allergies, always double-check ingredient lists and inform restaurant staff to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
Panera Bread's Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken combines fresh, crisp Romaine lettuce, ripe avocado, herbaceous Green Goddess dressing, and tender grilled chicken, offering a balanced mix of flavors and textures. The salad features nutrient-rich ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and tomatoes, making it a satisfying yet healthy choice for your meal. Its creamy dressing paired with protein ensures a fulfilling lunch or dinner option that appeals to health-conscious customers. Trying to make the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this savory, restaurant-quality salad at home, controlling ingredient quality and customizing flavors to your preference.