Northwest Cobb Salad from Shari's Cafe & Pies features fresh mixed greens topped with grilled chicken, crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs, ripe tomatoes, creamy blue cheese, and sliced avocado, all drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, offering a colorful and satisfying medley of flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Salad bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grill pan or grill
- Tongs
- Saucepan (for boiling eggs)
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 slices bacon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 avocado
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt
- Black pepper
When selecting ingredients for your Northwest Cobb Salad, opt for fresh, crisp mixed greens to ensure a vibrant base. Use high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breast for grilling to maintain a tender and juicy texture. Choose ripe avocados and tomatoes to add creaminess and acidity, balancing the flavors of creamy blue cheese and smoky bacon. Ensure eggs are hard-boiled perfectly to achieve the right firmness without overcooking. Your homemade Northwest Cobb Salad from Shari's Cafe & Pies copycat menu will capture the authentic taste and satisfying texture of the original dish when these ingredient tips are followed.
Instructions
- Preheat grill pan or grill.
- Season chicken breast with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken until fully cooked; let rest, then slice.
- Cook bacon until crisp; drain and crumble.
- Fill saucepan with water and bring to a boil.
- Add eggs; boil for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove eggs with slotted spoon; cool, peel, and chop.
- Wash and dry mixed greens; place in salad bowl.
- Chop tomato and slice avocado.
- Arrange grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, tomato, blue cheese, and avocado on greens.
- In mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make vinaigrette.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over salad.
- Toss lightly or serve with vinaigrette on the side.
- Serve immediately with serving utensils.
Substitution
The Northwest Cobb Salad from Shari's Cafe & Pies copycat menu combines fresh mixed greens with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, blue cheese, and avocado, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. If boneless chicken breast is unavailable, you can substitute with grilled turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Should blue cheese be too strong for your taste, feta or goat cheese offer a milder alternative without compromising creaminess. When grilling is not possible, pan-searing the chicken in olive oil will still provide flavorful results. Your vinaigrette can be customized by adjusting the honey or vinegar levels to fit your preferred tanginess.
Tips
Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption and let it rest before slicing to retain juices. When boiling eggs, start with cold water and place eggs gently to prevent cracking; cooling them immediately after cooking makes peeling easier. Use ripe avocado for the best texture and flavor, slicing it just before serving to avoid browning. Whisk the vinaigrette well to emulsify the ingredients, enhancing the flavor balance in your salad.
Nutritions
Northwest Cobb Salad provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. Grilled chicken and hard-boiled eggs contribute lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Avocado and olive oil supply heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while blue cheese adds calcium and flavor. Your meal is rich in antioxidants from mixed greens and tomatoes, supporting overall wellness.
Storage
Store your Northwest Cobb Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, ideally consuming it within 1-2 days to preserve the crispness of the mixed greens and the creamy texture of the avocado. Keep the vinaigrette separate until ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Use a clean salad bowl and utensils when serving leftovers to avoid contamination and extend shelf life.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with smoked turkey breast for a different smoky flavor. Swap blue cheese crumbles with feta or goat cheese for a milder, creamier texture. For a zestier dressing, try using apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar and adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the vinaigrette. To simplify, hard-boiled eggs can be replaced with soft-boiled eggs for a runnier yolk that adds richness to the salad.
Allergies
The Northwest Cobb Salad from Shari's Cafe & Pies contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from blue cheese, and bacon, which may pose risks for those with egg, dairy, or pork allergies. Cross-contamination with other ingredients could occur, so it is important to inform your server of any specific allergies before ordering. Your safety is paramount, so always check ingredient details if you have sensitivities to mustard or honey as well.
Why this recipe?
Northwest Cobb Salad from Shari's Cafe & Pies features a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients like crisp greens, tender grilled chicken, ripe avocado, blue cheese crumbles, and smoked bacon, delivering a rich blend of textures and flavors. Its balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables makes it a satisfying and nutritious option for health-conscious diners. You will appreciate the way this salad combines classic Cobb elements with a Northwest twist, offering a unique taste experience that stands out from traditional salads. Attempting to make a copycat version lets you enjoy this flavorful dish at home while customizing ingredients to your preference.