Looking to elevate your meal? The Avocado Cobb Salad from Panera Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. For starters, consider a warm, freshly baked baguette or sourdough bread. The crusty exterior and soft interior make for an excellent contrast to the crisp salad.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of soup, particularly the Broccoli Cheddar or Autumn Squash, adds a cozy touch. The richness of these soups complements the salad’s flavors beautifully. Craving something lighter? A refreshing fruit cup with seasonal berries offers a sweet and tangy contrast that brightens every bite.
For the adventurous, pairing your salad with a glass of iced green tea can provide a cool and energizing refreshment. Lastly, finish your meal with a cookie or pastry for a sweet treat that balances the savory and creamy elements of the salad.
Have you ever bitten into a salad that makes you rethink everything you know about leafy greens? That happened to me the first time I tried the Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad. It’s not just a salad; it’s a culinary experience packed with flavors and textures.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I am passionate about sharing my favorites with you. This salad combines fresh ingredients while offering a satisfying meal. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or simply looking for a delicious dish, this salad checks all the boxes.
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What is Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad?
The Avocado Cobb Salad is a delicious medley of flavors that kicked the salad game up a notch. Think crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a colorful array of salad greens, all delicately dressed in a light vinaigrette. Panera has perfected the Cobb salad, making it a staple on their menu.
This dish combines the classic Cobb elements with a fresh twist through the addition of avocado—creamy, nutty, and utterly satisfying. Avocado not only makes this salad heartier but it also adds a wealth of nutrients.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine sinking your fork into the cool, crisp greens and hitting a piece of well-seasoned chicken breast. The smoky flavor from the bacon complements the richness of the avocado perfectly.
With every bite, you get a mix of textures: crispy, creamy, crunchy, and juicy. The light vinaigrette ties it all together, making each ingredient shine. It’s as if your taste buds are attending a grand party, and every element plays its part delightfully.
Why You’ll Love This
Why should this salad make it to your table? First, it’s versatile. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner. Next, it packs a nutritional punch. With protein from the chicken and fiber from the greens and avocado, it keeps you feeling full longer.
Plus, it’s simple to make! In about 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that impresses guests or satisfies a hungry family.
Ingredients
To recreate the Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed greens: A combination of romaine, spinach, and kale works well.
- 1 ripe avocado: Creamy and nutrient-rich, this is the star of the dish.
- 2 large eggs: Hard-boiled for added protein.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast: Grilled or roasted, shredded or diced.
- 4 strips of bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for sweetness.
- 4 ounces blue cheese: Crumbled, for that tangy punch.
- ½ cup red wine vinaigrette: Lightly drizzled to enhance flavors.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cooking the chicken breast. If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. Grill or roast until fully cooked. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes depending on thickness. Once done, let it rest before dicing or shredding.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. This generally takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Hard Boil the Eggs
Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cover the pan. Remove from heat and let it sit for 12 minutes. Afterward, cool them under cold water, then peel and chop.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base. Ensure the greens are clean and dry for the best texture.
Step 5: Add the Main Ingredients
On top of the greens, add the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crumbled blue cheese.
Step 6: Add Avocado and Dressing
Slice the avocado and distribute it over the top of the salad. Drizzle the red wine vinaigrette evenly over the whole salad.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the salad to combine all the elements without breaking the avocado. Serve immediately.
Tips on Making Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Look for vibrant greens and ripe avocados.
- Don’t Skip the Dressing: Make sure to dress the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp.
- Customize It: Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients, like nuts or different cheeses. Variety keeps it exciting.
- Meal Prep: You can prep the ingredients in advance. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
- Serving Size: This salad can be a light meal or a side. Adjust the ingredients according to your appetite.
How Do You Store This Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the components separate—especially the dressing and avocado.
When you’re ready to eat, you can assemble it again for the freshest taste. Use it within 1-2 days for the best flavor.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad?
- Grilled Shrimp: For a seafood twist, swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp. Just season and cook until opaque.
- Crispy Tofu: You can replace chicken with crispy tofu for a plant-based option that still packs protein.
- Feta Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try feta for a milder taste and crumbly texture.
- Diced Turkey: Cooked turkey breast is another lean protein option that works beautifully with the salad.
- Spinach: Instead of mixed greens, using spinach can boost the nutritional content while adding its own earthy flavor.
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound leftover cooked chicken shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 small Hass avocados peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 4 hard-boiled eggs peeled and halved
- 6 crispy bacon slices cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup Quick Pickled Red Onions
- ½ cup Green Goddess dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice new addition to brighten and balance flavors
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro new addition for a burst of herbal freshness
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by cooking the chicken breast. If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. Grill or roast until fully cooked. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes depending on thickness. Once done, let it rest before dicing or shredding.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. This generally takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel. Crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Hard Boil the Eggs
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cover the pan. Remove from heat and let it sit for 12 minutes. Afterward, cool them under cold water, then peel and chop.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base. Ensure the greens are clean and dry for the best texture.
Step 5: Add the Main Ingredients
- On top of the greens, add the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and crumbled blue cheese.
Step 6: Add Avocado and Dressing
- Slice the avocado and distribute it over the top of the salad. Drizzle the red wine vinaigrette evenly over the whole salad.
Step 7: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss the salad to combine all the elements without breaking the avocado. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Look for vibrant greens and ripe avocados.
- Don’t Skip the Dressing: Make sure to dress the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp.
- Customize It: Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients, like nuts or different cheeses. Variety keeps it exciting.
- Meal Prep: You can prep the ingredients in advance. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
- Serving Size: This salad can be a light meal or a side. Adjust the ingredients according to your appetite.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I meal prep this salad?
Absolutely! You can prepare the components in advance. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it to keep the salad fresh.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always double-check any packaged products for gluten content.
3. What can I use if I don’t have red wine vinaigrette?
You can substitute with balsamic vinaigrette, lemon vinaigrette, or even a simple olive oil and vinegar mix. Adjust to your taste preference.
4. How long does the salad last in the fridge?
If stored properly, the salad can last up to two days. But for the freshest taste, try to consume it within 1 day.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to give it even more crunch and flavor.
6. Is it okay to add fruit?
For a delightful twist, consider adding some diced apples or pears. They add a nice sweetness that complements the salad well.
Conclusion
The Avocado Cobb Salad from Panera Bread is a delightful dish that goes beyond the typical salad experience. It’s full of vibrant flavors and textures, making it a favorite choice for many.
Whether you enjoy it fresh at the café or whip it up at home, it’s a hearty option packed with nutrition. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a delicious homemade version of this popular salad. Bon appétit!