When I think of the Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad, my taste buds dance at the thought of what complements it best. The salad, with its abundance of fresh ingredients, pairs excellently with a warm, crusty baguette.
This classic pairing adds a delightful textural contrast. If you want to elevate the experience, serve it alongside a creamy tomato basil soup. The richness of the soup harmonizes wonderfully with the zesty freshness of the salad.
It’s a sunny afternoon. The air is warm and inviting, and you’re suddenly craving something fresh and light yet filling enough to satisfy your hunger. Enter the Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad. It’s bright, it’s delicious, and you know what’s best?
You can whip up this gem in your own kitchen. With my own kitchen escapades guiding you, let me take you on a flavorful journey with this delectable dish. In this article, we’ll explore everything about the Avocado Cobb Salad, from what makes it so wonderful to inventive ways to tweak it.
You will also like the following Salad recipes!
- Best Panera Bread Summer Strawberry Caprese Salad Recipe
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- Easy Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad Recipe
What is Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad?
The Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad is a delightful mix of ingredients that tantalize the palate. Starting with a base of crisp romaine lettuce, this salad boasts marinated chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a host of flavorful veggies.
The dressing usually features a Green Goddess or similar herb-infused creaminess that pulls it all together. This salad is not just food; it’s a celebration of fresh produce turning into a masterpiece on your plate.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of the Avocado Cobb Salad is a delightful amalgamation of tastes. The crisp freshness of the romaine provides an excellent base, while the protein from the chicken and eggs adds depth. Bacon introduces a smoky crunch, and the avocado lends creaminess, making each bite satisfying.
The vegetables—tomatoes, green onions, and pickled red onions—bring in bursts of sweetness and tanginess. The dressing, often herb-infused, balances the dish, creating a refreshing finish. Together, these flavors create a harmonious dish that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This
– Simplicity and Adaptability: This salad is a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with proteins, healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables.
– Versatility: Whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it at dinner, its adaptability shines.
– Incredible Taste: Its layers of flavors—from the creamy avocado to the smoky bacon—make it unforgettable.
Ingredients
– 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces (that’s your crisp foundation)
– ½ cup Green Goddess Dressing (for a creamy, herby base)
– 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces (great for using leftovers)
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled (adds smoky flavor and crunch)
– 2 small Hass avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced into cubes (provides creamy texture)
– 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (gives a burst of sweetness)
– 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved (packed with protein and richness)
– ½ cup Quick Pickled Red Onions (adds tangy brightness)
– Diamond Crystal kosher salt, to taste (for seasoning)
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for a hint of spice)
– 1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese (optional, for an added tangy richness)
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a hint of citrus freshness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Clean the romaine lettuce under cold water, making sure to remove any dirt. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
If you need to cook chicken, you can grill, bake, or sauté it. Cook until it’s no longer pink in the center. Let it cool a bit before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. If using leftover chicken, proceed right to the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is cooling, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 4: Prepare the Avocado and Vegetables
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and dice them into cubes. Slice the cherry or grape tomatoes in half. If you haven’t prepared the quick-pickled red onions, now’s the time. It’s a simple process that can elevate the flavor of the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
In the bowl with the romaine, add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, halved tomatoes, and hard-boiled egg halves. Toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Top the salad with your Green Goddess dressing. Give it a light toss again, ensuring everything is coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
Finally, serve the salad in bowls. For those who want an extra kick, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and lemon zest. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies provide the optimal flavor.
– Customize It: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or chickpeas to suit your dietary preferences.
– Prep Ahead: Cook the chicken and bacon in advance to save time. Just assemble the salad when you’re ready.
– Dressing on the Side: Keep the dressing separate until it’s time to eat. This keeps everything crisp.
– Experiment with Fillings: Add roasted corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for an added twist.
How Can You Store This Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad?
You can store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
To maintain freshness, keep the dressing in a separate container until you’re ready to serve.
Alternatives for Ingredients
– Chicken: Tofu can be a great substitute. It’s protein-rich and absorbs flavors well.
– Bacon: Cooked turkey bacon is a lighter option. Alternatively, skip this for a vegetarian choice.
– Dressing: Use a simple balsamic vinaigrette as a quick and delightful alternative.
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce chopped into bite-sized pieces (for a crisp foundation)
- ½ cup Green Goddess Dressing for a creamy, herby base
- 1 pound cooked chicken shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces (perfect for using leftovers)
- 6 slices of bacon cooked until crisp and crumbled (for smoky flavor and crunch)
- 2 small Hass avocados peeled, pitted, and diced into cubes (for a creamy texture)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved (for a burst of sweetness)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs peeled and halved (for protein and richness)
- ½ cup Quick Pickled Red Onions for tangy brightness
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt to taste (for seasoning)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (for a hint of spice)
- 1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese optional, for an added tangy richness
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional, for a hint of citrus freshness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Clean the romaine lettuce under cold water, making sure to remove any dirt. Chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- If you need to cook chicken, you can grill, bake, or sauté it. Cook until it’s no longer pink in the center. Let it cool a bit before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. If using leftover chicken, proceed right to the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
- While the chicken is cooling, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 4: Prepare the Avocado and Vegetables
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and dice them into cubes. Slice the cherry or grape tomatoes in half. If you haven’t prepared the quick-pickled red onions, now’s the time. It’s a simple process that can elevate the flavor of the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
- In the bowl with the romaine, add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, halved tomatoes, and hard-boiled egg halves. Toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
- Top the salad with your Green Goddess dressing. Give it a light toss again, ensuring everything is coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Plate and Serve
- Finally, serve the salad in bowls. For those who want an extra kick, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and lemon zest. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the Avocado Cobb Salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a satisfying protein boost.
2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, as long as the dressing you choose does not contain gluten. Always check labels to be safe.
3. What’s the best way to slice avocados?
Cut them in half, twist to open, and remove the pit. Then, slice into cubes while still in the skin, and scoop out with a spoon.
4. Can I freeze the salad?
It’s not advisable to freeze the salad due to the high water content of ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. However, you could freeze the chicken and bacon separately if needed.
5. Is this salad meal prep friendly?
Certainly! You can prep all the ingredients and store them separately, combining them when you’re ready to eat. This way, everything remains fresh and crisp.
Conclusion
The Panera Bread Avocado Cobb Salad is more than a meal; it’s an experience. From the vibrant colors in the bowl to the rich flavors that burst in your mouth, this salad is simply irresistible. With the right ingredients, a touch of creativity, and a sprinkle of love, you can recreate this culinary delight in your home kitchen.
Whether you enjoy it during a casual lunch or as part of a vibrant dinner, the Avocado Cobb Salad will surely be a highlight. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this nutritious, delicious masterpiece. Happy cooking!