Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad — Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of a Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad, a delightful recreation of one of Panera Bread’s signature menu items.

This salad celebrates wholesome ingredients, featuring crisp greens, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and a luscious green goddess dressing that’s divine.

Whether you’re a devoted salad enthusiast or simply looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, this recipe promises a burst of flavor and a symphony of textures that will leave you craving more. Join us on a journey to recreate this Panera classic right in your own kitchen!

The Green Goddess Cobb Salad at Panera

Panera Bread’s Green Goddess Cobb Salad is a true crowd-pleaser on their menu, and for good reason. This salad combines fresh, crisp greens with flavorful ingredients like ripe avocado, tender chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and crispy bacon.

The show’s star, the Green Goddess dressing, ties everything together with its creamy, herbaceous goodness.

Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a healthy yet satisfying meal at Panera Bread. Whether you’re a regular customer or trying it for the first time, the Green Goddess Cobb Salad at Panera is a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of freshness and flavor in every bite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll fall in love with this recipe for a Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad for several compelling reasons:

• Homemade Goodness: Making this salad at home allows you to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of Panera’s Green Goddess Cobb Salad anytime, without leaving your kitchen.
• Customizable: You have full control over the ingredients, ensuring you can tailor the salad to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Fresh and Wholesome: The salad features many nutritious ingredients, from crisp greens and creamy avocado to lean protein and hard-boiled eggs, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Creamy Green Goddess Dressing: The homemade Green Goddess dressing is a standout, bringing a burst of herbaceous and tangy flavors to the salad that’s both luscious and healthier than store-bought alternatives.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether you’re looking for a quick and nutritious lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this salad fits the bill.
• Balanced and Filling: The combination of protein, healthy fats, and greens in this salad ensures it’s delicious, filling, and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily prep the components of this salad in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays or as a grab-and-go lunch.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade salads are tastier and more budget-friendly than restaurant versions, allowing you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without the hefty price tag.
• Impressively Presentable: It’s a visually stunning dish, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to an Instagram-worthy meal.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients or adapt it to what you have on hand, making it a versatile recipe that’s never dull.

This Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad recipe combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of dining out and the satisfaction of creating a delicious and nutritious meal in your own kitchen. Get ready to savor every bite of this homemade Panera-inspired delight!

Ingredients Needed For Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

Crafting a Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad starts with a carefully curated selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Each component plays a crucial role in creating a salad that’s visually appealing and bursting with taste and texture. From the crisp romaine lettuce to the creamy avocado, savory bacon, and the irresistible homemade Green Goddess dressing.

Let’s explore the essential components that combine to recreate the delightful taste of Panera’s Green Goddess Cobb Salad in your kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with freshness and flavor!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp, romaine lettuce serves as the salad’s base, providing a refreshing crunch.
• Grilled Chicken Breast: Tender and lean, grilled chicken breast adds protein to the salad, making it hearty and satisfying.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits contribute a smoky, savory flavor that complements the salad’s creamy dressing.
• Avocado: Creamy avocado slices bring a rich, buttery texture and a dose of healthy fats.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced hard-boiled eggs offer a protein-packed element with creamy yolks and tender whites.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add freshness and color to the salad.
• Cucumber: Sliced cucumber provides a refreshing and hydrating crunch to balance the flavors.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions lend a mild, oniony zing and a pop of green color to the salad.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley enhances the salad’s herbaceous notes, adding freshness.
• Green Goddess Dressing: The star of the show, this homemade Green Goddess dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh herbs, and citrus for a creamy, tangy, and herb-infused dressing that ties the salad together.

How To Make Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad

Creating your Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad is a rewarding culinary adventure. Here’s how to make it step by step:

Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing:

• Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh tarragon, chives, parsley, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
• Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
• Refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the salad components to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook The Chicken:

• Preheat the Air Fryer:
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This high temperature will help achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
• Season the Chicken:
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps in getting a good search.
  • Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
  • Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings to taste.

• Air Fry the Chicken:
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Cook the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping the breasts halfway through the cooking time. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your air fryer.
• Check for Doneness:
  • To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Rest and Slice:
  • Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
  • Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or cubes, ready to be added to your Green Goddess Cobb Salad.

Assemble the Salad:

• On a large serving platter or individual plates, arrange a bed of chopped romaine lettuce as the base of the salad.
• Next, arrange the sliced grilled chicken breast, crumbled bacon, sliced avocados, hard-boiled egg slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and chopped green onions over the lettuce in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
• Retrieve the Green Goddess dressing from the refrigerator and drizzle it generously over the salad.
• Garnish your Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve your salad immediately, allowing each diner to mix the dressing into their portion as desired.

This Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad is a delicious medley of textures and flavors featuring creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and a tangy, herb-infused dressing. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, it’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Enjoy the vibrant taste of Panera right at home!

Recipe Variations

Put your own twist on the Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad with these creative recipe variations:

• Shrimp or Salmon Cobb Salad: Swap the grilled chicken for succulent shrimp or flaky salmon to add a seafood twist to your salad. Grill, broil, or pan-sear the seafood for a delightful change.
• Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon. Add roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu for a protein boost.
• Mediterranean Cobb Salad: Infuse Mediterranean flavors with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and diced red onions. Drizzle with a lemon-oregano vinaigrette for a Mediterranean twist.
• Quinoa Cobb Salad: Add cooked quinoa to your salad for extra fiber and a nutty flavor. It’s a hearty and nutritious addition that pairs beautifully with the Green Goddess dressing.
• Goat Cheese and Walnut Cobb Salad: Elevate your salad by including creamy goat cheese crumbles and toasted walnuts for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Roasted Veggie Cobb Salad: Roast vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes before adding them to the salad. The roasted veggies bring a depth of flavor and warmth to the dish.
• Southwest Cobb Salad: Infuse Southwestern flair by adding ingredients like black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and diced jalapeños. Top with a zesty chipotle-lime dressing for a spicy kick.
• Greek Yogurt Green Goddess Dressing: Light up the dressing using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayo. It offers a creamy texture with added protein and a tangy flavor.
• Mixed Greens Cobb Salad: Experiment with greens like spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce to create a diverse and colorful salad.
• Crispy Chickpea Topping: – Roast chickpeas with your favorite seasonings until crispy, then sprinkle them on top of the salad for a crunchy element.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or create your own unique Cobb salad masterpiece. The beauty of a Cobb salad lies in its versatility, so let your creativity shine as you tailor it to your preferences and dietary requirements.

Pro Tips

Master the art of creating the perfect Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad with these pro tips:

• Poached Chicken for Extra Tenderness: Consider poaching it instead of grilling it for exceptionally tender chicken. The poached chicken stays moist and absorbs the flavors of the Green Goddess dressing well. Poach chicken breasts in simmering water with herbs and aromatics until fully cooked, then slice for your salad.
• Keep Avocado Fresh: To prevent avocado from browning too quickly, drizzle it with a bit of lemon or lime juice. This will maintain its vibrant color until you’re ready to serve.
• Perfectly Hard-Boiled Eggs: Achieve flawless hard-boiled eggs by placing them in a pot of cold water, bringing it to a boil, then immediately turning off the heat and letting them sit for about 10-12 minutes. Plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier.
• Bacon Crisping Trick: For ultra-crispy bacon, cook it in the oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This method ensures even cooking and minimizes mess.
• Customize Greens: Mix and match different types of greens for added complexity. Baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix can be used alongside or instead of romaine lettuce.
• Preparing Ahead: If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and wait to dress the salad until just before serving. This will keep the greens fresh and crisp.
• Grilled Citrus Chicken: Enhance the flavor of your grilled chicken by marinating it in citrus juice (lemon or lime) before grilling. The acidity adds a pleasant tang to the meat.
• Layer Ingredients for Presentation: To create an eye-catching presentation, arrange the salad ingredients in distinct, organized layers on your serving platter or individual plates. This way, each component stands out, making your salad visually appealing.
• Double the Dressing: Prepare extra Green Goddess dressing and keep it in the refrigerator. It makes a delightful dip for fresh vegetables or a flavorful sauce for other dishes.
• Explore Herb Variations: – Experiment with fresh herbs in the Green Goddess dressing. Basil, cilantro, or dill can add exciting flavor profiles to your salad.

With these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad to a new level of deliciousness and presentation, ensuring it’s a hit at every meal. Enjoy every bite’s perfect blend of flavors, textures, and freshness!

Faq’s

Is the Green Goddess dressing vegetarian? The Green Goddess dressing used in Panera’s salad typically contains mayonnaise and sour cream, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, you can easily create a vegetarian version using plant-based mayonnaise and sour cream.

Is the Green Goddess dressing gluten-free? The traditional Green Goddess dressing recipe includes ingredients that may contain gluten, such as soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. If you have gluten sensitivities or allergies, consider using gluten-free alternatives or making your own Green Goddess dressing.

Can I make the salad ahead of time? While you can prepare some components of the salad in advance, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the ingredients. Store the dressing separately to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.

What are some good protein alternatives for the salad? You can customize the salad with your preferred protein sources. Popular alternatives to grilled chicken include shrimp, salmon, tofu, or even marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

How can I make the salad dairy-free? To make the salad dairy-free, omit ingredients like sour cream and cheese, and choose dairy-free alternatives for the Green Goddess dressing. Consider using dairy-free cheese or avocado as a creamy substitute.

Can I use bottled Green Goddess dressing? You can use store-bought Green Goddess dressing if you want a convenient option. However, making your own dressing from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, resulting in a fresher and more customized taste.

How, can I make the salad keto-friendly? To make the salad keto-friendly, omit or reduce ingredients with higher carb content, such as cherry tomatoes and cucumber. Focus on the greens, protein, and fats like avocado, bacon, and Green Goddess dressing.

What is the calorie count for the Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad? The calorie count for the Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad can vary based on the serving size and specific ingredients used. To determine the exact calorie count, you may want to use a nutrition calculator based on your recipe and portion sizes.

Can I make a vegan version of the Green Goddess dressing? You can create a vegan Green Goddess dressing using plant-based mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives. Additionally, make sure the Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Can I substitute the Green Goddess dressing with another dressing? Absolutely! If you prefer a different dressing or have dietary restrictions, substitute it with your favorite salad dressing, such as balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or tahini-based dressing.

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