Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad With Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken is a fresh, vibrant take on a classic Cobb salad, featuring a creamy herb-packed Green Goddess dressing. It’s a perfect light yet satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.

A wooden bowl filled with a layered salad sits on a white marbled surface. The base layer is made up of mixed leafy greens in different shades of green, including lettuce and arugula. On top, sliced grilled chicken breast pieces with a light brown char are arranged in a neat row in the center. Halved boiled eggs with bright yellow yolks and slices of pink pickled onions sit on one side, while diced avocado cubes and halved cherry tomatoes add vibrant green and red pops on the other. Crunchy bacon bits can be seen on one edge. The salad is drizzled with a creamy green dressing sprinkled with black pepper. A white bowl of extra dressing with some drops spilled on the surface is visible next to the wooden bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably whole fat
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 1/2 oz.)
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon Champagne vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 2 cups baby kale and red leaf lettuce mix
  • 2 cups chopped romaine
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 avocado, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onions
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Make the Green Goddess dressing by blending Greek yogurt, Parmesan, basil, parsley, lemon juice, Champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey in a food processor or blender until smooth. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  2. Step 2: Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, let cool for 10 minutes, then slice.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss arugula, kale and red leaf lettuce mix, and romaine together. Add cooked bacon, chopped avocado, halved grape tomatoes, and pickled red onions, then toss again to combine evenly.
  4. Step 4: Divide the salad mixture between serving bowls. Top each portion with sliced chicken and halved hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle generously with the prepared Green Goddess dressing before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container refrigerated to save time.
  • For added crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds over the salad.
  • Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein boost.
  • Use homemade pickled red onions or substitute with thinly sliced red onions soaked briefly in vinegar for tanginess.

Storage

Store leftover salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in the microwave or a warm skillet before slicing. Dress the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with a vibrant salad sits on a white marbled surface. The base layer is a mix of light and dark green lettuce leaves with slices of purple onion scattered throughout. On top, there are halved red cherry tomatoes adding bright color, followed by crispy bacon pieces appearing dark reddish-brown. Cubes of green apple with slightly yellow edges add texture near the bottom right. Thick slices of grilled chicken, pale beige with a light char and black pepper sprinkled, are laid on the right side. A halved boiled egg with a bright orange yolk slightly runny is held by a gold fork resting on the left side. A creamy green dressing is drizzled all over the salad, adding a fresh and silky look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon and add more veggies or plant-based protein like chickpeas or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.

How do I get the best flavor from the Green Goddess dressing?

Using fresh herbs and good-quality Greek yogurt really elevates the dressing. Blend until completely smooth and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Print
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Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad With Chicken Recipe


  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 31 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Copycat Panera Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken combines fresh greens, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked chicken, all tossed in a vibrant homemade Green Goddess dressing. It’s a nutritious and flavorful salad that makes a perfect light lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Green Goddess Dressing

  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably whole fat
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 1/2 oz.)
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp Champagne vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 2 cups baby kale and red leaf lettuce mix
  • 2 cups chopped romaine
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 avocado, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onions
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Green Goddess Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the Greek yogurt, Parmesan, basil, parsley, lemon juice, Champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Blend until smooth. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside or refrigerate if making ahead.
  2. Make Ahead Tip: The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Assemble the Salad Greens: In a large bowl, toss together arugula, baby kale and red leaf lettuce mix, and chopped romaine until well combined.
  5. Add Salad Toppings: Top the greens with crumbled bacon, finely chopped avocado, halved grape tomatoes, and pickled red onions. Toss lightly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Serve the Salad: Divide the salad mixture between serving bowls. Arrange the sliced chicken breasts and halved hard-boiled eggs on top. Drizzle each salad generously with the prepared Green Goddess dressing. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The dressing can be prepared up to three days in advance for convenience.
  • Cooking the chicken to the correct temperature ensures juiciness and safety.
  • Pickled red onions add a tangy contrast to the creamy dressing and avocado.
  • Use whole fat Greek yogurt for a richer taste and creamier dressing.
  • Resting the chicken before slicing helps retain its juices.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Green Goddess dressing, Cobb salad, Panera copycat, chicken salad, healthy salad, homemade dressing

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