Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary masterpiece that transforms your entire dining experience! The California Cobb Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette is a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Packed with protein, bursting with freshness, and drizzled with a luxurious tarragon vinaigrette, this salad is more than just a meal—it's a gourmet adventure waiting to happen right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup tarragon vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly and spinning or patting dry to remove excess moisture.
- If not already prepared, cook chicken breast by seasoning with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces once cooled.
- Slice avocado in half, remove pit, and cut into thin, even slices. To prevent browning, lightly brush with lemon juice.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically through the stem end.
- In a large serving bowl, create a bed of mixed greens as the base of the salad.
- Arrange the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, avocado slices, crumbled blue cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes in distinct sections on top of the greens.
- Drizzle the tarragon vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately to ensure the greens remain crisp and the ingredients are at their freshest.
Tips
- Freshness is key: Always use the freshest ingredients, especially your mixed greens and cherry tomatoes.
- Prevent avocado browning by brushing slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting.
- For extra flavor, consider grilling the chicken with a light herb seasoning.
- Cook bacon until perfectly crisp for maximum texture and flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the crispness of the greens.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken or use turkey bacon.
- The tarragon vinaigrette can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled tofu or additional roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 389kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
