Description

Ever wondered how to transform a classic Cobb salad into a smoky, crowd-pleasing masterpiece? Picture savoring Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad, where tender, slow-cooked barbecue pork joins crisp romaine, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a colorful array of toppings, all drizzled with your favorite dressing

Ingredients

Scale

Each ingredient in Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad contributes to its hearty, colorful, and flavorful profile. Substitutions make it adaptable to your pantry.

Barbecue Sauce (1.25 cups): Adds smoky, tangy flavor to the pork. Substitution: Homemade barbecue sauce or a mix of ketchup and molasses with spices.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Enhances savory depth. Substitution: 1 minced garlic clove or ¼ tsp onion powder.
Paprika (¼ tsp): Provides subtle warmth and color. Substitution: Smoked paprika or chili powder for a spicier kick.
Pork Tenderloin (1.5 lbs): Lean, tender cut that shreds easily. Substitution: Pork shoulder (increase cooking time to 6-7 hours) or chicken breast.
Chopped Romaine (12 cups): Crisp, fresh base for the salad. Substitution: Mixed greens, spinach, or kale.
Plum Tomatoes (3, chopped): Add juicy, sweet flavor. Substitution: Cherry tomatoes (halved) or canned diced tomatoes (drained).
Avocados (2, peeled and chopped): Provide creamy texture. Substitution: Guacamole or sliced cucumber.
Carrots (2 small, thinly sliced): Add crunch and color. Substitution: Shredded radish or jicama.
Sweet Red or Green Pepper (1 medium, chopped): Brings vibrant color and mild sweetness. Substitution: Bell peppers of any color or roasted red peppers.
Hard-Boiled Large Eggs (3, chopped): Add protein and richness. Substitution: Scrambled eggs or tofu for vegan.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1.5 cups): Delivers sharp, melty flavor. Substitution: Monterey Jack, blue cheese, or vegan cheese.
Salad Dressing of Your Choice: Ties the salad together. Substitution: Ranch, blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette, or honey mustard.

Why These Ingredients Matter:

Pork tenderloin and eggs provide protein, making this a filling, balanced meal.
Romaine, tomatoes, and carrots add fiber and crunch, keeping the salad fresh and vibrant.
Barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese bring bold, smoky, and tangy flavors, elevating the Cobb experience.
Slow cooking ensures tender pork with infused barbecue flavor, requiring minimal effort.

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Instructions

Prep the Pork (5 minutes):
- In a greased 3-quart slow cooker, mix 1.25 cups barbecue sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp paprika.
- Add 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin; turn to coat evenly with the sauce mixture. Tip: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray for easy cleanup; ensure pork is fully coated for maximum flavor.
Slow Cook the Pork (4-5 hours):
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and a thermometer inserted reads 145°F (63°C) for medium or 160°F (71°C) for well-done. Tip: Check at 4 hours to avoid overcooking; smaller slow cookers may cook faster. Avoid lifting the lid to maintain heat.
Shred the Pork (5 minutes):
- Remove pork from the slow cooker and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- In a bowl, toss the shredded pork with 1 cup of the barbecue sauce mixture from the slow cooker. Tip: Shred while warm for easier handling; reserve extra sauce for drizzling or future use if desired.
Assemble the Salad (10 minutes):
- Spread 12 cups chopped romaine on a large serving platter or divide among 6-8 individual plates (about 1.5-2 cups per serving).
- Arrange the following over the romaine in rows or sections: shredded barbecue pork, 3 chopped plum tomatoes, 2 chopped avocados, 2 thinly sliced carrots, 1 chopped sweet red or green pepper, 3 chopped hard-boiled eggs, and 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Drizzle with your choice of salad dressing, or serve it on the side for customization. Tip: Chop ingredients uniformly for a polished look; chill romaine beforehand for extra crispness.
Serve (3 minutes):
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to scoop portions (about 1.5-2 cups each for 6-8 servings) or plate individual servings. Tip: Offer extra dressing and a sprinkle of black pepper or paprika for added flair; serve with tongs for easy sharing.