Boudin SF Launches a NEW Spring Salad Collection #Saladelicious

Boudin SF, the fast-casual restaurant created by Boudin Bakery, creator of The Original San Francisco Sourdough™, has introduced three new limited-time salads. San Diego Bloggers were invited for a media tasting event at the Boudin Balboa Mesa location. We sampled the new Spring lineup that launched today, March 25. The new selections are Chicken Kale Caesar, Lemony Couscous, and Chicken Bahn Mi. We got to try them all! We also sampled the Happy Hour beer and wine offerings uniquely paired with each salad.

Bloggers: +Melanie M. , +Cynthia, +Danielle, +Dariela, +Melissa, +Lora, +Laura, +Leah  

Boudin SF's Executive Chef Alan Skversky joined us from San Francisco to debut the salad and drink pairings and shared a wealth of information about the Boudin way. Each salad is made fresh-to-order and served with a side of The Original San Francisco Sourdough™ bread. I've been a fan of Boudin for as long as I can remember. I will be completely honest and admit that until yesterday, I didn't think of Boudin's for salads. I LOVE the bread. I LOVE the clam chowder. Each and every time my order has been the same: clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.  Now I  have more to love when it comes to Boudin's. I can have the Best of Boudin: soup and salad! The three new salads will be featured on the menu for purchase as an entree (the serving size is a generous one) or available on Soup & Salad combos.

Executive Chef Alan Skversky Introducing the new salad offerings in the actual entree serving size

Chicken Banh Mi ($9.59) – Mixed greens, Soba noodles, all natural diced chicken, fresh cilantro, cucumber, red bell pepper, pickled carrots, red onion, and jalapeño peppers tossed in sesame ginger vinaigrette. The flavors of your favorite Vietnamese sandwich in a crisp salad. Paired with Kendall Jackson Chardonnay 2013 Vintners Reserve.

I have had my fair share of bahn mi sandwiches and this salad does have that bahn mi flavor. I was happily surprised! I wasn't too fond of the soba noodles but that is just my preference. I thought that the salad was great and didn't need the extra element. I'm no gourmet, so I may be way off on that one.

Chicken Bahn Mi

Lemony Couscous ($9.59) – Israeli Couscous, garbanzo beans, diced cucumbers, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, roasted red bell pepper, feta cheese, drizzled with creamy lemon dressing. Paired with La Crema Sonoma Coast 2013 Pinot Noir.

This was delicious! I am normally the type of person to pick out what I don't like out of my salads - not with this one! Everything really tasted perfect in combination. I loved it!

Lemony Couscous

Chicken Kale Caesar ($8.59)– Chiffonade Tuscan kale and romaine lettuce, all natural diced chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, creamy Caesar dressing, topped with sourdough garlic crisps. Paired with Karl Strauss Tower 10 IPA.

I loved this salad too! I know some folks who aren't big fans of kale. This is the BEST kale salad that I have tasted. Even if you think that you don't like kale salad, THIS one will likely change your mind! The best testimony of this was from Leah's little girl who ate it all up and spoke up about how much she liked it! If the kids like it, I'm SOLD.

Chicken Kale Caesar

+Boudin SF dishes are made with seasonal, organic and locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Awesome, right? I do have to warn you that these salads are only offered for a limited time. All three salads will be served at Boudin SF locations throughout California beginning March 25 through the end of June. Hurry in! While you're there sign up for the Loyalty Club. Tip: sign up for the Email Club and receive exclusive offers! There are currently 33 Boudin SF locations. Find a location near you. For more information and promotions follow @boudinbakery on twitter, visit Boudin SF on facebook, and check out the Boudin Bakery website.  When you do, give their fine social media team a shout out from me!

Boudin SF Balboa Mesa with my blogging buddies: +Lora & +Melanie

YOUR TURN: I would LOVE to know which one would be your favorite. Once you try them out please let me know what you thought! Don't forget: they are only available until June!

Disclosure: I was an invited to sample Boudin SF's new Spring Collection. All opinions are my own.

 We are so looking forward to celebrating our Boudin Spring Collection with @simmworksfamily, @leahsthoughts, @darielacruz, @melemel635, and @lifebycynthia tonight at Boudin SF Balboa Mesa. It's going to be one ‪#saladelicious evening!

A photo posted by Boudin Bakery (@boudinbakery) on Mar 24, 2015 at 10:22am PDT