This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a meal at home. Packed with protein from grilled chicken and hard-boiled eggs, along with the creaminess of avocado and crunch from Turkey Turkey Bacon, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, the homemade honey dijon dressing adds a sweet and tangy touch in under a minute!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of grilled chicken, crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon, and creamy avocado creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Customizable Options: Feel free to swap out greens or add your favorite vegetables for variety.
- Nutritionally Balanced: With high protein content and low carbs, this salad fits perfectly into your healthy eating plan.
- Great for Meal Prep: Prepare ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this delicious salad, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly while adding delicious smoky flavor.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for combining ingredients without mess; they keep everything organized.
- Whisk: Helps to blend the honey dijon dressing smoothly for perfect consistency.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}:
For the Dressing
- 3 Tbsp raw honey (melted if solid)
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
For the Salad
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (for the grill or pan)
- 8 cups chopped romaine (kale, or other greens, or a mix)
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium cucumber (peeled and sliced)
- 1 large avocado (thinly sliced)
- 8 slices Turkey Turkey Bacon (cooked until crisp, and chopped or crumbled)
- 6 hard boiled eggs (sliced)
How to Make Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Melted raw honey.
2. Dijon mustard.
3. Lemon juice or vinegar.
4. Avocado oil.
5. Sea salt.
Step 2: Season and Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub this mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Brush the grill with avocado oil before placing the chicken on it.
- Grill chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl:
1. Combine chopped greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and avocado.
2. Slice grilled chicken once cooled slightly and add it to the salad mixture along with crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Step 4: Dress It Up!
Drizzle the prepared honey dijon dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all flavors beautifully.
Enjoy your vibrant Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}! It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients—perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your salad.
Individual Bowls
- Serve the salad in individual bowls for a personalized touch. Each guest can enjoy their own portion, making it easy to customize toppings.
Family Style
- Present the salad on a large platter for a family-style meal. This invites everyone to serve themselves and share the experience of building their perfect salad.
Meal Prep Containers
- Pack the Cobb salad into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Layer the ingredients thoughtfully to keep them fresh throughout the week.
Side Plates
- Offer smaller side plates with extra toppings like crumbled Turkey Turkey Bacon or additional veggies. This allows guests to add their favorites right before eating.
Picnic Style
- Pack the salad for a picnic by layering ingredients in jars. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve, ensuring freshness and crunch.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
Creating the ultimate Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these simple guidelines to make your salad irresistible.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh greens and ripe avocados enhance flavor and texture. Always choose seasonal produce for the best taste.
- Marinate Chicken: For added flavor, marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices before grilling.
- Cook Turkey Bacon Crispy: Ensure your Turkey Turkey Bacon is cooked until crispy for the best texture contrast in your salad.
- Chill Ingredients: Chill all components, especially the eggs and avocados, before assembling the salad. This keeps everything refreshing.
- Make Extra Dressing: Prepare extra honey dijon dressing so you can drizzle more over leftovers or use it in other meals throughout the week.
- Vary Your Greens: Experiment with different leafy greens or mixes such as spinach or arugula for varied flavors and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad enhances your meal without overpowering it. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious salad.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned sweet potatoes roasted until tender offer a sweet contrast to the savory salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf cooked with herbs adds protein and fiber while keeping it gluten-free.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice provides a crisp and refreshing side.
- Garlic Lemon Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic and lemon zest bring brightness and crunch alongside your main dish.
- Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in vinegar complements the flavors of the Cobb without being heavy.
- Cauliflower Rice: Fluffy cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs serves as a great low-carb alternative while adding volume to your meal.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini sautéed lightly offers a fun twist on pasta that pairs well with any protein-packed salad.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made of seasonal fruits adds sweetness that balances out savory dishes beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Using cold chicken: Ensure your grilled chicken is at room temperature or warm before adding it to the salad. This enhances flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the eggs: To achieve perfectly hard-boiled eggs, boil for 9-12 minutes. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture and grey yolks.
- Not seasoning adequately: Chicken and salad ingredients need proper seasoning. Use salt and pepper generously to bring out their flavors.
- Skipping the dressing prep: Don’t forget to whisk the honey dijon dressing well before serving. A well-mixed dressing ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Using old greens: Always use fresh greens for your salad. Wilted or brown leaves can ruin the dish’s appeal and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
- It’s best not to freeze this salad as fresh ingredients lose quality when thawed.
- If you must freeze, store only the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through. Avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Sauté chicken pieces in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time but store them separately. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for turkey bacon?
You can use crispy baked chickpeas or tempeh bacon for a similar crunch without using animal products.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just keep dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}?
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or radishes. You can also swap out proteins or use different greens.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s perfect for any meal, whether lunch or dinner, and easy to customize based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a fresh take on a classic salad!
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
Indulge in a refreshing Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon that’s not only delicious but also loaded with nutritious ingredients. This vibrant salad combines tender grilled chicken breasts, creamy avocado, and crisp turkey bacon, all topped with a homemade honey dijon dressing that adds the perfect sweet and tangy flair. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes for an ideal lunch or dinner option, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving guests at a gathering. Packed with protein and fiber while being low in carbs, this salad fits seamlessly into any healthy eating plan. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures as you dig into this delightful dish!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- 1 large avocado
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 8 slices crispy turkey bacon
- 3 Tbsp raw honey (melted if solid)
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (for grilling)
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium cucumber (peeled and sliced)
Instructions
- Whisk together melted honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, avocado oil, and sea salt to prepare the dressing.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6–7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and avocado.
- Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the salad along with crumbled turkey bacon and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
- Drizzle with dressing before serving and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
Keywords: Marinate chicken for extra flavor if time allows. Feel free to customize your salad with additional veggies like bell peppers or radishes. Ensure greens are fresh to enhance the overall taste.
