This Easy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a colorful mix of crunchy veggies, tasty chicken, and creamy dressing. A delightful choice for lunch or dinner without the fuss!
You can’t go wrong with its mix of crispy bacon, fresh avocado, and hearty greens. It’s like a party in a bowl! I love topping mine off with extra honey dijon for a sweet kick.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are the go-to for this salad. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a quick substitute!
Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix of romaine and kale for texture and taste. If you can’t find these, any leafy greens like spinach or arugula will do just fine.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness adds lovely flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even canned tomatoes drained well.
Avocado: Make sure it’s ripe for that creamy texture. If you can’t eat avocados, try using sliced or diced apples for a different flavor twist!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. Turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative can work well if you’re looking for lighter options.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with these simple steps, you’ll be a pro in no time!
- Preheat the grill on medium-high heat; this keeps the juices in.
- Use a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the chicken.
- Grill each side for 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it’s 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing; this helps keep it juicy.
Easy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, kale, or spring mix)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
For the Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes for cooking the chicken. Total time is around 30-35 minutes to serve up a delicious and healthy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat while you get the chicken ready. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the chicken breasts. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice it thinly.
2. Make the Honey Dijon Dressing:
While the chicken is grilling, you can whip up the dressing! In a jar or small bowl, mix together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is blended well, creating a nice emulsified dressing.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl or on a platter, lay down the mixed salad greens as your base. Next, arrange the grilled chicken slices, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, hard-boiled egg slices, cucumber slices, red onion, and crumbled bacon in sections on top of the greens. This makes for a colorful and traditional Cobb salad presentation!
4. Serve:
Finally, drizzle the honey Dijon dressing over the salad or serve it on the side for everyone to add to their liking. Toss everything lightly before enjoying, if you prefer. Dig in and enjoy the tasty combination of textures and flavors in every bite!
This fresh and filling salad makes for a wonderful meal, bringing smoky grilled chicken together with crunchy veggies and a sweet-tangy dressing. Enjoy your healthy and delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon
Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or slice it to use in place of grilled chicken breasts for a quicker meal prep.
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If avocados aren’t your thing, you can use sliced or diced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness and creaminess. Alternatively, try adding extra hard-boiled eggs or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain texture. You can also store the proteins and veggies separately if you prefer to assemble fresh portions each time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead! Grill the chicken and boil the eggs a day in advance. Just keep everything stored separately in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest taste.
