This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a colorful mix of fresh greens, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and vibrant tomatoes, all topped with a tasty honey Dijon dressing. Yum!
Honestly, I could eat this salad for every meal! It’s packed with flavor and keeps me feeling great. I like to throw in some extra avocado—because who doesn’t love that creamy goodness? 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this salad, but you can also use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut. If you’re vegetarian, try grilled tofu or chickpeas instead!
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine offers crunch and freshness, but you can swap it for mixed greens, spinach, or kale. Just remember, kale will be a bit tougher, so you might want to massage it first!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. If you want a healthier option, use turkey bacon or try crispy roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Blue Cheese: This adds a creamy tanginess. If you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese work well. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled avocado or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken on the grill can be tricky. Follow these steps for juicy chicken every time:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat; a hot grill ensures good searing.
- Use a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Olive oil is perfect for this.
- Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes. Check the internal temp; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and colorful salad takes about 30 minutes in total: 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for grilling and assembling. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grilling the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken breasts and rub them with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
2. Preparing the Honey Dijon Dressing:
While the chicken is grilling, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Assembling the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, begin layering your salad. Start with the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, quartered hard-boiled eggs, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and avocado. If you like blue cheese, sprinkle it on top for extra flavor!
4. Adding the Chicken:
Now take the grilled chicken you set aside and slice it into pieces. Arrange the chicken slices over the salad for a beautiful presentation.
5. Serving It Up:
Finally, drizzle the honey Dijon dressing over the salad right before serving. You can gently toss the salad to combine everything or leave the dressing on the side for everyone to add their own. Enjoy this fresh and tasty Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great. Just make sure to warm it slightly before adding it to the salad for the best flavor and texture.
What Can I Substitute for the Blue Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can easily substitute it with feta cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cheese or simply omitting it entirely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. You can reheat the chicken if desired or enjoy it cold!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to My Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or avocados. Just remember to keep the texture in mind—crispy veggies like radishes or jicama add a nice crunch to the salad!
