Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}

This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep for the week, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and creamy avocado creates a delightful flavor experience. Plus, the honey dijon dressing brings everything together in under a minute! Enjoy this healthy and hearty low-carb meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your salad with your favorite greens and veggies, making it suitable for various tastes and dietary needs.
• Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein from chicken and eggs, plus healthy fats from avocado, this salad keeps you satisfied longer.
• Flavorful Dressing: The homemade honey dijon dressing adds a sweet and tangy kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving perfectly grilled chicken with those delicious char marks.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining ingredients, especially when making the honey dijon dressing.
• Knife: Necessary for slicing vegetables and proteins; a sharp knife makes prep work easier.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients without damaging your countertops.

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Ingredients

This grilled chicken Cobb salad is packed with all the goodies! Perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, sliced eggs and avocado plus an easy and delicious honey dijon dressing that’s ready in under a minute! This Cobb salad makes a healthy, hearty low carb meal that’s gluten free, paleo, dairy free and a family favorite!

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 grilling)
• 8 cups chopped romaine (or other greens)
• 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 bacon (cooked until crisp, 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, combine raw honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, avocado oil, and sea salt. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub them with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on both sides.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil to prevent sticking. Grill chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving platter or bowl:
– Layer chopped romaine at the bottom.
– Add cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, cucumber slices, sliced avocado, crispy turkey bacon pieces, and hard-boiled egg slices on top.
– Slice grilled chicken into strips and place on top of the salad.

Step 5: Dress & Serve

Drizzle generous amounts of honey dijon dressing over the salad before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients if desired. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}

Serving your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is all about enhancing the flavors and presentation. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your salad experience.

Serve on a Bed of Greens

• Use a mix of romaine and kale for added texture and nutrients.
• A colorful array of greens makes the dish visually appealing.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Fresh herbs can enhance the overall taste profile.

Pair with Crunchy Toppings

• Consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch.
• These toppings add healthy fats and additional nutrients.

Offer Additional Dressings

• Provide extra honey dijon dressing on the side for those who love more flavor.
• Having options allows guests to customize their salads.

Serve with Grilled Vegetables

• Add grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a smoky flavor.
• This complements the grilled chicken and adds more veggies to your meal.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}

To make your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad truly shine, follow these tips for perfection.

• Marinate your chicken: Soak chicken breasts in olive oil and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use fresh ingredients: Always choose ripe avocados and fresh vegetables. Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Cook eggs perfectly: For hard-boiled eggs, simmer gently for 9-12 minutes then cool in ice water. This ensures they are easy to peel and perfectly cooked.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your salad before serving. Add more salt or pepper if needed for balance.
• Experiment with greens: Try different leafy greens such as spinach or arugula to change the flavor profile each time you make this salad.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep leftover salad in an airtight container without dressing to maintain freshness. Dress just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned with olive oil and herbs, these sweet potatoes add a hearty touch to your meal.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice pairs beautifully with the salad’s flavors.
3. Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative can absorb flavors from dressings and is easy to prepare.
4. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until crispy, these sprouts provide a satisfying crunch alongside your salad.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Tossed lightly in olive oil, they offer a refreshing twist that complements the main dish well.
6. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the savory elements of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon, steer clear of these common mistakes.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use adequate salt, pepper, and spices for a tasty result.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Grill until just cooked through for juicy pieces.
• Using low-quality dressing: A store-bought dressing can lack freshness. Opt for homemade honey dijon dressing for better flavor.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old vegetables affects taste and texture. Always choose fresh produce for your salad.
• Not balancing flavors: A good salad has a mix of flavors and textures. Ensure you include creamy avocado, crunchy bacon, and zesty dressing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}

• Not recommended to freeze due to texture changes in vegetables and dressing.
• Chicken can be frozen separately if needed.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat chicken until warmed through, then assemble the salad fresh.
• Microwave: Use medium power to heat chicken alone. Avoid heating vegetables to maintain crunchiness.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet 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 in advance?

Yes, you can prepare individual components ahead of time and assemble just before serving for freshness.

What can I substitute for Turkey Turkey Bacon?

You can use crispy grilled chicken or tempeh bacon as alternatives to maintain flavor without pork products.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep as long as you store components separately until you’re ready to eat.

How can I customize the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or nuts to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference!

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and allows for easy customization based on your tastes. Try experimenting with various greens or proteins, and enjoy a healthy meal that pleases everyone at the table!