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

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion. This salad bursts with flavor and freshness, featuring perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon, creamy avocado, and a tangy honey dijon dressing. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients that are gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and dairy-free. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad fits the bill beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of honey dijon dressing and grilled chicken delivers a delicious punch with every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap out ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or your personal preferences.
• Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with protein and healthy fats, this salad is both filling and nutritious.
• Family-Friendly: With its appealing flavors and textures, even picky eaters will enjoy this hearty salad.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad seamlessly, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: A must-have for achieving the perfect grilled chicken with those beautiful char marks.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your honey dijon dressing ingredients quickly.
• Whisk: Helps blend the dressing smoothly without lumps for a deliciously creamy texture.

Ingredients

This grilled chicken Cobb salad is packed with all the goodies! Perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, crispy Turkey 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 the grill or pan)
• 8 cups chopped romaine (kale 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 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 melted raw honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice (or vinegar), avocado oil, and sea salt. Whisk together until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

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

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, layer chopped romaine along with cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber slices, avocado slices, cooked Turkey Turkey Bacon pieces, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Dressing

Slice the grilled chicken into strips and place on top of the salad. Drizzle generously with your homemade honey dijon dressing.

Step 6: Serve

Toss gently to combine all ingredients if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!

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

Serving this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is all about enhancing your meal experience. This vibrant salad not only satisfies your hunger but also offers a colorful presentation that’s sure to impress.

Individual Bowls

• Serve the salad in individual bowls for a personal touch. Each guest can customize their toppings according to their preference.

Family-Style Serving

• Present the salad ingredients on a large platter. Let everyone build their own bowls, allowing for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Pair with Extra Dressing

• Offer additional honey dijon dressing on the side. This allows guests to add more flavor as they desire, making it a versatile option.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It adds freshness and enhances flavor without much effort.

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

Achieving the perfect grilled chicken Cobb salad requires attention to detail. Here are some simple tips to elevate your dish.

• Marinate chicken beforehand – For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in spices and oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Cook bacon until crispy – Ensure your turkey bacon is cooked until crisp for added texture and flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients – Always opt for fresh greens and ripe avocados for the best taste and nutrition.
• Slice eggs neatly – A sharp knife will help in getting clean cuts for your hard-boiled eggs, making them look appealing on the salad.
• Chill before serving – Allow the assembled salad to chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. It enhances flavors and makes it refreshing.

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

Complementing your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is easy with these delightful side dishes. Each one pairs well while keeping your meal light and healthy.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic provides a flavorful addition.
2. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with cucumber and lemon dressing offers a nutritious boost.
3. Sweet Potato Wedges – Baked sweet potato wedges seasoned with sea salt make a satisfying side that’s rich in fiber.
4. Crispy Zucchini Fries – Lightly breaded zucchini fries baked until crispy add crunch without excess calories.
5. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances savory flavors.
6. Cucumber Mint Raita – This yogurt-based dip (using dairy-free yogurt) brings coolness that complements spicy notes in the salad.
7. Steamed Asparagus – Simple yet elegant, steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice offers bright color and freshness.
8. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas – Crunchy chickpeas roasted with spices add protein and texture that pair wonderfully with the salad’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F and is juicy.
• Ignoring freshness: Using wilted greens or old vegetables impacts flavor and texture. Always choose fresh, crisp produce for your salad.
• Rushing the dressing: Skipping the blending of ingredients can result in an unbalanced dressing. Take a minute to whisk or blend for a smooth consistency.
• Forgetting to season: Neglecting spices on chicken means missing out on essential flavor. Don’t skip seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store your salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep ingredients fresh and prevent spoilage.

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

• • Duration: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as it contains fresh vegetables that don’t thaw well.
• • Containers: If you must freeze, separate cooked chicken and dressing from fresh ingredients, using freezer-safe bags or containers.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish; cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals until heated.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth if needed, and warm until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon.

Can I use different greens in my Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}?

Yes! Feel free to substitute romaine with spinach or kale for added nutrients and variety.

How can I customize my Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}?

You can add nuts, seeds, or additional veggies like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it holds up well in the fridge when stored properly.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought honey mustard dressing that aligns with your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. It’s a healthy meal option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!