Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon

This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is a delightful and healthy choice for any meal. With perfectly grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, fresh veggies, and a quick honey dijon dressing, this salad is not only packed with flavor but also caters to various dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick lunch, this dish stands out with its vibrant ingredients and satisfying taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The entire recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious option for anyone.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, you can serve it at gatherings or meal prep for the week.
• Diet-Friendly: This salad is gluten-free, paleo, and can easily be made Whole30 compliant.
• Flavorful Dressing: The honey dijon dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the salad beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious grilled chicken Cobb salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients and ensuring even distribution of the dressing.
• Whisk: Helps to emulsify the honey dijon dressing smoothly.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise slicing of vegetables and chicken for presentation.

Ingredients

For this vibrant salad, gather the following ingredients:

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 bacon (cooked until crisp, chopped)
• 6 hard boiled eggs (sliced)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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. Fresh lemon juice or white vinegar.
4. Avocado oil and sea salt.

Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine:
1. Sea salt.
2. Black pepper.
3. Garlic powder.
4. Onion powder.

Rub this seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts evenly.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Add:
– 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the seasoned chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Once done, let them rest before slicing.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl:
1. Add chopped romaine and other greens as a base.
2. Layer on cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber slices, avocado slices, turkey bacon pieces, and hard-boiled eggs.
3. Top with sliced grilled chicken.

Step 5: Dress Your Salad

Drizzle the prepared honey dijon dressing over your assembled salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients while keeping everything intact.

Enjoy your deliciously healthy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}!

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

Serving a Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious meal. This salad is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

For a Light Lunch

• Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls for a casual lunch or picnic. Each bowl can be layered beautifully for an appealing presentation.
• Wrap It Up: Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a fun twist. Fill them with salad ingredients for easy handheld meals.

As a Hearty Dinner

• Platter Style: Arrange the salad ingredients on a large platter. This family-style serving encourages sharing and conversation during dinner.
• Add More Protein: Pair with grilled shrimp or steak for those who want extra protein, making it even more filling.

For Meal Prep

• Mason Jar Salads: Layer the salad ingredients in mason jars for grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
• Bento Boxes: Pack portions in bento boxes for well-balanced lunches that are easy to transport.

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

Enhancing your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is simple! Here are some tips to make it even better.

• Bold Seasoning: Marinate chicken breasts overnight with seasoning for deeper flavors. This enhances the overall taste of your salad.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, organic produce whenever possible. Fresh greens and ripe avocados elevate the flavor significantly.
• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Grill chicken until just cooked through to retain juiciness. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken which affects the salad’s texture.
• Experiment with Greens: Try different greens like arugula or spinach along with romaine for added nutrition and taste variety.
• Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare your honey dijon dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows flavors to meld together over time.
• Crunch Factor: Add nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for an extra crunch that complements the creamy avocado.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted in garlic adds flavor and color alongside your salad.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a satisfying crunch that complements the freshness of the salad.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs can serve as a nutritious side packed with protein and fiber.
4. Cauliflower Rice: Lightly seasoned cauliflower rice is a low-carb option that pairs perfectly without overwhelming flavors.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet contrast and balances out the savory elements of the Cobb salad.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed lightly in olive oil makes a great low-carb alternative that adds volume to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not seasoning the chicken: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Always season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and spices before grilling.
• Overcooking the bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it chewy. Aim for crispy but not burnt slices, as they add great texture to the salad.
• Cutting vegetables too large: If veggies are too big, they can be hard to eat. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for better enjoyment and easier mixing.
• Ignoring the dressing balance: Using too much or too little dressing can overpower the salad. Adjust the honey dijon dressing to taste, ensuring it complements rather than masks the flavors.
• Skipping the hard-boiled eggs: Leaving out eggs removes protein and creaminess from the salad. Include them for added nutrition and richness.
• Using wilted greens: Starting with wilted greens can ruin your salad’s freshness. Always use crisp, fresh greens for the best taste and texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

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

• Freeze only grilled chicken; other ingredients do not freeze well.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Consume frozen chicken within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

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

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Whole30 compliant?

You can easily make this salad Whole30 compliant by ensuring all ingredients, including the honey dijon dressing, meet Whole30 guidelines. Substitute any non-compliant items with compliant alternatives.

Can I use different greens for my Cobb salad?

Absolutely! While romaine is traditional, you can substitute kale or mixed greens based on your preference or availability.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep any dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy!

What can I add for more protein?

If you want additional protein in your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, consider adding chickpeas or beans. Just ensure they fit within your dietary guidelines if following Paleo or Whole30 options.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is not only delicious but also versatile. With its fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors, it’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins! Enjoy this healthy dish that everyone will love!

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

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. This vibrant salad features perfectly grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy honey dijon dressing that ties everything together. Not only is it quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, but it also caters to various dietary preferences, making it paleo and Whole30 compliant. Enjoy this satisfying dish as a main course or side at your next gathering or meal prep for the week ahead. Packed with lean protein, fresh greens, and bold flavors, this salad will quickly become a favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 lbs)
• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 large avocado (sliced)
• 8 slices turkey bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 6 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
• Dressing: raw honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, avocado oil, sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by whisking melted honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, avocado oil, and sea salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Grill chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
4. In a large bowl, layer romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber slices, avocado slices, turkey bacon pieces, hard-boiled eggs, and top with sliced grilled chicken.
5. Drizzle the honey dijon dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 230mg