Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon

Short Description

This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon dressing is a fresh, hearty, and satisfying dish combining smoky grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and savory bacon, all brought together with a tangy-sweet honey Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that delivers both flavor and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A balanced meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber
• The homemade honey Dijon dressing adds irresistible flavor
• Simple to customize with your favorite toppings or greens
• Quick and easy enough for busy weeknights
• Works great for meal prep or entertaining

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dressing:

• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Sea salt

For the Salad:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Avocado oil or other neutral oil (for grilling)
• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Bacon
• Hard-boiled eggs

Directions

1. Make the dressing by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice or vinegar. Slowly whisk in oil until well combined and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil and grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble. Slice the hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Assemble the salad on a large platter or in a bowl by layering the greens first. Top with sliced chicken, eggs, vegetables, bacon, and avocado.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap grilled chicken and bacon for grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas
• Low-carb: Skip the honey and replace with a sugar-free sweetener in the dressing
• Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper or sliced jalapeños for heat
• Greens: Use spinach, arugula, or kale instead of romaine

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar and shake well before using. To reheat grilled chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly until just heated through. Avoid storing assembled salad once dressed, as the greens will wilt.

FAQs

What is Cobb salad made of?

Cobb salad traditionally includes lettuce, tomato, bacon, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and blue cheese, though variations like this one may change up ingredients and dressings.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead?

Yes, you can use a store-bought honey Dijon or vinaigrette dressing, though homemade dressing provides fresher flavor and fewer additives.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss avocado slices in a bit of lemon juice to slow oxidation, or add them to the salad just before serving.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep and store all the components ahead of time separately, then assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?

Grilling adds smoky flavor, but you can also bake or pan-sear the chicken if preferred.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

To make it keto, omit the honey in the dressing or use a low-carb substitute, and ensure your other ingredients are low in carbs.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute and saves time.

How can I make this salad dairy-free?

This version is naturally dairy-free, unlike the classic Cobb with blue cheese. Just ensure any added ingredients or dressing are also dairy-free.

What other proteins can I use?

Grilled shrimp, steak, or turkey breast are excellent alternatives to chicken.

Can I make this for a crowd?

Yes, simply scale up the ingredients and serve on a large platter for a beautiful presentation.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing it for a light summer dinner, weekly meal prep, or a gathering with friends, this salad is a dependable go-to. With its customizable nature and quick prep time, it fits seamlessly into any busy lifestyle while delivering restaurant-quality taste at home.

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