This colorful Cobb salad features tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies, all topped with a yummy honey Dijon dressing. It’s like a party on your plate!
I love how the dressing adds a sweet and tangy kick! A bowl of this salad makes any meal feel special and is perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling as they stay juicy. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works well too. For a lighter option, you could swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. Turkey bacon can be a good substitute if you want to reduce fat, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Smoked paprika can also give a similar smoky flavor without meat.
Lettuce: I often mix romaine and kale for crunch and nutrients. You can use any salad greens you prefer, like spinach, arugula, or even mixed spring greens if those are what you have on hand.
Honey Dijon Dressing: The combination of honey and Dijon mustard is fantastic! For a sugar-free option, use agave syrup or maple syrup. For a lower calorie version, try Greek yogurt with Dijon for creaminess without extra fat.
How Can You Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it just right! First, make sure the grill is preheated; this helps create those lovely grill marks. The oil and seasoning mix locks in moisture while adding flavor.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy!
Enjoy your delicious Cobb salad! It’s fresh, filling, and perfect for any meal of the day.
Easy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed lettuce (e.g., romaine, kale)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to grill the chicken and cook the bacon, plus you’ll spend a little time assembling everything. If you choose to make the hard-boiled eggs from scratch, just factor in an additional 10-12 minutes of cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a brush or your hands to evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with this mixture.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want them lightly charred and fully cooked. After grilling, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them thinly.
3. Cook the Bacon:
While the chicken is grilling, place the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bacon is crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess fat. When it’s cool, chop it into smaller pieces.
4. Make the Honey Dijon Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well mixed. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, which will help emulsify the dressing and keep it creamy.
5. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl or a serving platter, start by laying down the mixed lettuce as a base. Then, neatly arrange the sliced grilled chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, and red onion on top, creating sections for each ingredient. This makes for a beautiful presentation!
6. Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle the honey Dijon dressing over the salad or keep it on the side for guests to add themselves. Enjoy this fresh, vibrant, and delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!
Enjoy your fresh, vibrant, and delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with the sweet tangy Honey Dijon dressing!
FAQs for Easy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can replace the chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or even add more hard-boiled eggs for protein. It’s still delicious and filling!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the dressing separate to prevent the lettuce from wilting. When ready to eat, simply drizzle the dressing over the salad and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Greens Instead of Mixed Lettuce?
Definitely! Feel free to use any leafy greens you prefer, like spinach, arugula, or even shredded cabbage. Each type of green will bring its unique flavor and texture to the salad.
Can I Prepare the Honey Dijon Dressing in Advance?
Yes, you can! The honey Dijon dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
