This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, crispy Turkey bacon, sliced eggs, and creamy avocado, this salad satisfies your cravings while keeping it healthy. The easy honey dijon dressing, ready in under a minute, adds a tangy sweetness that enhances every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a lunch prep for the week, this salad is your go-to choice for a nutritious meal that’s gluten-free and low-carb.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado creates a deliciously satisfying dish.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course for dinner or as a filling lunch option; it’s great any time of day!
- Health Conscious: This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly, and perfect for Whole30 diets.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make preparation smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor on the chicken while ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps you quickly blend the honey dijon dressing to achieve the right consistency.
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)
- 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 and 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, combine raw honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, avocado oil, and sea salt. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In another bowl, mix sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat each chicken breast evenly with this seasoning.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to prevent sticking. Grill chicken breasts for about 5–7 minutes on each side or until cooked through and juices run clear.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
While grilling chicken:
* In a large serving bowl or platter, layer chopped greens.
* Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, cucumber slices, avocado slices, turkey bacon pieces, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Step 5: Slice Chicken & Serve
Once grilled chicken is cooked through:
* Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
* Place sliced chicken on top of the salad.
* Drizzle with honey dijon dressing before serving.
Enjoy your healthy Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!
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 not only looks vibrant but also offers a variety of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
For Lunch or Dinner
- A satisfying meal on its own, this salad is great for lunch or dinner.
- Pair it with whole grain crackers for added crunch.
As Part of a Potluck
- This salad is perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
- Just prepare it in advance and serve it chilled.
With Extra Dressing
- Drizzle extra honey dijon dressing over the top for an added flavor boost.
- This can be served on the side for guests to customize their servings.
In Meal Prep Containers
- Divide the salad into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
Perfecting your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon can elevate your dish to restaurant quality. Follow these simple tips for a delicious outcome.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh greens, ripe avocados, and high-quality chicken make all the difference in taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate your chicken breasts in olive oil and spices before grilling.
- Cook Bacon Crisply: Ensure your turkey bacon is cooked until crispy; this adds texture and flavor to the salad.
- Adjust Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little water or more lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Variety: Mix in other veggies like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste experience, serve the salad right after preparing it, especially if using fresh ingredients.
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 tasty options that complement this hearty salad perfectly.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic adds depth of flavor and nutrition.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa makes a great gluten-free side that’s packed with protein.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crisp sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory elements of the salad.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides natural sweetness and balances out the savory flavors of the Cobb salad.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and herbs can add an interesting twist while keeping the dish low carb.
- Cauliflower Rice: Light and fluffy cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb alternative that pairs well with salads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Use sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the taste before grilling.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy results.
- Using stale greens: Fresh greens are key for a vibrant salad. Always check the freshness of your romaine or kale before use.
- Neglecting the dressing: A poorly mixed dressing can ruin your salad. Whisk the honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and avocado oil thoroughly for a balanced flavor.
- Forgetting about texture: A lack of variety in textures can make the salad less enjoyable. Include crispy Turkey bacon and creamy avocado for contrast.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3–4 days for best flavor and freshness.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen before adding dressing or avocados.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad healthy?
This salad is low carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein from chicken and eggs while being rich in healthy fats from avocado and oil.
Can I make this Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute grilled chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad?
Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or radishes. You can also swap out turkey bacon for regular bacon or leave it out entirely.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad stores well and maintains its flavor when prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge. With its combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any table. Give it a try today!
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is a vibrant and nourishing dish that combines the best of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This salad features perfectly grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, creamy avocado, and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed together on a bed of crunchy greens. The star of the show is the easy-to-make honey dijon dressing, which adds a delightful tangy sweetness to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy lunch prep option, this salad is gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with protein. With its satisfying textures and flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chopped romaine or greens
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- 1 large avocado
- 6 hard-boiled eggs
- 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
- 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)
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium cucumber (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Make the dressing by whisking together honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, avocado oil, and sea salt in a bowl.
- Season chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat with avocado oil for about 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- In a large serving bowl, layer chopped greens and top with cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, cucumber slices, avocado slices, chopped turkey bacon, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
- Slice the grilled chicken once rested and place on top of the salad before drizzling with honey dijon dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken before grilling. Feel free to customize your salad by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or radishes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days for easy meal prep.