This colorful Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is packed with fresh veggies, juicy chicken, and crispy bacon. The drizzle of honey dijon dressing adds a sweet twist that makes everything taste amazing!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a salad you can really sink your teeth into? I enjoy tossing in extra avocado because, let’s face it, more avocado is always a win! 🥑
Making this salad is a breeze! Just grill the chicken, chop your favorite veggies, and whip up that honey dijon dressing. It’s a tasty and healthy meal in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you’re looking for a substitution, you could use turkey breasts or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. I enjoy marinating the chicken in a bit of lemon juice and herbs for extra flavor!
Romaine Lettuce: This is the classic choice for a Cobb salad due to its crunch. Iceberg lettuce could be a crunchy alternative, but I find romaine offers a better texture and flavor contrast with the other ingredients.
Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds a nice crunch. If you’re out, bell peppers or snap peas work as great substitutes for that fresh sweetness. I personally love adding diced bell peppers for a pop of color!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor, but you can use turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon if you prefer a lighter option. I sometimes skip the bacon altogether for a healthier version and don’t miss it at all!
Blue Cheese: This is optional, but it’s delicious! If you don’t like blue cheese, feta is a mild alternative, and it crumbles nicely. Sometimes I sprinkle goat cheese for a different tangy flavor.
How Do I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right technique, it’s simple! Start by ensuring your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those lovely grill marks and prevents sticking.
- Brush the chicken with olive oil, which helps keep it moist.
- Season evenly with salt and pepper for a flavor boost.
- Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes, but keep an eye on it. It’s done when the juices run clear.
- Let it rest after grilling. This way, the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken juicy when you cut it.
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken ready to elevate your Cobb salad!
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For the Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and grill the chicken, plus an additional 10 minutes to assemble and make the dressing. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to create this tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Once the grill is ready, place the chicken on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked, and the juices run clear. After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, arrange the chopped romaine lettuce as the foundation of your salad. This is where all the tasty toppings will go!
3. Add the Toppings:
Now, it’s time to make your salad look beautiful! Top the lettuce with sections of halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, quartered hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, and thinly sliced red onion. Arrange these ingredients in an attractive pattern to make your salad pop!
4. Make the Honey Dijon Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. This dressing will add a delightful flavor to your salad!
5. Combine and Serve:
Now, slice the rested grilled chicken and lay it on top of the salad. If you like blue cheese, sprinkle it on now! Drizzle the Honey Dijon dressing over the salad, or serve it on the side to allow guests to add as much as they like. Gently toss the salad to mix the flavors or leave it as it is for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon, packed with fresh ingredients and delightful flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. For rotisserie chicken, just shred it and add it on top of the salad; no grilling needed!
How to Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Great idea! You can prepare the Honey Dijon dressing up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can leave it out completely or opt for a sprinkle of Parmesan if you want a different taste altogether!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the lettuce from wilting. Simply toss with dressing just before serving!
