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

This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is a delightful and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of grilled chicken, crispy Turkey Bacon, eggs, and avocado creates a vibrant and satisfying meal. The easy honey dijon dressing brings everything together in under a minute, making this salad not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or enjoying a light dinner on a busy weekday, this salad will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of grilled chicken and honey dijon dressing creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great for lunch or dinner, this salad can be customized with your favorite greens and toppings.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with protein and healthy fats while being low in carbs, it fits well into many dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly: A delicious way to include greens and protein in your family’s diet that everyone will enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Ideal for achieving perfectly cooked grilled chicken with those beautiful char marks.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for whisking together the honey dijon dressing quickly and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing ingredients like avocado and cucumber easy and safe.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables without mess.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This grilled chicken Cobb salad is packed with all the goodies! Perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, crispy Turkey Bacon, sliced eggs, and avocado plus an easy and delicious honey dijon dressing that’s ready in under a minute! This Cobb salad makes a healthy, hearty, low carb meal that’s gluten free, paleo, dairy free, and a family favorite!

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 (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, chopped or crumbled)
• 6 hard boiled eggs (sliced)

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Melted raw honey.
2. Dijon mustard.
3. Lemon juice or vinegar.
4. Avocado oil.
5. Sea salt.

Whisk together until smooth.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl:
1. Mix sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Heat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to prevent sticking.
3. Place seasoned chicken breasts on the grill.
4. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and juices run clear.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl:
1. Layer chopped romaine greens as the base.
2. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, cucumber slices, avocado slices, crumbled Turkey Bacon, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
3. Slice grilled chicken and place it on top of the salad.

Step 5: Drizzle with Dressing

Pour your prepared honey dijon dressing over the entire salad before serving.

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

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

This grilled chicken Cobb salad is a delightful and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

On a Bed of Greens

• Use a mix of greens like romaine and kale for added texture and flavor.
• Layer the salad ingredients over a generous portion of greens for a fresh presentation.

In a Wrap

• Roll the salad in large lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb wrap option.
• Perfect for on-the-go lunches or picnic meals.

As a Meal Prep

• Divide the salad into individual containers for easy meal prep throughout the week.
• Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness until serving.

With Extra Dressing

• Serve extra honey dijon dressing on the side for those who love more flavor.
• It’s also great as a dip for any leftover vegetables or chicken.

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

Creating the perfect grilled chicken Cobb salad requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your salad is both delicious and visually appealing.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce enhances flavor and texture. Look for vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and ripe avocados.
• Season the Chicken Well: Make sure to season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder before grilling. This adds depth to each bite.
• Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Juicy chicken makes the salad more enjoyable.
• Slice Ingredients Neatly: Uniformly sliced eggs, avocado, and vegetables not only look better but also make them easier to eat.
• Mix the Dressing Just Before Serving: For the best flavor, combine your honey dijon dressing just before serving. This keeps it fresh and prevents separation.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like nuts or seeds for crunch and additional nutrition.

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

Pairing your grilled chicken Cobb salad with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds hearty flavors that pair well with the salad.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory salad while keeping it gluten-free.
3. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad provides natural sweetness that balances out the richness of the dish.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs is a nutritious grain option that enhances fiber content.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar complements the rich flavors of the Cobb salad perfectly.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that pairs wonderfully with any protein-based dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to marinate your chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Ignoring Ingredient Freshness: Using wilted greens or overripe avocados can affect the salad’s overall appeal. Always choose fresh, high-quality produce for the best results.
• Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Failing to prep your ingredients can make the cooking process chaotic. Chop and organize your vegetables and other components before you start grilling.
• Skipping the Dressing: A salad without dressing lacks flavor and moisture. Prepare your honey dijon dressing in advance and drizzle it generously on top of your salad just before serving.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

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

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the textures may change upon thawing.
• If necessary, freeze only the grilled chicken separately and use within 2 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and heat chicken for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warm, but avoid overcooking.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option}?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute ingredients like different greens, nuts, or seeds for added flavor and texture.

How do I make this salad ahead of time?

Prep all ingredients and store them separately in containers. Combine them just before serving for the freshest taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep components separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of Turkey Turkey Bacon?

You can opt for crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still adds crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table—give it a try!