This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a tasty mix of fresh greens, juicy grilled chicken, and colorful veggies. With the sweet and tangy honey Dijon dressing, you’ll enjoy every bite!
Honestly, it’s like a party in a bowl! I love how easy it is to switch up the toppings based on what I have at home. Perfect for a sunny day or when you need something light!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling as they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider turkey breasts. For a vegetarian twist, grilled tofu or chickpeas can be great alternatives.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch. If you want to make it healthier, turkey bacon or pancetta works well. For a vegetarian option, crispy roasted chickpeas can offer a similarly satisfying texture.
Blue Cheese: This adds a bold flavor to the salad, but if you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese are excellent substitutes. For a dairy-free option, try using nut-based cheeses or simply omit cheese altogether.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon gives the dressing a lovely tang. If you don’t have Dijon on hand, you can use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for extra texture. A little lemon juice can replace the vinegar if needed.
How Can I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling chicken may seem tricky, but with a bit of know-how, you can do it like a pro! The key is to preheat your grill to medium-high and keep an eye on time.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in, making the chicken tender and flavorful.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For The Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes to prepare this delicious salad. This includes grilling the chicken, chopping the veggies, and whisking the dressing. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for a healthy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Once the grill is ready, place the chicken on it and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). When done, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as your base. It’s the crunchy and fresh foundation for all your delicious toppings!
3. Add the Toppings:
On top of the lettuce, artfully arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, diced cucumber, and red onion. This creates a colorful and inviting salad perfectly layered with flavor.
4. Make the Honey Dijon Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and some salt and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and the dressing is smooth. This tangy dressing will pull all the flavors together.
5. Combine and Serve:
Drizzle the Honey Dijon dressing over the layered salad and gently toss everything together to combine. If you prefer, you can serve the dressing on the side instead. Finally, top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken and sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top, if you’d like.
6. Enjoy Your Salad!
Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of all the ingredients paired with the tangy honey Dijon dressing. It’s a healthy and satisfying dish that’ll leave you wanting more!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness to your salad. Just make sure to adjust the grilling time, as thighs may take a few minutes longer than breasts. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out for feta or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, try using a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or leave the cheese out altogether!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store the components separately. Place the chopped veggies and sliced chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a separate jar. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble your salad and drizzle with dressing!
Can I Make the Honey Dijon Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the dressing a few days in advance. Just mix all the ingredients together and store it in the fridge in a sealed jar. Give it a good shake before serving, as it may separate while stored.
