This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is packed with flavors and colors! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado come together with a sweet honey Dijon dressing that’s simply delightful.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good salad that feels more like a feast? I like to pile on the toppings, making each bite a tasty surprise. 🥑🥗
Making it is easy as pie! Just grill the chicken, chop the veggies, and drizzle that honey Dijon. It’s a satisfying meal that looks as good as it tastes, and I could eat it every day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works just as well. I love using grilled chicken for a nice smoky flavor.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine provides a crisp texture, but you could swap it for spinach or mixed greens if you prefer. Each adds a different taste and nutrition boost!
Bacon: For a healthier option, turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas can replace regular bacon. I often go half-and-half for flavor without too much grease.
Blue Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, feta or goat cheese are delicious alternatives. They add a creamy touch but with their unique flavors.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave can substitute honey in the dressing for a vegan-friendly version. I find a little more vinegar balances the sweetness nicely.
How Can I Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling chicken can seem tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! Start by letting the grill heat up to medium. It ensures an even cook and nice grill marks.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken on the grill and don’t move it for about 6-7 minutes. This helps develop a nice sear.
- Flip the chicken carefully and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Look for clear juices to know it’s done.
- Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
For Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the chicken and bacon, and then 20 minutes to assemble the salad and make the dressing. It’s quick, fresh, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or a grill pan over medium heat. While that heats up, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Once the grill is ready, place the chicken on it, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
Next, grab a skillet and cook the bacon over medium heat. Let it cook until it gets nice and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. When it’s cool enough to handle, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assembling the Salad:
In a large salad bowl or platter, start with the base of chopped romaine lettuce. On top of the lettuce, layer in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, quartered hard-boiled eggs, sliced grilled chicken, cooked bacon, and avocado. It’s all about the colorful layers!
4. Making the Honey Dijon Dressing:
For the dressing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed to get the flavor just right!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Just before serving, drizzle the Honey Dijon dressing over the salad. You can either toss it all together gently or serve the dressing on the side. Finally, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. Dig in and enjoy your refreshing Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!
Can I Use Grilled Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the salad. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes per side since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through. Always check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Blue Cheese?
No problem! If blue cheese isn’t your favorite or you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with feta cheese or goat cheese. Both options will give a nice tangy flavor to your salad while complementing the honey Dijon dressing beautifully!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey Dijon dressing in advance! Just mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake or whisk before using, as some separation may occur.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain freshness. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
