This colorful Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is packed with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado. Topped with a yummy honey Dijon dressing, it’s a dish that brightens any meal!
Honestly, who can resist that crisp bacon and creamy blue cheese? I laugh when I catch myself picking at the leftovers—it’s just too good to share! đź¤
For me, it’s the perfect quick meal. I love tossing everything together, and it feels fancy without the fuss. Plus, it’s great for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Grilled chicken is the star here! If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. It’s already cooked, just shred it into the salad.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch, but feel free to swap it for spinach or mixed greens. They both bring great textures and nutrients.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. For a healthier option, try turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. The salad still tastes amazing without it!
Avocado: Besides being creamy, avocado gives healthy fats. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or replace it with chickpeas for a different texture.
Dijon Mustard: Essential for the dressing! If you’re not keen on the flavor, try honey mustard or plain mustard as alternatives. They will change the dressing’s taste but will work fine!
How Can I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken might seem tricky, but with a few tips, you can get juicy and flavorful results! The key is to season well and not rush the cooking.
- First, make sure the grill is hot—medium-high heat works best.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper just before grilling. This enhances their flavor.
- Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
How Do I Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Easily?
Hard-boiling eggs doesn’t have to be a chore. The perfect method leads to easy peeling and perfectly cooked yolks!
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover the pot and turn off the heat.
- Let it sit for 9-12 minutes depending on how cooked you like them. Less time for softer yolks, longer for firmer ones.
- Afterward, plunge them into ice water for a few minutes. This helps stop the cooking and makes peeling easier.
What’s the Best Way to Whisk Dressing?
Making dressing should be smooth and simple! To avoid clumps and ensure everything mixes well, follow these steps.
- Start by combining your mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Whisk this together first.
- While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This creates a smooth emulsion.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad takes about 30 minutes in total, including time to grill the chicken and prepare all the ingredients. It’s quick enough for a lunch treat or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. Once done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels to absorb the excess grease, then crumble the bacon into small pieces once it has cooled down.
3. Hard-Boiling the Eggs:
Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the saucepan and turn off the heat, letting the eggs sit for about 9-12 minutes. After that, drain the hot water and cool the eggs in ice water. Once cooled, peel the eggs and slice them.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your salad!
5. Assembling the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, start by arranging the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Then artfully layer on the grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, diced cucumber, and red onion on top of the lettuce. You can arrange them in rows for a pretty presentation!
6. Serving:
Drizzle the honey Dijon dressing over the salad or serve it on the side for guests to add how they like. Toss the salad gently before serving or let everyone toss their own portions. Enjoy your refreshing and hearty Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!
Can I Use Different Greens Instead of Romaine Lettuce?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute romaine with other greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed salad greens. Just keep in mind that different greens might alter the overall flavor and texture slightly, but they can add a fresh twist!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey Dijon dressing in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you prefer a lighter option or need a bacon substitute, try using turkey bacon, or for a vegetarian option, you can add roasted chickpeas or some crispy tofu for that added crunch and protein!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad components and dressing separate, if possible. The salad can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you’ve dressed the salad, it may become soggy, so it’s best to dress it just before serving.
