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

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This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can be easily customized to suit any occasion. With perfectly grilled chicken, crispy Turkey Bacon, and a zesty honey dijon dressing, this salad stands out as a healthy choice that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Flavor Packed: The combination of grilled chicken, bacon, and honey dijon dressing creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out greens or add seasonal veggies to make it your own.
  • Diet-Friendly: Suitable for Paleo and Whole30 diets, this salad is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra servings for a healthy lunch throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

  • Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken.
  • Mixing bowl: Great for combining the dressing quickly and easily.
  • Whisk: Helps emulsify the honey dijon dressing effortlessly.
  • Knife & cutting board: Necessary for chopping veggies and slicing chicken.

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 grilling)
  • 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)
  • 6 hard boiled eggs (sliced)

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine melted honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, avocado oil, and sea salt.
2. Whisk until smooth.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While preparing the dressing:
1. Season chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.

Step 4: Prepare Salad Ingredients

While the chicken is grilling:
1. Chop romaine and place it in a large serving bowl.
2. Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, cucumber slices, diced avocado, chopped Turkey Bacon, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Once the chicken is cooked:
1. Slice it into strips.
2. Place it on top of the salad mixture.
3. Drizzle with honey dijon dressing before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon

Serving your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit various occasions. This salad can be a standout dish at any meal, from casual lunches to festive gatherings.

Individual Bowls

  • Serve each portion in a bowl to allow guests to mix their ingredients according to taste, making it more interactive and fun.

Family Style

  • Present the salad components separately on a large platter. This way, everyone can build their own salad, customizing it as they like.

With Extra Dressing

  • Offer additional honey dijon dressing on the side for those who enjoy a little extra flavor. It’s quick and easy to prepare!

As a Wrap

  • Use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with the salad ingredients for a low-carb option that’s easy to handle.

Garnished with Herbs

  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for an aromatic touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.

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

To make your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad even better, consider these handy tips that enhance the flavors and textures of this nutritious dish.

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh greens and ripe avocados to ensure the best taste and texture in your salad.
  • Marinate Your Chicken: For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Crisp Your Bacon: Cook Turkey Bacon until crisp for that perfect crunchy texture that complements the salad ingredients beautifully.
  • Slice Eggs Carefully: Use a sharp knife or an egg slicer to get clean cut slices of hard-boiled eggs; this enhances presentation.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust salt and pepper levels based on your personal preference or dietary needs.
  • Chill Before Serving: For an even more refreshing salad, chill your salad ingredients before assembly. This is especially nice during warm weather!

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

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors in this hearty salad.

  1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil adds depth and nutrition.
  2. Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa provides a nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy avocado in the salad.
  3. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that adds texture without overwhelming the main dish.
  4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet counterpart to the savory elements of the salad.
  5. Zucchini Noodles: These spiralized noodles create a fun twist and add extra veggies without many carbs.
  6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley can serve as a light contrast to the richness of the chicken and bacon in the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} to the next level.

  • Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors. Always use sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a tasty grill.
  • Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Aim for about 6-7 minutes per side on medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients are key for flavor and texture. Ensure your greens, tomatoes, and avocados are fresh before assembling your salad.
  • Neglecting the dressing prep: A rushed or poorly mixed dressing can affect the overall taste. Take a minute to whisk together honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and avocado oil until smooth.
  • Ignoring portion sizes: Overloading your salad can make it hard to eat. Keep salad portions reasonable to enjoy all the flavors without feeling overwhelmed.

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}

  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if necessary.
  • Place in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.

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

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm; avoid overheating to prevent sogginess.
  • Stovetop: Quickly reheat in a skillet on low heat while stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize the Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon?

Yes! Feel free to add or swap ingredients like different greens or proteins to suit your taste.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the grilled chicken with chickpeas or tofu and omit the turkey bacon for a delicious vegetarian option.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is perfect for meal prepping. Just store components separately until you’re ready to eat.

How do I ensure my salad stays crisp?

Keep wet ingredients like dressing separate until serving. This prevents sogginess and keeps your salad fresh longer.

What is a good side dish with this salad?

Pair this hearty salad with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is not only delicious but also versatile. It offers an abundance of flavors while being healthy and satisfying. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy this salad as a perfect lunch or dinner option that everyone will love!

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


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon {Paleo, Whole30 Option} is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together fresh ingredients for a delicious meal. This salad features perfectly grilled chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with a zesty honey dijon dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this versatile salad can easily be customized to fit any occasion while adhering to dietary preferences like Paleo and Whole30. In just 25 minutes, you can create this flavor-packed dish that’s sure to delight family and friends alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 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 grilling)
  • 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)
  • 6 hard boiled eggs (sliced)
  • 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
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. 1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, avocado oil, and sea salt in a mixing bowl.
  2. 2. Season chicken breasts with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. 3. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
  4. 4. While grilling the chicken, chop the romaine and other salad ingredients.
  5. 5. Slice the grilled chicken and place it over the salad mixture. Drizzle with honey dijon dressing before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad (approx. 300g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 250mg

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