Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for grilling. You can use thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Cooked shrimp or grilled steak are tasty alternatives as well!

Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch. If it’s not available, try mixed greens, spinach, or kale for a different texture and taste.

Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a lovely savory touch. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon works well. You could also use crispy chickpeas for a healthier, vegetarian twist.

Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess. If you need a substitute, try using a dollop of Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a similar texture.

Honey Dijon Dressing: For the dressing, you can swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option. Whole grain mustard can replace Dijon if you want a bit more texture.

How Do I Grill Chicken to Perfection?

Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can nail it! Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking.

• Brush chicken with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper before grilling.
• Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once. Use a meat thermometer for the best results; 165°F (75°C) is your goal.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps it juicy!
• Slice it against the grain for tender pieces.

Delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for grilling

For the 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 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 15 minutes for grilling the chicken. Total cooking time is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dish to enjoy any day of the week!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Grilling the Chicken:

First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, brush the chicken breasts with a little olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken on it and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it up.

2. Preparing the Salad Base:

While the chicken is cooling, take a large bowl and add the chopped romaine lettuce. This will be the lovely base of your salad. It’s fresh and crunchy—perfect for a Cobb salad!

3. Arranging the Toppings:

Now it’s time to make your salad colorful! Neatly arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, quartered hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion on top of the romaine lettuce. Make it look pretty, as this salad is as much about the presentation as it is about the taste!

4. Adding the Grilled Chicken:

Next, slice the grilled chicken breasts and place the slices right in the center of your decorated salad. That chicken is going to bring lots of flavor!

5. Whisking the Dressing:

Now let’s make that delicious Honey Dijon dressing! In a separate bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and some salt and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.

6. Serving the Salad:

Drizzle the Honey Dijon dressing over the salad right before serving, or serve it on the side so everyone can add their own. Finally, toss the salad gently to mix everything together. And there you have it—a delightful Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad ready to be enjoyed!

Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?

Absolutely! While romaine lettuce provides a nice crunch, you can substitute it with mixed greens, spinach, or even kale for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on your chosen lettuce’s density.

What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?

If you’re looking for a healthier option or a vegetarian alternative, you can use turkey bacon or even roasted chickpeas for that crispy texture. Just cook the turkey bacon until crispy, or roast chickpeas in the oven with your favorite seasonings!

How to Store Leftover Salad?

To store leftover salad, keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. You can store the salad components in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh!

Can I Prepare the Dressing in Advance?

Definitely! The honey Dijon dressing can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.