This Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a fresh mix of flavors! It’s packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and colorful veggies, all topped with a sweet honey Dijon dressing.
What’s better than a salad that feels like a feast? I love how each bite is a surprise with all the different tastes and textures—makes eating greens a lot more fun! 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grilled Chicken: Chicken breasts are the star here! You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat, which tends to be juicier. For a vegetarian option, grilled tofu or chickpeas can work well.
Romaine Lettuce: This provides a nice crunch. If you’re looking for something lighter, switch to spinach or mixed greens. Both add unique flavors and textures.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory touch. If you want a healthier choice, turkey bacon or crumbled tempeh can still give a satisfying crunch without the fat.
Blue Cheese: For those who aren’t fans, feta or goat cheese is a tasty substitute. If dairy-free, consider avocado or creamy tahini dressing for that rich flavor.
How Do I Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs?
Hard-boiled eggs can be tricky, but with the right method, you’ll get perfect results every time! Follow these steps for easy peeling and perfect cooking:
- Start with eggs in a pot and cover them with cold water, about an inch above the eggs.
- Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover the pot and remove it from heat. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes.
- Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cook—this makes peeling much easier!
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be simple if you follow a few key steps. Here’s how for juicy, flavorful chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot before adding your chicken.
- Lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, but don’t flip it too soon. Wait for attractive grill marks!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making for a more tender bite.
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 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
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Honey Dijon Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time boiling eggs, crisping bacon, grilling chicken, and assembling all the fresh ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs:
Start by placing the eggs in a pot and covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes. When they’re ready, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool, then peel and quarter them. Easy peasy!
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the eggs are cooling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set it aside for later.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they’re fully cooked. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, start with a beautiful base of chopped romaine lettuce. Then, create sections on top of the lettuce by adding cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, sliced red onion, quartered hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, and the grilled chicken. Finally, top it off with crumbled bacon. It should look colorful and vibrant!
5. Make the Honey Dijon Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until everything is well combined. Add some salt and pepper to taste. You’re going to love this dressing!
6. Serve It Up:
Drizzle the Honey Dijon dressing over the salad before serving, or place it on the side so everyone can dress their own salad. If you like, sprinkle some blue cheese on top for an extra kick of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Cobb salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine is traditional for a Cobb salad, you can substitute it with other greens like mixed salad greens, spinach, or arugula for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure that whatever you choose is fresh and well-washed!
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your preference, you can substitute it with feta cheese for a tangy flavor or use cheddar or goat cheese for a creamier texture. If you’re avoiding cheese altogether, simply leave it out and consider adding some crunchy nuts for texture instead!
How Long Do Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Cobb salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the dressing may make the lettuce a bit soggy, so it’s best to store the dressing separately if you think you’ll have leftovers!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or slice the chicken and toss it into the salad. No need to grill it again—just make sure it’s heated through if you prefer warm chicken in your salad!
