Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is ideal for grilling. If you’re looking for easier options, consider using pre-cooked grilled chicken strips or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but you could swap it for any leafy green like spinach or mixed greens. Just think about the texture you enjoy!

Bacon: If you prefer lower-fat options, turkey bacon works well too. For a vegetarian version, roasted chickpeas add a nice crunch and flavor.

Blue Cheese: This is optional, but if you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese are great substitutes. Both provide rich flavors but are milder if that’s what you prefer.

Dressing: You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option, and any mustard can work if you’re low on Dijon; just pick one that’s not too spicy.

How Can You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken?

Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few easy tips, you can make it perfect every time. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear, which locks in moisture.

• Brush the chicken with olive oil first. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
• Season with salt and pepper generously; it enhances taste.
• Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side, but use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy!

How to Make Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

For the Honey Dijon Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious salad will take about 30 minutes to prepare—from grilling the chicken to assembling the salad and making the dressing. It’s a quick and healthy option for lunch or dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating, brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. This gives the chicken flavor and helps it cook nicely. Once the grill is ready, place the chicken on it.

2. Grill the Chicken:

Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked (the inside should no longer be pink). You can use a meat thermometer to check—it should read 165°F (75°C). When done, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! After resting, slice the chicken into strips.

3. Make the Honey Dijon Dressing:

While the chicken is resting, let’s whip up the dressing! In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed!

4. Assemble the Salad:

Now, it’s time to put everything together! In a large salad bowl or platter, start by laying down the chopped romaine lettuce as your base. Then, arrange the cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, avocado, diced cucumber, and red onion on top of the lettuce.

5. Add the Chicken and Blue Cheese:

Next, take your beautifully sliced grilled chicken and arrange it over the salad. If you like blue cheese, sprinkle some crumbled cheese on top for extra flavor.

6. Dress and Serve:

Finally, drizzle your homemade honey Dijon dressing over the salad right before serving. Gently toss everything to combine, but be careful not to mush the ingredients together. Serve immediately and enjoy your bright and tasty Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad!

Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What If I Don’t Have Dijon Mustard?

No worries! You can substitute with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or try a mix of honey and a little vinegar for a sweet tang. If you like a bit of heat, consider using spicy brown mustard!

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, but keep the components separate until serving to maintain freshness. You can grill the chicken, hard-boil the eggs, and prepare the dressing in advance, then toss everything together just before eating.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, add the dressing and toss gently!