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Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is a crowd-pleasing main dish that displays the best of summer’s flavors all on one plate. Tender marinated chicken meets smoky grilled lettuce, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese for a meal that feels both special and simple. The honey dijon dressing ties everything together with the perfect balance of sweetness and zest. Whether you serve it family style or plate it up for friends, this salad always disappears fast at my table.
The combination of warm grilled chicken and cool crisp veggies makes every bite interesting. I started grilling the lettuce a few years ago and it turns out that little smoky char brings out even more flavor
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein Be sure to choose plump pieces for juiciness
- Dijon mustard: Delivers tang and depth Go for a smooth high quality jar
- Honey: Adds mellow sweetness Try local honey for extra floral notes
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed brings brightness and lifts the salad dressing
- Olive oil: Helps everything blend and creates a glossy finish Use a fruity extra virgin kind
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning to taste Freshly cracked is best
- Romaine hearts: Crunchy and sturdy enough to hold up on the grill Pick deep green heads that feel crisp
- Bacon: Smoky crispness plus a bit of salt Bake it rather than fry for even cooking
- Hard-boiled eggs: Creamy and satisfying Older eggs peel easiest
- Avocado: Creamy richness Choose just ripe avocados that yield to gentle pressure
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy sweet bites Use an assortment of colors if you can
- Blue cheese: Bold and tangy crumbles Seek out real blue cheese for maximum flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a glass measuring cup combine dijon mustard honey lemon juice olive oil salt and pepper Whisk until completely smooth and shiny Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Pour a quarter cup of the finished dressing into a zip top bag with your chicken breasts Turn the bag over a few times so every piece gets coated Place in the fridge for at least one hour or up to four hours so the flavors soak in
- Grill the Chicken:
- Get your grill nice and hot medium high heat is what you want Grill chicken uncovered for five to seven minutes per side until the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear If you have a thermometer it should read 165 Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for several minutes before slicing so it stays juicy
- Grill the Romaine and Avocado:
- Brush the flat cut sides of romaine hearts and avocados with a little olive oil Sprinkle with salt and pepper Lay lettuce cut side down on the grill for three minutes Press gently and flip for two more minutes Avocados go flesh side down for about four to six minutes until you see grill marks
- Assemble the Salad:
- Lay the grilled romaine on a large platter Slice chicken into strips and arrange on top Slice or scoop the avocado and nestle alongside Add bacon pieces quartered hard-boiled eggs tomato halves and blue cheese crumbles Drizzle everything with the remaining honey dijon dressing and serve immediately
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I look forward to grilling season every year so I can make this salad with just-picked tomatoes from the market and perfect avocados One summer my brother requested it every Sunday because the combination just never got old
Storage Tips
Leftover grilled chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Same for hard-boiled eggs and cooked bacon If you prep the components ahead wait to cut the avocado and dress the lettuce until just before serving so they stay vibrant and fresh Romaine will lose its crunch if left dressed too long but undressed grilled heads keep one day wrapped tightly in the fridge
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of blue cheese try feta or shredded sharp cheddar Want a leaner salad swap turkey bacon for pork You can use spinach or little gems instead of romaine though nothing beats those grill marks For a creamier dressing substitute plain Greek yogurt for half the oil
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad piled high on a big platter with extra dressing on the side Pair it with grilled bread for a picnic dinner or offer a bowl of chilled soup when the weather is really hot If you are feeding a crowd portion the ingredients into jars for grab and go lunches
History of the Cobb Salad
The classic Cobb Salad traces its roots back to a Hollywood restaurant in the 1930s word is the owner threw together leftovers for a late night snack and guests loved it In my kitchen I love how adaptable it is and that grilling ingredients takes it from weekday dinner to backyard party food
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep grilled chicken juicy?
Marinating chicken in a mixture of honey, dijon, olive oil, and lemon juice helps lock in moisture. Grilling over medium-high heat and letting the chicken rest before slicing also keeps it tender.
- → Can I prepare the honey dijon dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the honey dijon dressing can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 3 days in advance. Just shake or whisk before serving for best texture.
- → What are alternatives to blue cheese in this salad?
Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar are tasty substitutes if you prefer a milder cheese or want to change up the flavors.
- → How can I make this meal vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and bacon, and add grilled tofu or extra hard-boiled eggs for protein while keeping the other ingredients the same.
- → What accompaniments pair well with this salad?
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a chilled glass of white wine to complement the fresh and savory flavors.