– **Title**: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine and spinach)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– **For the Honey Dijon Dressing**:
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and red onion.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad and drizzle with the Honey Dijon dressing.
6. Toss gently to combine, or serve as individual portions with the dressing on the side. Enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor to this salad. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great! Just shred it and toss it in.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine provides crunch, but you can use mixed greens or spinach if you prefer. They bring a softer texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, but feel free to use any other tomato variety. Diced regular tomatoes or even roasted tomatoes can work well too.
Bacon: For a healthier option, turkey bacon can substitute regular bacon, or you can skip it altogether for a vegetarian version.
Blue Cheese: It’s optional, but you could replace it with feta for a tangy twist, or even omit it if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavored?
Grilling chicken perfectly takes a bit of care, but it’s worth it for the juiciness! Start with seasoning your chicken breasts well with salt and pepper — simple but effective. Then, preheat your grill for a few minutes to get it hot. Grilling on medium-high ensures the outside gets a good sear while the inside stays moist.
- Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes, flipping once.
- To check if it’s done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps the juices locked in.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad With Honey Dijon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes grilling the chicken and preparing the dressing, plus another 20 minutes assembling the salad with all those tasty ingredients. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place them on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked. Once done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into pieces.
2. Make the Dressing:
While the chicken is grilling, you can whip up the honey Dijon dressing! In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of salt and pepper. Keep mixing until everything is smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside for later.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, start by layering the chopped romaine lettuce to create a nice base. Now it’s time to add all the yummy toppings! Neatly arrange the sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, diced cucumber, and the thinly sliced red onion on top of the lettuce. If you like, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese over the top too.
4. Dress and Serve:
Just before you’re ready to eat, drizzle the honey Dijon dressing over the salad. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together and distribute the dressing evenly. Serve your beautiful salad right away, and enjoy every bite of this colorful and healthy dish!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken in This Salad?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great option. Just shred or slice the chicken and toss it on top of the salad. It’ll save you time while still providing that delicious protein boost!
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta cheese or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor. Alternatively, omit the cheese entirely for a lighter version!
How to Store Leftovers?
To keep the salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Enjoy within 1-2 days for the freshest taste!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! The honey Dijon dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or whisk to recombine before drizzling it over your salad.
