Grilled Chicken Cobb Honey Dijon

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is my go-to for fresh dinners that feel special yet come together easily. It layers juicy grilled chicken breast, crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, creamy egg, and avocado, all finished with a tangy homemade honey dijon dressing. This is the kind of salad that satisfies both cravings and nutritional goals in one big, colorful bowl.

I first made this salad for a family barbecue and it was gone before anything else could hit the table. Now it is requested for birthdays and summer evenings when everyone is after something light but hearty.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: this cut grills quickly and stays moist when marinated look for plump cuts without excess liquid
• Dijon mustard: the real backbone of the dressing choose a creamy variety you enjoy as it makes a difference
• Honey: adds signature sweetness wildflower or clover honey taste best and blend smoothly
• Lemon juice: brings bright tang use freshly squeezed if you can for the most flavor
• Olive oil: balances tang and creates a luscious finish use extra virgin for bold flavor
• Salt and pepper: bring out every flavor choose kosher salt and fresh ground pepper for best results
• Romaine hearts: stay sturdy on the grill and offer crispness look for tightly packed heads with vibrant green leaves
• Bacon: provides salty crunch thick cut bacon crisps nicely and remains flavorful go for naturally smoked if possible
• Hard boiled eggs: layer in protein and creaminess cook until the yolks are just set and cool thoroughly for easy slicing
• Avocado: adds buttery richness select avocados that yield gently to pressure and are free of bruises
• Cherry tomatoes: give bursts of sweet acidity opt for ripe red or golden for the best pop and taste
• Crumbled blue cheese: brings bold tang look for pre-crumbled or wedge cheese with a creamy bite and marbled blue veining

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Honey Dijon Marinade and Dressing:

Whisk together dijon mustard honey lemon juice olive oil garlic powder salt and pepper in a large glass measuring cup until fully combined Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for your preferred balance of sweet and tangy

Marinate the Chicken:

Place chicken breasts in a large freezer bag Pour in a quarter cup of the honey dijon marinade Seal and massage the bag thoroughly so every piece is fully coated Refrigerate for at least one hour and up to four hours for best flavor absorption

Grill the Chicken:

Heat your grill to medium high heat about four hundred twenty five degrees Place marinated chicken on the grates and grill for five to seven minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Let the grilled chicken rest for at least five minutes before slicing across the grain into strips

Grill the Romaine and Avocado:

Lightly drizzle the cut romaine hearts and halved avocados with olive oil then season with salt and pepper Place each cut side down on the hot grill Grill romaine for three minutes flip then grill for another two minutes Grill avocado halves for four to six minutes until you see gentle char marks and the flesh softens slightly

Prepare the Salad Components:

While the vegetables grill cook bacon according to your usual method until crispy then break into crumbles Peel and quarter the hard boiled eggs Slice cherry tomatoes and crumble blue cheese as needed

Assemble the Salad:

On a large platter lay out the grilled romaine as the foundation Arrange sliced chicken avocado bacon hard boiled eggs cherry tomatoes and blue cheese over the lettuce Drizzle everything with remaining honey dijon dressing and serve immediately

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What I love most about this salad is the grilled romaine it totally transforms the classic Cobb into something unexpectedly special Every time I grill lettuce my kids run outside to check what smells so tasty plus this salad always reminds me of lazy summer Sundays spent sharing meals outside

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers store the components separately in airtight containers to keep everything crisp The grilled chicken and bacon hold up well for up to three days The dressing can also be made ahead and kept refrigerated for a week Avoid assembling the salad until just before eating to prevent soggy lettuce and avocado

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese if you want a milder flavor Use turkey bacon for a lighter alternative Hard boiled eggs can be replaced with jammy eggs for even more creaminess For extra crunch add some thinly sliced radish or cucumber

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a main course for lunch or dinner Pair it with crusty bread or a simple corn chowder for a more filling meal It is also perfect as a centerpiece for summer gatherings outdoor parties or anytime you crave a colorful plate

Cultural and Historical Context

The Cobb salad originated in Hollywood and was designed to highlight a variety of textures and tastes This grilled chicken version updates the classic by adding smoky charred notes and a lighter honey dijon dressing making it fit right into modern healthy cooking

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How should I grill the chicken for optimal tenderness?

Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, then grill over medium-high heat until just cooked through. Allow it to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

→ Can I substitute the blue cheese?

Absolutely. Crumbled feta or goat cheese work nicely if you'd prefer a milder or creamier flavor profile.

→ What greens work best for this dish?

Romaine offers great crunch and grills well. You can also use mixed greens, spinach, or butter lettuce according to your preference.

→ Is it possible to make the honey dijon dressing ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to five days. Give it a good shake before using.

→ How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Cook the bacon until golden and let it cool on a paper towel. Add it just before serving to maintain its crisp texture.

→ Can the salad be made ahead?

You can prep each component in advance and assemble just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.