Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad That’ll Make You Forget It’s Healthy
Looking for a meal that hits every note—flavor, freshness, and fuel? This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is your new go-to. It’s bold, balanced, and built with clean ingredients that’ll leave you full, energized, and completely satisfied.
Whether you’re eating paleo, gluten-free, or just trying to eat more real food, this salad pulls it all together in one powerhouse bowl. And that Honey Dijon Dressing? It’s the secret weapon that seals the deal.
Let’s break it down step by step—from the perfect grill marks to the ideal avocado slice—and I’ll show you how to make this salad not just good… but unforgettable.
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Packed with lean protein from grilled chicken and eggs
- Balanced fats from avocado and olive oil
- Crispy veggies and crunchy bacon (optional but highly recommended)
- Sweet and tangy homemade Honey Dijon Dressing
- Paleo, dairy-free (with optional toppings), and totally customizable
🧂 Ingredients at a Glance
Here’s everything you need to make two hearty servings. It’s a mix of freshness, flavor, and fuel.
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken breast | 1 large (6 oz) |
| Eggs (hard-boiled) | 2 | |
| Bacon (sugar-free) | 2 slices | |
| Greens | Romaine lettuce | 2 cups, chopped |
| Baby arugula or spinach | 1 cup | |
| Vegetables | Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1/2 cup |
| Avocado (sliced) | 1 | |
| Red onion (thinly sliced) | 1/4 small | |
| Optional Toppings | Dairy-free blue cheese (optional) | 2 tbsp |
For the Honey Dijon Dressing:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Honey or maple syrup | 1 tbsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Sea salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1/8 tsp (to taste) |
🔥 Let’s Get Cooking
Step 1: Prep & Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Season your chicken breast with sea salt and black pepper.
- Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Chef Tip: Brush the chicken lightly with olive oil before grilling to avoid sticking and to get those perfect grill marks.
Step 2: Hard-Boil the Eggs
- Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and turn off the heat. Let sit for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool under cold water and peel. Slice or quarter them.
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (5–6 minutes).
- Drain on a paper towel and crumble once cool.
Step 4: Make the Honey Dijon Dressing
- In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, mustard, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust taste with extra mustard for tang or honey for sweetness.
Chef Tip: Make a double batch. This dressing stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cobb Salad
- On a large plate or bowl, layer the greens.
- Arrange toppings in neat rows: tomatoes, avocado, eggs, bacon, red onion, and grilled chicken.
- Drizzle with dressing or serve on the side.
Optional Finish: Top with dairy-free blue cheese or a sprinkle of hemp seeds for crunch.
🍴 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
This salad is a powerhouse of whole-food nutrients—great post-workout, perfect for lunch, and light enough for dinner.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
| Swap This | For This | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Salmon, turkey, or steak | For variety and omega-3s |
| Honey | Maple syrup | Paleo-friendly and plant-based |
| Bacon | Turkey bacon or omit | Lower fat or pork-free option |
| Blue cheese (optional) | Sliced olives or hemp hearts | Keep it dairy-free |
💡 Tips to Make It Even Better
- Avocados too hard? Place in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening.
- Batch cooking? Grill extra chicken and eggs for salads all week.
- Serving a crowd? Set up a DIY Cobb Salad bar—let guests customize their plates.
- Low FODMAP version? Skip red onion and use green onion tops instead.
❓ FAQs About Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
1. Can I meal prep this salad?
Absolutely! Grill the chicken, boil the eggs, and prep the veggies ahead. Store everything separately in airtight containers. Assemble just before eating for max freshness.
2. Is this recipe keto-friendly too?
Yes—with a couple tweaks. Stick with bacon, skip the honey or sub with a keto sweetener like monk fruit in the dressing, and reduce tomatoes slightly to keep carbs lower.
3. How do I keep my avocado from browning?
Toss sliced avocado with lemon juice before storing, or add it fresh right before serving to keep it bright and green.
4. Is dairy-free blue cheese really a thing?
It is! Look for coconut or cashew-based blue-style cheeses in health food stores. They mimic the tang without the dairy.
5. What’s the best grilling method if I don’t have a grill?
Use a grill pan on the stovetop or roast the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes. You’ll still get juicy results without needing a backyard grill.
🥄 Final Thoughts
This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad isn’t just healthy—it’s hearty, vibrant, and endlessly satisfying. It’s built on bold flavors, real ingredients, and simple steps. Whether you’re looking to clean up your eating or just want a no-fuss dinner that impresses, this is a recipe worth saving (and sharing).
Tag your creations with #PaleoCobbChallenge—we’d love to see your take!
