Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad
Savor the freshness of our Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, featuring grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a honey Dijon dressing—perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal!
Whenever I think of summer, I’m transported back to those balmy evenings spent at my grandmother’s house, where the grill was the centerpiece of our family gatherings. Inspired by her love for fresh, wholesome meals, I created this Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a bowl of vibrant colors, crisp textures, and nostalgic flavors that remind me of those cherished times. From the smoky grilled chicken to the lush greens and the burst of sweetness from the honey Dijon dressing, every ingredient has a story, making this dish a tribute to family, health, and happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad
Introducing the Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad—a dish that combines nutrition with mouth-watering flavors. Here’s why this salad stands out:
- Healthful Eating: Adheres strictly to Paleo guidelines, ensuring a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Robust Flavors: Each ingredient, from the smoky bacon to the tangy blue cheese, is chosen to complement the succulent grilled chicken, creating a symphony of flavors.
- Versatility: Perfect for a family dinner, a quick lunch, or as part of your meal-prep routine, this salad is versatile and easy to adapt.
- Allergy-Friendly: With dairy-free and strict Paleo options, it’s a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredient Notes
For those venturing to prepare the Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad, here are some handy notes on the ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless cuts for quicker cooking and a healthier option.
- Mixed Greens: The combination of romaine, arugula, and baby spinach offers a rich base of vitamins and textures.
- Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats that are essential for a balanced Paleo diet.
- Dairy-Free Blue Cheese: Though optional, it introduces a bold flavor without compromising the dairy-free integrity of the dish.
- Honey Dijon Dressing: A delightful blend of sweetness and tang, perfect for enhancing the natural flavors of the salad.
how to make Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad
- Prepare the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oiling the grate. This ensures your chicken won’t stick and gets those perfect grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill each side for 6-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Resting the chicken after grilling keeps it juicy and tender.
- Compose the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the greens, eggs, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and bacon. The variety of textures and colors not only makes this salad appealing but also packs it with nutrients.
- Dress It Up: Whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth. The dressing should be creamy and well-emulsified, draping each ingredient with a touch of sweetness and tang.
- Toss and Serve: Add the sliced chicken to your salad, drizzle with the dressing, and toss gently. Top with crumbled dairy-free blue cheese if using, and serve immediately to enjoy the freshness!
Storage Options
Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is best enjoyed fresh, however, if you need to store it:
- Refrigeration: Keep the salad and dressing separate. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens and freshness of the ingredients.
Variations and Substitutions
Customize your Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad to fit your taste and dietary needs:
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for a different type of protein.
- Vegan Friendly: Omit the chicken and eggs, adding chickpeas or tofu for plant-based protein.
- Cheese Options: If dairy-free isn’t a necessity, traditional blue cheese can be used for a richer flavor.
- Dressing Choices: If honey is too sweet, try using only apple cider vinegar and mustard for a zestier dressing.
For more delicious recipes, don’t forget to check out our Recipe Archive. Enhance your cooking skills with our Healthy Eating Guide, and for more information on the Paleo diet, visit The Paleo Foundation.
Paleo Grilled Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Four medium boneless, and skinless
- Mixed Greens: Eight cups a combination of romaine, arugula, and baby spinach recommended
- Hard-boiled Eggs: Four peeled and quartered
- Avocado: One large sliced
- Cherry Tomatoes: One cup halved
- Red Onion: One-half cup thinly sliced
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: One-half cup
- Dairy-Free Blue Cheese: One-quarter cup crumbled (optional)
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper adjusted to taste
- Olive Oil: Sufficient quantity for grilling
- For the Honey Dijon Dressing:
- Olive Oil: One-quarter cup
- Dijon Mustard: Two tablespoons
- Sweetener: Two tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for a strict paleo alternative
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Two tablespoons
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper adjusted to taste
Instructions
- Grill Preparation: Begin by preheating the grill to a medium-high setting. Ensure the grate is lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Seasoning the Chicken: Season each chicken breast liberally with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for approximately six to seven minutes on each side, ensuring the meat is thoroughly cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly. This rest period helps in retaining the meat's juices.
- Assembling the Salad: In a substantial bowl, combine the mixed greens, hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bacon. This mixture should be tossed lightly to integrate the ingredients evenly.
- Preparing the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, chosen sweetener, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these components together until the dressing achieves a smooth and homogenous consistency.
- Combining Components: Add the thinly sliced grilled chicken to the bowl containing the salad mix. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated.
- Final Touches: If utilizing, sprinkle the crumbled dairy-free blue cheese over the salad. It is recommended that the salad is served immediately to preserve the freshness of the ingredients and the crispness of the greens.
