Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Easy Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe for Fresh Feasting

Summers heat up with this vibrant paleo grilled chicken cobb salad that brings fresh ingredients together in a delightful dance of flavors.

Crisp greens create a perfect base for juicy, seasoned chicken that sizzles with smoky goodness.

Colorful vegetables and crunchy bacon pieces add layers of texture and excitement to every bite.

Each forkful delivers a protein-packed meal that feels indulgent yet completely nutritious.

The combination of tender grilled chicken and farm-fresh ingredients makes this salad a go-to option for health-conscious eaters.

Drizzled with a zesty homemade dressing, this salad promises to revolutionize your lunch routine.

Why Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Works

  • Fuel Your Fitness: Perfect for health-conscious individuals following paleo or low-carb diets, this protein-packed salad delivers powerful nutrition with minimal effort.
  • Grill and Go: Minimal kitchen tools required, with simple grilling techniques that even beginner cooks can master quickly and confidently.
  • Customize Your Plate: Easily adaptable salad base allows swapping ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Impressive restaurant-quality dish that works brilliantly for casual lunch gatherings, weekend meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners with maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source for the salad.
  • Bacon: Crispy and flavorful addition that provides a smoky taste and extra protein.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-rich element that adds richness and texture to the salad.
Vegetables and Greens:
  • Mixed Greens: Fresh base that provides a nutritious foundation for the salad.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Bright and juicy ingredient that adds color and freshness.
  • Red Onion: Adds a sharp and zesty flavor to complement the other ingredients.
  • Avocado: Creamy and nutrient-dense component that brings healthy fats to the dish.
Dressing and Garnish:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the tangy flavors in the dressing.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp and tangy base for the dressing.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Blue Cheese: Optional topping that adds a creamy and tangy finish to the salad.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth base that helps bind the dressing ingredients together.

How to Make Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature.

Brush the grate with a light coating of cooking oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.

Allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing into thin, juicy strips.

Step 3: Build the Vibrant Salad Base

Combine the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • Mixed salad greens
  • Chopped hard-boiled eggs
  • Sliced avocado
  • Halved cherry tomatoes
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Crispy crumbled bacon

Step 4: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

In a small bowl, blend the Honey Dijon Dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a tangy and rich flavor profile.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Layer the freshly sliced grilled chicken over the salad mixture.

Drizzle the Honey Dijon Dressing generously.

Gently toss to ensure even coating.

Optional: Sprinkle dairy-free blue cheese crumbles on top for an extra flavor punch.

Serve immediately and enjoy your Paleo-friendly Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad.

Pro Tips for Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

  • Use medium-high heat and oil the grate to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks for juicy, flavorful chicken.
  • Allow grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and ensure even, tender slices.
  • Swap honey for maple syrup in the Dijon dressing to make it vegan or adjust sweetness levels according to personal taste preferences.
  • Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for different protein options while maintaining the Paleo-friendly profile.
  • Chop vegetables and cook bacon in advance to streamline salad assembly and reduce overall preparation time.

Flavor Variations for Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

  • Keto-Friendly Version: Replace mixed greens with arugula, use sugar-free honey substitute in dressing, and add extra bacon for higher fat content.
  • Whole30 Compliant Option: Omit honey from dressing, use olive oil and apple cider vinegar base, ensure bacon is sugar-free and compliant.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, use plant-based bacon alternative, keep remaining ingredients consistent.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Spin: Add cucumber, kalamata olives, replace Dijon dressing with lemon-herb vinaigrette, include crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas for Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Step By Step Easy Cheese Danish Instructions
  • Protein Power Plate: Pair this salad with a side of sweet potato wedges for an extra energy boost and complementary paleo-friendly nutrients.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack the salad components separately in mason jars for a portable, fresh lunch that stays crisp and delicious during outdoor adventures.
  • Weekend Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing herbal iced tea to create a light, satisfying weekend meal that feels special and nourishing.
  • Seasonal Twist: Swap out cherry tomatoes with seasonal summer or fall produce like roasted butternut squash or grilled peaches to keep the salad exciting and adaptable.

How to Store Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

  • Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
  • Store chicken, bacon, eggs, and vegetables in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness and texture.
  • Avoid freezing the complete salad. Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months when placed in freezer-safe containers.
  • Warm chicken gently in microwave or skillet at medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Add fresh greens and toppings after reheating to preserve crispness.

FAQs

  • Is Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from chicken and eggs, healthy fats from avocado, and nutrient-rich vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious meal.

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep greens crisp and prevent soggy textures.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and use plant-based bacon alternatives to maintain the salad’s protein content.

  • What makes this salad Paleo-friendly?

It uses whole food ingredients, avoids grains and processed foods, and focuses on lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats typical of the Paleo diet.

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Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad combines lean proteins and crisp greens for a low-carb Mediterranean-inspired feast. Packed with fresh ingredients and zesty flavors, you’ll savor each nutrient-dense bite of this wholesome summer dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 medium chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs (peeled and quartered)
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/4 cup dairy-free blue cheese (optional)

Vegetables and Greens:

  • 8 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, baby spinach)
  • 1 large avocado (sliced)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for strict paleo)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for grilling

Instructions

  1. Heat grill to medium-high (375-400°F) and lightly lubricate the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Apply seasoning to chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.
  3. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  4. Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-4 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
  5. Prepare salad base by combining mixed greens with chopped hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
  6. Crisp and crumble bacon pieces, scattering them over the salad for added texture and flavor.
  7. Whisk honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, and vinegar in a small bowl until dressing becomes smooth and emulsified.
  8. Arrange sliced grilled chicken atop the prepared salad ingredients.
  9. Drizzle honey dijon dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure even distribution.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle dairy-free blue cheese crumbles for an extra flavor dimension.
  11. Serve immediately to maintain salad’s fresh and crisp texture.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken in advance with herbs like rosemary or thyme for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
  • Use sugar-free bacon or turkey bacon to reduce saturated fat and make the dish lighter for health-conscious eaters.
  • Swap eggs with roasted chickpeas for a vegan-friendly protein alternative that maintains the salad’s nutritional balance.
  • Allow chicken to rest after grilling to prevent moisture loss, ensuring juicy and succulent meat slices when added to the salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 470 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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