Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Sunny Day Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Crisp summer days call for a delightful paleo grilled chicken cobb salad that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors.

Juicy grilled chicken mingles with crisp greens and colorful vegetables for a protein-packed meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and nutrients.

Our carefully crafted recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.

Bacon adds a smoky crunch that complements the tender chicken beautifully.

Creamy avocado and hard-boiled eggs provide rich, satisfying layers of goodness.

Dive into this nutritious and delectable salad that promises to become your new summer favorite.

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad That’s Paleo Friendly and Filling

Revolutionize Weeknight Meals: Quick and Nutritious Paleo Delight

  • Supercharge Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from grilled chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and essential nutrients from fresh vegetables, this salad delivers a powerful wellness punch for health-conscious eaters.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows endless variations by swapping ingredients or adjusting dressing, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and taste adventures.
  • Lightning-Fast Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal offers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated cooking techniques, ideal for busy professionals and families seeking convenient, delicious dinners.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Vibrant colors and fresh ingredients create an Instagram-worthy dish that appeals to both health enthusiasts and picky eaters, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for gatherings.

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad (Paleo) Ingredients

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source, grilled to perfection for tender and juicy meat. Fresh, organic chicken recommended for best flavor.
  • Bacon: Crisp, salty protein that adds rich flavor. Nitrate-free or pasture-raised bacon preferred.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-rich and creamy, providing additional nutritional value.
Fresh Produce:
  • Mixed Greens, Spinach: Base of the salad with fresh, crisp texture. Choose organic, pre-washed greens for convenience.
  • Avocado: Creamy, healthy fat source with smooth texture. Ripe but firm avocado works best.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, adding bright color and fresh taste. Vine-ripened varieties recommended.
  • Red Onion: Sharp flavor that adds crunch and zesty notes. Thinly sliced for better integration.
  • Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, providing light texture. English or Persian cucumbers preferred.
Dressing and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth base for dressing with heart-healthy properties. Extra virgin olive oil suggested.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy component that balances dressing. Raw, unfiltered version provides more flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and slight spiciness to dressing. Smooth, whole grain varieties work well.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient enhancing overall flavor. Fresh garlic cloves recommended.
  • Honey: Optional sweetener to balance dressing flavors. Raw, local honey preferred.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing natural flavors.

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Paleo Assembly

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Crank up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Sprinkle chicken breasts with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.

Sizzle the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until it’s perfectly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Let the chicken take a quick rest, then slice it into mouth-watering strips.

Step 2: Whip Up the Tangy Dressing

Grab a small bowl or jar and create a flavor explosion by whisking together:
  • Olive oil
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Minced garlic
  • Honey (optional)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Set your dressing aside and get ready to drizzle some magic.

Step 3: Build Your Colorful Salad Base

Spread a lush bed of mixed greens on a large serving platter.

Layer on your culinary masterpiece with:
  • Grilled chicken strips
  • Creamy avocado slices
  • Protein-packed hard-boiled eggs
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
  • Juicy cherry tomatoes
  • Zesty red onion
  • Crisp cucumber chunks

Step 4: Dress and Devour

Drizzle your tangy dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.

Give everything a gentle toss or let everyone customize their perfect plate.

Get ready to enjoy a paleo-friendly feast that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Cobb Salad – Grilled Chicken Tips

  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and let it rest for maximum juiciness, preventing dry meat and preserving tender texture.
  • Swap honey for maple syrup or omit sweetener entirely for strict paleo adherence, allowing personalized flavor profiles.
  • Add extra protein sources like chopped nuts or seeds if desired, increasing nutritional value and creating more satisfying meal experience.
  • Grill chicken, chop vegetables, and prepare dressing in advance for quick assembly, making this recipe perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
  • Use medium-high heat while grilling to achieve perfect char marks without burning chicken, creating delicious caramelized exterior.

Make Paleo Chicken Cobb Salad Last Longer

  • Store leftover chicken cobb salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
  • Divide salad ingredients into individual compartments to maintain freshness and prevent wilting of vegetables.
  • Warm sliced chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short 15-second intervals to prevent drying out.
  • Enjoy salad within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture, as leafy greens and fresh ingredients lose crispness quickly.

Cobb Salad Complements You’ll Love

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that cuts through the salad's rich bacon and avocado flavors, creating a refreshing contrast.
  • Complement with Sparkling Water: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to mineral water, which cleanses the palate between bites of grilled chicken and provides a light, hydrating accompaniment.
  • Match with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a cold green or mint tea that echoes the salad's fresh ingredients, offering a subtle, cooling counterpoint to the grilled protein.
  • Choose Craft Cider: Pick a dry, artisanal apple cider that mirrors the apple cider vinegar in the dressing, enhancing the salad's tangy undertones while providing a light, crisp finish.

Chicken Cobb Salad With Paleo Swaps

  • Vegan Cobb Salad
  • Whole30 Chicken Cobb: Eliminate honey from dressing, use compliant bacon without sugar, ensure all ingredients are Whole30 approved, and replace vinegar with fresh lemon juice.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Cobb: Swap bacon for grilled halloumi cheese, add kalamata olives, replace red onion with fresh herbs like oregano and parsley, use Greek-style dressing with olive oil and lemon.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Cobb: Remove mixed greens and serve as a lettuce wrap or over cauliflower rice, increase protein portions, add extra avocado, and use a high-fat dressing with additional olive oil.

FAQs

  • Is Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad healthy?

This salad is nutrient-dense, packed with protein from chicken and eggs, healthy fats from avocado, and essential vitamins from fresh vegetables. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and follows paleo dietary guidelines.

  • Can I substitute ingredients in this salad?

You can replace chicken with turkey or salmon, swap bacon for prosciutto, use different greens like spinach or arugula, and adjust vegetables based on personal preference or seasonal availability.

  • What makes this salad different from traditional Cobb salad?

The paleo version eliminates dairy and cheese, uses compliant dressing ingredients, and focuses on whole, unprocessed foods that align with paleo nutritional principles. It emphasizes clean eating and nutrient-rich components.

  • How can I make this salad more filling?

Add extra protein like grilled shrimp, increase chicken portion, include more avocado slices, or sprinkle nuts like almonds or walnuts to boost satiety and nutritional value.

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Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe

Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Succulent paleo grilled chicken cobb salad brings Mediterranean zest to classic American cuisine. Crisp greens, smoky grilled chicken, and farm-fresh ingredients create a protein-packed meal that satisfies you with bold, clean flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
  • 6 slices nitrate-free bacon, cooked and crumbled

Fresh Produce:

  • 6 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, and arugula)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface for chicken with optimal heat distribution.
  2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even coating for robust flavor enhancement.
  3. Carefully position chicken on heated grill, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), confirming complete protein doneness.
  4. Remove chicken from heat, allowing a 5-minute resting period to preserve moisture and tenderness before slicing into elegant strips.
  5. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, optional honey, salt, and pepper in a compact container.
  6. Select a spacious serving platter and create a lush foundation of mixed greens as the salad base.
  7. Methodically layer grilled chicken strips across the greens, creating visual appeal and protein-rich coverage.
  8. Strategically position creamy avocado slices, protein-packed hard-boiled eggs, crisp bacon crumbles, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, and refreshing cucumber atop the chicken.
  9. Elegantly drizzle prepared dressing over the composed salad or serve separately, allowing individual customization.
  10. Gently toss ingredients or invite diners to personalize their portions for a dynamic dining experience.

Notes

  • Chicken Cooking Pro-Tip: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy protein without overcooking.
  • Bacon Alternatives: Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon or coconut bacon for lower-fat options that maintain a crispy texture and smoky flavor.
  • Dressing Flexibility: Swap honey with maple syrup or omit sweetener entirely for strict paleo followers, maintaining the tangy vinaigrette profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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