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
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal cooking surface for chicken with optimal heat distribution.
- Generously season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even coating for robust flavor enhancement.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from heat, allowing a 5-minute resting period to preserve moisture and tenderness before slicing into elegant strips.
- Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, optional honey, salt, and pepper in a compact container.
- Select a spacious serving platter and create a lush foundation of mixed greens as the salad base.
- Methodically layer grilled chicken strips across the greens, creating visual appeal and protein-rich coverage.
- 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.
- Elegantly drizzle prepared dressing over the composed salad or serve separately, allowing individual customization.
- 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