A Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is the perfect way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of fresh ingredients and packed with flavors. This salad takes the classic Cobb salad and turns it into a Paleo-friendly masterpiece by using only whole, unprocessed foods, making it gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in carbohydrates.
With grilled chicken, avocados, crispy bacon, and a variety of fresh veggies, this salad is the epitome of a nutritious yet indulgent meal. It’s perfect for a low-carb lunch or dinner, whether you’re sticking to a Paleo diet or just looking for a light and satisfying meal. Plus, it's easy to prepare and customizable depending on your taste preferences.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Chicken breasts – 2 large (boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for grilling)
- Avocados – 2, sliced
- Bacon – 4 slices (cooked and crumbled)
- Hard-boiled eggs – 4, peeled and quartered
- Roma tomatoes – 2, diced
- Cucumber – 1, sliced
- Red onion – ¼, thinly sliced
- Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce) – 4 cups
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon – 1 (for dressing)
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Honey – 1 teaspoon (optional for sweetness)
- Fresh herbs – 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra flavor, e.g., thyme or oregano)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Once grilled, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- While the chicken is grilling, prepare the other ingredients:
- Slice the avocados into wedges.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.
- Hard-boil the eggs (if you haven't already) and cut them into quarters.
- Dice the Roma tomatoes and slice the cucumber and red onion.
- Wash and dry the mixed greens and set aside.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and a drizzle of honey if you'd like to add a touch of sweetness.
- Optionally, you can add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to enhance the flavor.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the mixed greens as the base of your salad.
- Neatly arrange the sliced chicken, avocados, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled bacon in sections over the greens.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the top or serve it on the side.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the salad with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 500mg
💡 The healthy fats from the avocados and olive oil provide excellent nourishment, and the protein from the chicken and eggs ensures you're feeling full and satisfied for hours.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Make it a Meal Prep Option: This salad can easily be made in advance. Keep the ingredients separate and assemble the salad just before serving to avoid soggy greens. You can store the grilled chicken and dressing in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Customize It: Feel free to swap the chicken for grilled steak, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add extra toppings like olives, avocado slices, or sunflower seeds for added texture.
- Add More Veggies: To up your vegetable intake, try adding roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to the salad.
- Dressing Variations: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can substitute the vinegar-based dressing with a Paleo-friendly ranch or avocado dressing made with mashed avocado, lemon juice, and olive oil.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad pairs wonderfully with Paleo-friendly soups like a roasted butternut squash soup or a bone broth. It also makes a great side dish for grilled fish or steak. For a complete Paleo meal, enjoy this salad with a glass of sparkling water or a refreshing herb-infused iced tea.
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