Name: Delicious Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cups mixed greens (like romaine, spinach, and arugula); 2 medium tomatoes, diced; 1 cucumber, sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup cooked beef, crumbled; 1/4 cup blue cheese (optional for non-strict Paleo eaters); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it not only tasty but also nourishing. The smokiness from the grilled chicken, the richness from the avocado, and the crunch from fresh vegetables make every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable and can be enjoyed as a filling main dish without compromising your Paleo lifestyle.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups mixed greens (like romaine, spinach, and arugula)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup cooked beef, crumbled
1/4 cup blue cheese (optional for non-strict Paleo eaters)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the grill and set aside to rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, crumbled beef, and parsley.
Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
If using blue cheese, sprinkle it over the salad for an extra creamy touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and beef, and add extra avocado and hard-boiled eggs for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
Dressing Variations: Try substituting the Dijon mustard with a Paleo-friendly mayonnaise for a creamier dressing.
Grilled Vegetables: For extra flavor, grill some vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add to the salad.
Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer a different protein, swap the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp or steak.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftover salad components (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating: If you’d like to reheat the chicken, simply warm it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating the salad itself, as the vegetables and avocado will wilt and become soggy.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply omit the blue cheese, and you’ll have a completely dairy-free version of this salad.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, you can use store-bought Paleo-friendly dressing, but homemade dressing will always taste fresher and can be customized to your liking.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time, but for the freshest taste, it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving, especially if you’re adding avocado.

How do I grill chicken without it drying out?

To keep the chicken moist, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Can I use other greens for the salad?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the mixed greens with your favorite lettuce or greens, such as kale, spinach, or baby arugula.

How do I make the dressing without honey?

For a sugar-free dressing, omit the honey and substitute with a few drops of stevia or a sugar-free sweetener.

How do I make crispy beef for the salad?

To make crispy beef, cook it in a pan over medium heat until it reaches your desired level of crispiness, then crumble it into the salad.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it in place of grilled chicken. Just ensure it’s heated before adding it to the salad.

How can I adjust the spice level of the dressing?

If you like spicy dressing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for some heat.

Can I freeze this salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze the salad as the vegetables and avocado do not freeze well. However, you can freeze the grilled chicken and defrost it when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, vibrant ingredients and hearty protein. With its smoky grilled chicken, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and flavorful dressing, it’s a salad that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it as a light dinner, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite in your Paleo recipe rotation.