Fresh Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a delicious, nutritious, and paleo-friendly take on the classic Cobb salad. Packed with vibrant vegetables, perfectly grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy avocado dressing, this salad is satisfying and healthy without any processed ingredients. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, this paleo Cobb salad is filling yet light, full of protein, healthy fats, and an array of nutrients from fresh produce. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that’s as beautiful as it is good for you!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 4 slices paleo-compliant bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Avocado Dressing:

  • 1 large avocado
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water (or more for desired consistency)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Marinade (optional):

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (optional but recommended for flavor).
  2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks. Set aside to rest, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

  1. Arrange the salad greens in a large serving bowl or platter.
  2. Place the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and red onion on top of the greens in rows or sections for a classic Cobb salad presentation.
  3. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.

Step 3: Make the Avocado Dressing

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, water, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Serve the Salad

  1. Drizzle the avocado dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
  2. Toss everything together if desired, or serve it as-is for a visually appealing presentation.
  3. Enjoy immediately!

Cooking Tips:

  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: Marinating the chicken, even for 15 minutes, will infuse it with flavor and keep it juicy.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe avocados and tomatoes enhance the taste and creaminess of the salad.
  • Make-Ahead Dressing: The avocado dressing can be made up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Customize the Greens: Feel free to mix up your greens—kale, romaine, and arugula all work well for added texture and nutrition.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • High in Protein: This salad is loaded with protein from the grilled chicken, eggs, and bacon, making it a satisfying and muscle-supportive meal.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
  • Rich in Fiber: Vegetables and avocado add fiber, aiding in digestion and helping you feel full longer.
  • Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is packed with vitamins A, C, K, and potassium from the fresh veggies and greens, supporting everything from immune health to bone strength.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and crispy bacon offers an irresistible flavor and texture profile.
  • Nutrient-Dense: Every bite of this salad provides a burst of nutrients, from protein to vitamins, without any refined or processed ingredients.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad can be prepped in advance and assembled just before serving, making it a great option for busy days.
  • Paleo-Friendly: This salad is entirely paleo-compliant, with no grains, dairy, or processed ingredients.

Dietary Information:

  • Paleo-Friendly: This salad is free of grains, legumes, and dairy, making it suitable for paleo diets.
  • Gluten-Free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free: There’s no dairy in this recipe, making it perfect for those with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.
  • Keto Option: To make this salad keto-friendly, simply use fewer tomatoes and a slightly smaller amount of onion.

Why This Recipe Works:

his Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad works so well because each ingredient has a purpose and complements the others. The grilled chicken provides a hearty protein base, while the bacon adds a savory, crispy touch. The creamy avocado dressing serves as a healthier substitute for traditional blue cheese dressing, giving the salad richness without added dairy. The fresh vegetables contribute crunch, flavor, and color, making this salad appealing both to the eye and palate. The nutrient-dense ingredients make it a balanced meal that satisfies and energizes without any empty calories.

Conclusion:

This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a modern, health-conscious twist on a classic favorite, offering all the satisfaction of a Cobb salad without any of the processed ingredients. Easy to prepare, nutritious, and absolutely delicious, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re following a paleo diet or simply looking for a wholesome meal option, this salad delivers on flavor, texture, and nutrition. Make it today and enjoy a vibrant, filling salad that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Prep and Cook Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutesPrint
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Fresh Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad


    • Author: Olivia
    • Total Time: 30mins

    Description

    This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a delicious, nutritious, and paleo-friendly take on the classic Cobb salad. Packed with vibrant vegetables, perfectly grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy avocado dressing, this salad is satisfying and healthy without any processed ingredients. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, this paleo Cobb salad is filling yet light, full of protein, healthy fats, and an array of nutrients from fresh produce. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe that’s as beautiful as it is good for you!

     


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    For the Salad:

    • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)
    • 1 large avocado, diced
    • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cucumber, diced
    • 4 slices paleo-compliant bacon, cooked and crumbled
    • 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
    • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

    For the Avocado Dressing:

    • 1 large avocado
    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • 2 tbsp water (or more for desired consistency)
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    For the Chicken Marinade (optional):

    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

    1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (optional but recommended for flavor).
    2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks. Set aside to rest, then slice into strips.

    Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

    1. Arrange the salad greens in a large serving bowl or platter.
    2. Place the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and red onion on top of the greens in rows or sections for a classic Cobb salad presentation.
    3. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.

    Step 3: Make the Avocado Dressing

    1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, water, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

    Step 4: Serve the Salad

    1. Drizzle the avocado dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
    2. Toss everything together if desired, or serve it as-is for a visually appealing presentation.
    3. Enjoy immediately!
    • Prep Time: 20mins
    • Cook Time: 10mins