introduction
This Cobb Salad with Chicken and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette is fresh, full of texture, and easy to make. It pairs cooked chicken, crisp greens, bacon, eggs, avocado, and cheese with a sweet and tangy dressing. If you like a sweet chicken flavor on the side, try the honey garlic glazed chicken breast with sweet potato mash and berry salad for a similar taste idea.
why make this recipe
Make this salad when you want a full meal in one bowl. It balances protein, healthy fat, and vegetables. It also works well for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
how to make Cobb Salad with Chicken and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Work in simple steps: cook the chicken and bacon, boil the eggs, chop the veggies, mix the dressing, and assemble the salad. For a simple roast chicken method or ideas for cooking the chicken, see this honey garlic roast chicken with rice and avocado salad for method tips you can use here.
Ingredients :
- 6 cups mixed romaine and green lettuce, chopped
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or chopped (about 2 cups)
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese or crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook the chicken: grill, pan-sear, or roast until done (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let rest, then slice.
- Cook bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble.
- Boil eggs: place eggs in boiling water for 9–11 minutes. Cool, peel, and quarter.
- Make dressing: whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Prep vegetables: wash and chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, dice avocado, slice cucumber and onion.
- Assemble: place lettuce in a large bowl or on a serving platter. Arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and onion in rows or sections over the greens.
- Dress and season: drizzle vinaigrette over the salad or serve on the side. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently if you like the dressing mixed through, or let guests serve themselves.
how to serve Cobb Salad with Chicken and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Serve cold or at room temperature. Offer extra dressing on the side. This salad pairs well with a light side like a simple fruit salad or a crisp apple salad such as the autumn harvest honeycrisp apple and feta salad for a bright contrast.
how to store Cobb Salad with Chicken and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Store components separately for best freshness. Keep greens and toppings in one container and dressing in a small jar. Cooked chicken and bacon last 3–4 days in the fridge. Once dressed, the salad is best eaten within a few hours.
tips to make Cobb Salad with Chicken and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
- Roast or grill chicken ahead to save time.
- Keep avocado slices from browning by tossing them with a little lemon juice.
- Make the dressing and chill it; shake before serving.
- Use chilled bowls to keep the salad cold when serving.
- If you want a lighter cheese, use feta instead of blue cheese.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken for turkey or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use turkey bacon or skip bacon for a lighter version.
- Add corn, roasted peppers, or smoked salmon for more flavor.
- Change the cheese to goat cheese or feta for a milder taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
Q: How long does the dressing last?
A: The vinaigrette keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake before use.
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: To make it vegan, skip eggs and bacon, use tofu or chickpeas for protein, and use a vegan cheese or skip cheese.
Q: Do I need to peel the cucumber?
A: No. Leave the skin on for more fiber unless you prefer it peeled.
Q: Can I prepare this for a party?
A: Yes. Prep ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Conclusion
If you want another take on a honey-flavored chicken Cobb-style salad, see this Honey Mustard Chicken Cobb Salad recipe from Creme De La Crumb for extra ideas.
Cobb Salad with Chicken and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the chicken: grill, pan-sear, or roast until done (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let rest, then slice.
- Cook bacon until crisp. Drain and crumble.
- Boil eggs: place eggs in boiling water for 9–11 minutes. Cool, peel, and quarter.
- Make dressing: whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Prep vegetables: wash and chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, dice avocado, slice cucumber and onion.
- Assemble: place lettuce in a large bowl or on a serving platter. Arrange chicken, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, and onion in rows or sections over the greens.
- Dress and season: drizzle vinaigrette over the salad or serve on the side. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently if you like the dressing mixed through, or let guests serve themselves.