Name: Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490057H2S
Total time: PT-490057H2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 grilled chicken breasts or thighs; 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula); 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved; 1 avocado, sliced or cubed; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1/4 cup Kalamata or green olives, pitted and halved; 2 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional); 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard (paleo-compliant); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: 1 tbsp mashed avocado or paleo mayo for creamy dressing

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This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a fresh, protein-packed meal that’s loaded with wholesome ingredients and perfect for lunch or dinner. With juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and hard-boiled eggs all layered over a bed of greens, it’s satisfying, healthy, and completely paleo-friendly—without relying on any processed meats or dairy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s incredibly flavorful and filling without being heavy. It’s naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free, yet still packed with texture and color. The grilled chicken brings a savory depth, the eggs add richness, and the avocado gives it a buttery finish. It’s easy to throw together and perfect for meal prep or a quick, clean meal. Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

Grilled chicken breast or thighs
Mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
Hard-boiled eggs, halved
Avocado, sliced or cubed
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Kalamata or green olives, pitted and halved
Roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (for crunch, optional)

For the paleo dressing:

Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Dijon mustard (ensure it’s paleo-compliant)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and black pepper
Optional: mashed avocado or paleo mayo for a creamy version

Directions

I season and grill the chicken until it’s fully cooked through and has a nice char. I let it rest, then slice it into strips.
I layer a generous bed of greens on a plate or bowl.
I arrange the grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives evenly over the greens.
I sprinkle roasted seeds on top for added texture and healthy fats.
I whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined, then drizzle it over the salad just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 to 3 hearty servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook the chicken. Total time: approximately 30–35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken.
For extra fiber and color, I throw in shredded carrots or radishes.
A handful of chopped herbs like parsley or dill gives the salad a fresh lift.
I use grilled zucchini or roasted sweet potatoes when I want more veggies in the mix.

Storage/Reheating

I store each component separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing stays fresh in a sealed jar for up to a week. I reheat the chicken gently or enjoy it cold, and assemble the salad fresh for the best texture. I always add avocado and dressing right before serving. Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Yes, I often use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Just make sure it’s unprocessed and seasoned simply to stay within paleo guidelines.

How do I make the dressing creamy without dairy?

I mash a little avocado into the dressing or stir in a spoonful of paleo mayo to get that creamy texture without using any dairy.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I prep all the ingredients in advance, store them in separate containers, and assemble fresh each day. It’s quick and keeps everything crisp.

What if I don’t like olives?

No problem. I leave them out or replace them with sliced radishes, pickled onions, or extra cucumber for crunch.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

I slice the avocado just before serving, or drizzle it with lemon juice if I need to prep it ahead of time.

Conclusion

This Paleo Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a clean, filling, and flavorful meal I love to keep in my weekly rotation. With simple, nourishing ingredients and a punchy homemade dressing, it proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Whether I’m meal prepping or making a quick lunch, this salad always satisfies.