Honey Mustard Chicken Cobb Salad

Honey Mustard Chicken Cobb Salad is one of my favorite hearty salads when I want a filling, flavorful meal that’s packed with protein and color. It features juicy honey mustard–glazed chicken over a bed of crisp greens, surrounded by classic Cobb ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. The sweet and tangy homemade dressing pulls everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad turns everyday ingredients into something special. It’s balanced, vibrant, and full of texture—from the crunch of romaine to the creamy avocado and tender chicken. The honey mustard glaze adds a bold, sweet-savory flavor that makes this salad feel like a full meal. It’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Dijon mustard

• Honey

• Olive oil

• Garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

• Romaine lettuce or mixed greens

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Avocado, sliced

• Hard-boiled eggs, halved

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Blue cheese or feta (optional)

For the honey mustard dressing:

• Dijon mustard

• Honey

• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. I start by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the marinade and dressing.

2. I pour half of the mixture over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (longer if I have time).

3. While the chicken marinates, I prepare the salad ingredients—washing and chopping the lettuce, slicing the veggies, and boiling the eggs.

4. I cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Then I let it rest and slice it.

5. I assemble the salad by arranging the greens in a large bowl or platter, then adding the sliced chicken, tomatoes, avocado, eggs, and cheese if using.

6. I drizzle everything with the remaining honey mustard dressing and serve it right away.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. It takes around 20 minutes to prep and another 15 to cook, so I usually have it ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or roasted chickpeas for a different protein source. I also like adding roasted corn, cucumbers, or a handful of croutons for extra crunch. If I’m out of honey mustard ingredients, I’ll toss everything in a simple balsamic vinaigrette instead.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the dressing in a jar and shake it before using. If I need to reheat the chicken, I warm it in a skillet or microwave just until heated through, then add it to the cold salad right before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dressing a few days in advance. I just store it in the fridge in a sealed container and shake it before serving.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I prep all the ingredients and keep them in separate containers, then assemble right before eating to keep everything fresh.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grilled honey mustard chicken works perfectly. I just cook it over medium heat on the grill for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

What’s a good substitute for blue cheese?

If I’m not a fan of blue cheese, I use feta, goat cheese, or even shredded sharp cheddar instead.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, I simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dressing is naturally dairy-free as well.

Conclusion

Honey Mustard Chicken Cobb Salad is one of those meals that makes eating healthy feel indulgent. It’s colorful, filling, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether I’m enjoying it fresh or packing it for lunch, this salad always delivers a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and satisfying.

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