Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a light, healthy, and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp greens, and fresh vegetables, this salad is topped with a zesty lime dressing for a burst of flavor.It’s not only quick and easy to make but also highly customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy it as a complete meal or pair it with other dishes for a refreshing side.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan (1)
- Skillet (if pan-searing the chicken) (1)
- Large Salad Bowl (1)
- Whisk (1)
- Cutting Board (1)
- Chef’s Knife (1)
- Meat Thermometer (optional) (1)
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts – 4 pieces about 6 oz each
- Avocados – 2 ripe
- Romaine Lettuce – 2 cups chopped
- Spinach – 1 cup fresh
- Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup halved
- Cucumber – 1 sliced
- Red Onion – 1/2 thinly sliced
- Lime Juice – 3 tbsp freshly squeezed
- Olive Oil – 2 tbsp
- Minced Garlic – 1 tsp
- Honey – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp adjust to taste
- Black Pepper – 1/4 tsp adjust to taste
- Feta Cheese optional – 1/4 cup, crumbled
- Fresh Cilantro optional – 1 tbsp, chopped
- Nuts/Seeds optional – 2 tbsp (e.g., sunflower seeds, almonds)
Instructions
Marinate and Grill the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let them rest for 15-30 minutes. Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is grilling, slice the avocados, chop the lettuce, and prepare the other vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, sliced chicken, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve:
- Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a platter. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, fresh cilantro, and optional nuts or seeds. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate the components for later use.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- Grilling Tip: For a smoky flavor, you can use a charcoal grill or grill pan. Ensure your grill is preheated before placing the chicken on it.
- Marinating Chicken: Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 15 minutes for flavor, but up to 2 hours if you have the time.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain bread or can be served alongside roasted vegetables.
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 days, but store the dressing separately to prevent the avocado from browning.