Short Description

Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish packed with juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables. Light yet satisfying, this salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy & Nutritious – High in protein and packed with fresh ingredients.
Easy to Make – Simple seasoning and quick grilling.
Flavorful & Satisfying – The combination of grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing is irresistible.
Customizable – Add your favorite greens, veggies, or toppings.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Grilled Chicken:

2 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup cucumber, sliced
¼ cup feta or goat cheese (optional)
¼ cup roasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preparing the Chicken:

Marinate the chicken – In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken evenly.
Grill the chicken – Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Rest and slice – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Assembling the Salad:

Arrange mixed greens in a large bowl or on a plate.
Add sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cheese.
Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top.
Sprinkle with roasted nuts for extra crunch.

Making the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Protein Swap – Use grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
Dairy-Free – Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Creamy Dressing – Use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil for a creamier texture.
Fruit Addition – Add strawberries, apples, or pomegranate seeds for a touch of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store salad ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Dressing Storage: Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works well.

What’s the best way to grill chicken without drying it out?

Cook on medium heat and let it rest before slicing to retain juices.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store the dressing separately and add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

What other greens can I use?

Try kale, butter lettuce, or iceberg for variety.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing gives the best fresh flavor.

How do I keep avocados from browning?

Squeeze a little lemon juice over them before adding to the salad.

Can I make this salad low-carb?

Yes, omit honey from the dressing and avoid sweet toppings like fruit.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a great crunch and flavor.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, blue cheese, Parmesan, or shredded cheddar work well.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, prepare all ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a fresh, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors, this salad is easy to customize and makes a great meal prep option. Try it today for a delicious and nutritious dish!

Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings 1x

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Description

This Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a fresh, healthy, and protein-packed meal that’s bursting with flavor! Featuring juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a light and zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep!

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Coat the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture.
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

3. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and feta cheese.
Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.

4. Serve:

Top with grilled chicken slices and sprinkle with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds (if using).
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Meal Prep Tip: Store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing and chicken. Assemble fresh before serving.
Swap feta for blue cheese or chicken for shrimp for a different twist!
Want it heartier? Add quinoa, chickpeas, or croutons

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: grilling
Cuisine: american