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Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

Category: Fresh and Flavorful Salads for Every Season

Enjoy a vibrant bowl where juicy grilled chicken pairs with creamy avocado, crisp greens, and colorful veggies. Freshly mixed and topped with a tangy homemade dressing, this dish makes a satisfying lunch or light dinner. Each bite combines savory protein, healthy fats, and garden flavors. It’s easy to prepare, easy to personalize with extra toppings, and perfect for meal-prep. Add a handful of toasted nuts or swap in other proteins like shrimp to suit your taste. Serve immediately for peak freshness and creamy avocado perfection.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:45:37 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken, avocado, tomato, and onion. Save
A bowl of food with chicken, avocado, tomato, and onion. | recipesfoodyummy.com

This grilled chicken avocado salad came into my life one hectic summer when I craved something quick yet nourishing. It is now my go to for a satisfying lunch that leaves me energized rather than sluggish. Tender chicken and creamy avocado pair with crisp greens for a delicious medley of flavors and textures.

I first whipped up this salad after a busy day with little time to cook. Ever since my family begs for it whenever the weather warms up and the garden is bursting with greens.

Ingredients

  • Grilled chicken breast: brings lean protein and juicy flavor opt for organic or free range if possible for best taste
  • Ripe avocado: adds creamy richness and healthy fats choose one that gives slightly when pressed
  • Mixed greens: make up a vibrant salad base arugula and spinach add nutrients while romaine gives crispness
  • Cherry tomatoes: add sweetness and color look for bright glossy ones
  • Red onion: sharpens the flavor profile slice thin for a milder bite
  • Cucumber: gives a hydrating crunch and freshness pick firm slender cucumbers for the best texture
  • Olive oil: in the dressing provides richness and a silky mouthfeel use extra virgin for the brightest taste
  • Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice: adds tang and brightness pick a quality vinegar or a juicy lemon
  • Dijon mustard: emulsifies the dressing and brings subtle heat
  • Honey: smooths and balances acidity go for raw honey if you have it or leave out for a lower carb version
  • Salt and pepper: are essential for tying all flavors together choose flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper when possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Grill the Chicken:
Pat chicken breast dry and season generously with salt pepper and a touch of paprika or your favorite spice blend. Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for six to eight minutes per side depending on thickness until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees. Let rest for five minutes to keep juices inside then slice into strips against the grain.
Assemble the Salad:
Spread out the mixed greens in a large wide salad bowl. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken neatly over the greens. Add avocado slices fanned out next to the chicken for a beautiful presentation. Scatter cherry tomatoes red onion slices and cucumbers over the top for a pop of color and extra crunch.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil balsamic vinegar or lemon juice dijon mustard honey salt and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened. The mustard will help hold the dressing together and give a gentle tang.
Serve:
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before you are ready to enjoy it. For the best flavor toss everything together gently so every bite gets coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
A bowl of food with chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. Save
A bowl of food with chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. | recipesfoodyummy.com

The star ingredient for me is always the avocado The creaminess it adds turns a wholesome salad into something that feels decadent and filling My kids always race to grab the biggest slices so now I use two avocados when serving a crowd

Storage Tips

Store leftovers by keeping greens and toppings separate from the dressing. Pack avocado whole or in wedges with a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning. The salad base will keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days while the dressing can last a week.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap grilled chicken for shrimp salmon or even marinated tofu for a vegetarian option. Use baby kale or spring mix if you do not have arugula or spinach. Red wine vinegar or fresh lime juice is an easy stand in for balsamic.

Serving Suggestions

Try topping with crumbled feta chopped hard boiled eggs or toasted pepitas for extra protein and crunch. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a cup of chilled soup on the side for a complete meal.

Cultural Context

Fresh salads like this are a staple in Mediterranean style eating where simple seasonal produce and lean proteins become the centerpiece of daily meals. The balance of healthy fats vibrant greens and easy preparation nods to those traditions and brings a bit of the sun to your table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can cook the chicken and prep the vegetables in advance. Add avocado and dressing just before serving for best results.

→ Is this salad suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, simply omit the honey in the dressing to keep it keto-friendly and low in carbohydrates.

→ What other proteins work well in this salad?

Grilled shrimp, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs are delicious alternatives for extra variety and protein.

→ Can the dressing be made ahead?

Yes, you can whisk the dressing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Shake before using.

→ What toppings add crunch to this dish?

Try toasted nuts or seeds such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor.

→ What are good substitutions for balsamic vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice provide a bright, tangy flavor and work beautifully here.

Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

Tender chicken, avocado, and mixed greens combine for a fresh, hearty, and flavorful salad.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Duration
30 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Salads

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Portions Yielded: 2 Serving Size (2 main course salads)

Dietary Preferences: Low Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ Salad

01 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
02 1 ripe avocado, sliced
03 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
04 120 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
05 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
06 60 grams cucumber slices
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste

→ Dressing

09 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
11 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 1/2 teaspoon honey
13 Salt, to taste
14 Black pepper, to taste

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Season the chicken breast evenly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika if desired. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until fully cooked, typically 5-7 minutes per side. Let rest briefly, then slice.

Step 02

Arrange mixed greens in a large salad bowl as the foundation.

Step 03

Layer sliced grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber over the greens.

Step 04

Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until fully emulsified.

Step 05

Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat ingredients evenly, if preferred.

Notes and Tips

  1. Add hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese, or toasted nuts for additional texture and protein.
  2. Prepare ahead by storing the dressing and avocado separately to maintain freshness.
  3. Swap in grilled shrimp or salmon for variety.
  4. Apple cider vinegar or fresh lime juice can substitute for balsamic vinegar if desired.

Required Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Salad serving bowl

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains mustard.
  • May contain honey (not vegan).

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 415
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 30 g