Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

If you’re craving something fresh, filling, and incredibly flavorful, this Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad hits all the right notes. Tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing come together in a vibrant, protein-packed salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a healthy and delicious way to fuel your day—without sacrificing taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Wholesome & Fresh – Made with real ingredients that are good for you.
High in Protein – Grilled chicken and avocado keep you feeling full.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Easy to make ahead and pack for the week.
Customizable – Swap out veggies or add toppings to make it your own.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – Naturally fits many dietary lifestyles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, and arugula)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill pan or outdoor grill
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large salad bowl
• Small jar or bowl for dressing
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Let them rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.
Sprinkle with seeds if using.

Step 5: Dress & Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
Rest the Chicken – Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use Ripe Avocados – They should be just soft to the touch but not mushy.
Mix Your Greens – Combining romaine with softer greens like arugula adds texture.
Add a Crunch – Nuts, seeds, or even croutons make a satisfying topping.
Chill the Dressing – A few minutes in the fridge helps the flavors come together.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with toasted whole grain bread or pita.
• Add a soft-boiled egg for even more protein.
• Serve with a side of soup for a light and balanced meal.
• Turn it into a wrap using a tortilla or flatbread.

How to Store & Meal Prep

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store undressed salad and grilled chicken separately for up to 3 days.
Avocado: Add fresh avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Dressing: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Meal Prep Tips:
Grill extra chicken to use in wraps, bowls, or sandwiches.
Keep salad ingredients in separate compartments or containers to maintain freshness.
Add dressing only when ready to eat to avoid soggy greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
   Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just slice and layer on top of the salad.
2. What can I use instead of avocado?
   Try hummus or a dollop of guacamole if you want the same creaminess.
3. How do I know the chicken is cooked?
   Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely. Swap the chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or a plant-based protein.
5. Is this salad good cold?
   Yes! It’s delicious chilled and great for packed lunches.

Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is everything you want in a nourishing meal—fresh, colorful, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or prepping it for the week, this salad is a go-to recipe that never disappoints. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and tastes like summer on a plate.

Try it today and share your creation online! Don’t forget to leave a review and let us know how it turned out.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 290mg

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