Avocado Chicken Salad (Print version)
Tender grilled chicken with creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and zesty lime dressing.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Salad Base
05 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
09 - 1/2 English cucumber, diced
10 - 2 cups mixed salad greens
→ Dressing
11 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
12 - Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
02 - Grill or sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through and juices run clear. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
03 - In a large bowl, combine avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro (or parsley), cucumber, and salad greens.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
05 - Add sliced chicken to the salad. Drizzle dressing over the top and gently toss to combine, ensuring avocados stay mostly intact.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy avocado and tangy lime dressing make every bite feel like a treat, not a healthy compromise
- You can throw it together in under 30 minutes but it tastes like something from a restaurant
02 -
- Avocados brown quickly once cut, so wait until the last minute to dice them
- Letting the chicken rest prevents all those juices from running out onto your cutting board
03 -
- Marinate the chicken in lime and spices for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor
- A cold salad bowl keeps everything crisp longer on hot days