Avocado Chicken Salad (Printable)
Grilled chicken with ripe avocado, crisp vegetables, and tangy lime dressing
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
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, ensuring even coating on all sides.
02 - Grill or sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing.
03 - In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro or parsley, diced cucumber, and mixed salad greens.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
05 - Add sliced chicken to the salad bowl. Drizzle dressing over the top and gently toss to combine, taking care to keep avocado pieces intact. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The creamy avocado paired with zesty lime dressing makes every bite feel like a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag
- You can prep everything in advance and assemble it in under five minutes for those busy weeknight dinners
02 -
- The avocado will brown if dressed too far in advance, so always add it right before serving
- Room temperature chicken slices more cleanly and absorbs the dressing better than cold chicken
03 -
- Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking for the most tender results
- Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing if your limes are particularly tart