Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

Fresh, filling, and full of flavor—this Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is everything you want in a wholesome meal. Tender slices of grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing come together for a dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s protein-packed, naturally gluten-free, and takes minimal effort to throw together.

Craving more healthy meals made easy? Sign up for our newsletter to get delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein-Packed & Satisfying – Grilled chicken and avocado keep you full for hours.
Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is fresh and easy to find.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
Versatile – Great as a main dish, side salad, or in wraps.
Naturally Gluten-Free – No grains or fillers, just pure goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp lemon juice

For the Salad:

• 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional)
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 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
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Salad bowl
• Small jar or bowl for dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Rub the marinade all over the chicken breasts. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
Transfer to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrots (if using), and avocado.
Top with the sliced grilled chicken.
Sprinkle with seeds if using.

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

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
Let Chicken Rest – This keeps it juicy and easy to slice.
Use Ripe Avocados – They should be slightly soft when squeezed gently.
Add Crunch – Seeds, nuts, or even tortilla strips add texture.
Mix Up the Greens – A blend of tender and crisp greens makes every bite interesting.
Make Ahead – Store components separately for easy weekday assembly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a slice of crusty whole grain bread.
• Add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness.
• Make it a wrap using whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.
• Pair with soup or fruit for a complete meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store components separately for best results, up to 3 days.
Dressing: Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Avocado: Slice fresh before serving to prevent browning.

Reheating Chicken:
Microwave: Heat gently for 30–60 seconds.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover chicken?
   Yes! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly.
2. How do I keep avocado from browning?
   Add avocado just before serving or toss in a bit of lemon juice.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
   Definitely. Try adding bell peppers, corn, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
4. Is this salad low-carb?
   Yes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely—swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland. It’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for just about any time of day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this salad is a winner.

Give it a try and don’t forget to share your photos online! We’d love to see your take on this fresh and colorful meal.

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 300mg

Print