Description
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad combines lean protein from chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a quick, light, and customizable dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (grilled or baked)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion (optional)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime or lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- If you don’t have cooked chicken, grill or bake the chicken breasts. For grilling, season with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). For baking, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Let rest and chop into bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken cools, slice avocados, remove pits, and cube the flesh. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the red onion (if using). Chop cilantro or parsley finely.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime/lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado. Add chopped chicken and gently toss.
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Serve:
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss again until coated. Serve immediately with a garnish of cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- Storage: Store salad components separately, especially the dressing, to maintain freshness. Avocados should be stored separately to prevent browning.
- Reheating: Serve the salad cold, but you can reheat chicken in the microwave or stovetop if desired, avoiding the greens to prevent wilting.
- Meal Prep Tip: Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, assembling the salad just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling , Baking
- Cuisine: American