There is a special kind of meal that manages to be both incredibly delicious and wonderfully healthy. This recipe for Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is the epitome of that feeling. It’s a beautifully balanced plate, bringing together a juicy, seasoned grilled chicken, a fresh and vibrant salad with creamy avocado and sweet cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing that ties it all together. This is a complete meal that feels light and fresh, yet is hearty and satisfying enough for a perfect lunch or dinner.

Why I love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of recipes that feel like a culinary victory, and this one has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen. What I love most is that it’s a complete meal all on one plate, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, charred chicken from the grill is a fantastic contrast to the cool, creamy avocado and the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes. The homemade dressing is a game-changer, adding a zesty and cool element that elevates the entire dish. The best part? Each component is incredibly simple to prepare, yet the final result is a beautiful and impressive meal that you can feel great about eating.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Salad:

• 1 large avocado (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe as they are lean and cook quickly. You can also use chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The garlic powder and paprika give the chicken a savory, smoky flavor.
• Avocado: The key to a great salad is using a perfectly ripe avocado. It should be firm but yield slightly when you press it.
• Veggies: This recipe is very flexible. You can add other vegetables to the salad, such as corn, black beans, or sliced bell peppers. You can also use different herbs, such as fresh basil or parsley.
• Dressing: The lime juice and Dijon mustard are key for a zesty, tangy dressing. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the flavors. You can adjust the amount of honey to your personal taste.
• Lettuce: While the salad is delicious on its own, a bed of lettuce or mixed greens makes it a more substantial meal.

Instructions

1. Marinate & Grill the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-cook the chicken for 6−7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Prepare the Salad: In a bowl, mix the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. If you are using lettuce, add it to the bowl as well.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble & Serve: Add the sliced chicken to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Serve the salad immediately.

Tips for Success

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning is a key step. It helps the seasoning stick and allows the chicken to get a better sear on the grill.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Don’t skip the resting step! Resting the chicken is essential for a juicy, tender result. The hot juices are forced to the center of the chicken while cooking, and resting allows them to flow back into the meat.
• Use Ripe Avocado: The key to a great salad is using a perfectly ripe avocado. It should be firm but yield slightly when you press it.
• Don’t Over-Dress: Start with half of the dressing and add more as needed. You want the salad to be coated, but not swimming in dressing.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This meal is a complete, balanced plate on its own. For a drink pairing, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Rosé would be a perfect complement to the fresh and savory flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime would be very refreshing.

Nutritional Information

(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)

This is a healthy and well-rounded meal. The chicken provides lean protein, the avocado and olive oil provide healthy fats, and the vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and fiber. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that is rich in nutrients and flavor.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of this salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. It is best to store the chicken and the dressing separately from the salad to maintain freshness and texture. The avocado will brown if it is left in the salad for too long.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. It’s a delicious, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy the incredible combination of flavors and textures as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you gave this recipe a try!

Healthy Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad with a Zesty Lime Dressing

There is a special kind of meal that manages to be both incredibly delicious and wonderfully healthy. This recipe for Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is the epitome of that feeling. It’s a beautifully balanced plate, bringing together a juicy, seasoned grilled chicken, a fresh and vibrant salad with creamy avocado and sweet cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing that ties it all together. This is a complete meal that feels light and fresh, yet is hearty and satisfying enough for a perfect lunch or dinner.

By Jason GriffithPublished on August 4, 2025

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

Servings4 servings

Category: Salad

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the chicken breasts with the lime dressing mixture.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
7. Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken and drizzle with remaining lime dressing.
8. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 350 calories

Protein Content: 30g

Carbohydrate Content: 20g

Fat Content: 20g

Tags: grilled chicken salad, healthy salad, avocado salad, lime dressing, chicken recipes

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