Avocado Chicken Salad (Printable)
Tender chicken meets creamy avocado and crisp vegetables in a zesty lime dressing for a satisfying healthy meal ready in 30 minutes.
# What You’ll Need:
→ 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 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating on all sides.
02 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing.
03 - In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped cilantro or parsley, diced cucumber, and mixed salad greens.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, 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 mostly intact. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes flat
- The combination of warm chicken and cool vegetables feels restaurant special but is completely weeknight practical
02 -
- Letting chicken rest before cutting is the difference between juicy meat and dry disappointment
- The dressing tastes best if made just before serving but can sit for an hour without separating
03 -
- Choose avocados that give slightly to gentle pressure but still feel firm
- Room temperature ingredients help the dressing cling better to everything