Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare? This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad is the perfect combination of high-protein chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp greens, making it a go-to dish for a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or high-protein diet, this salad delivers the perfect balance of nutrients to keep you feeling full and energized.
Not only is this salad light and refreshing, but it’s also packed with bold flavors from juicy grilled chicken, ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ready to enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad
This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad isn’t just another salad—it’s a nutrient-packed, flavor-loaded meal that’s satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:
A High-Protein, Low-Carb Meal for Weight Loss & Muscle Building
Grilled chicken provides a lean source of protein, helping with muscle recovery and satiety, while avocado adds healthy fats to keep you full longer—making this salad a perfect choice for those on a weight loss or fitness journey.
Packed with Healthy Fats from Avocado for Heart Health
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which help reduce bad cholesterol levels and support heart health. They also provide fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making this salad both delicious and nourishing.
Quick & Easy Meal Prep Option for Busy Days
Whether you’re prepping for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad comes together in minutes! Simply grill the chicken ahead of time, and you’ll have a healthy, ready-to-go meal whenever you need it.
Perfect for Summer or Light Dinners
Fresh, vibrant, and refreshingly light, this salad is a go-to choice for warm-weather meals. Whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch on the patio or serving it as a side at a summer BBQ, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
With bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and effortless prep, this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad is a must-try! Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad, you’ll need a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together for a perfectly balanced meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Grilled Chicken – Juicy, seasoned chicken breast adds a high-protein base.
- Avocado – Creamy and packed with heart-healthy fats.
- Mixed Greens – A blend of spinach, arugula, or romaine for a fresh, crisp texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, adding a burst of flavor.
Dressing:
- Olive Oil – Provides richness and healthy fats.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the salad and keeps the avocado fresh.
- Honey (Optional) – A touch of sweetness to balance acidity.
Optional Toppings:
- Feta Cheese – Adds a salty, creamy contrast.
- Red Onions – Provides a mild crunch and slight sharpness.
- Sunflower Seeds – For extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Substitutions:
- Swap grilled chicken for shrimp or tofu to make it pescatarian or vegetarian.
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a milder, creamy taste.
- Replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a sharper tang.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad
Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and nutritious Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad in no time!
Step 1: Marinate & Grill the Chicken for a Smoky Flavor
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a simple marinade.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly and let them marinate for at least 15-30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.
🥑 Step 2: Chop Fresh Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, and Greens
- Cut a ripe avocado into cubes or slices.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of flavor.
- Wash and dry your mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine) to ensure freshness.
🥣 Step 3: Whisk Together Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, and Lemon Juice for Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp honey (optional) for a hint of sweetness
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Mix well until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
🥗 Step 4: Assemble the Salad & Toss Everything Together
- Combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado in a large bowl.
- Add the grilled chicken slices on top.
- Drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Tips & Variations for the Best Salad
Want to make this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad even more versatile and tailored to your preferences? Here are some helpful tips and variations to elevate your salad game:
Make It Keto-Friendly
- To keep the salad low-carb and keto-friendly, skip the honey and focus on healthy fats like extra avocado and olive oil.
- You can also add cheese like parmesan or mozzarella to boost the fat content without adding carbs.
Boost Protein
- For a protein-packed salad, add hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas for extra nourishment.
- Grilled shrimp is another great option if you want to switch things up and enjoy a pescatarian version of the salad.
- Consider adding tofu for a vegetarian protein boost.
Make It a Meal Prep Salad
- Want to prep this salad for the week? To keep the ingredients fresh, store the dressing separately and the avocado in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Keep grilled chicken, veggies, and greens in separate containers for easy assembly throughout the week.
Add a Crunch
- Add extra texture by topping the salad with nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans), seeds (sunflower, chia, or pumpkin), or homemade croutons.
- For a gluten-free option, use crunchy roasted chickpeas as a replacement for croutons.
FAQs About Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad
Here are answers to some of the most common questions you might have when making this delicious Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad:
How Do I Keep Avocados from Browning?
- Lemon juice is your best friend when it comes to keeping avocado fresh! The citric acid in lemon juice helps prevent browning.
- Simply drizzle a little lemon juice on your cut avocado, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its color and freshness for a longer time.
Can I Use Store-Bought Dressing?
- While homemade dressing is always the healthiest option (free from added sugars and preservatives), you can absolutely use store-bought dressings if you’re short on time.
- Look for olive oil-based dressings with minimal ingredients, or try balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy twist. Greek yogurt-based dressings are another healthy alternative that adds a creamy texture with fewer calories.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken?
- To achieve juicy, tender grilled chicken, follow these tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat to avoid burning the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling so the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
How Long Does This Salad Stay Fresh?
- If you’re prepping this salad for the week, meal prep is key to keeping it fresh!
- Store ingredients separately—keep the dressing in a small jar, and store avocados and chicken in separate containers.
- In the fridge, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you’ve already assembled the salad, eat it within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture. The avocado may start to brown over time, but the dressing helps to keep it fresh longer.