Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a vibrant, wholesome dish that brings together smoky grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp fresh vegetables in one satisfying bowl. It is the kind of recipe that feels nourishing without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for warm-weather meals, light dinners, or healthy lunches. I first made this salad when I wanted something filling yet refreshing, and the contrast between the warm grilled chicken and cool avocado was exactly what I was craving. The natural richness of the avocado replaces heavy dressings, while grilling the chicken adds depth and char that elevates the entire dish. This salad is versatile, easy to prepare, and suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether you serve it as a main course or a hearty side, it delivers freshness, texture, and balance in every bite.
Print
Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad That’s Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfectly Balanced
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A fresh and healthy salad made with juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a light lemon dressing—perfect for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and grill marks appear.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
- Top the salad with sliced grilled chicken.
- Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add feta cheese or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately to keep the avocado fresh.
- Great as a standalone meal or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for grilling. It is lean, cooks quickly, and absorbs marinades and seasonings beautifully.
Ripe avocados
Avocados add creamy texture and healthy fats, balancing the smoky grilled chicken and crisp vegetables.
Mixed salad greens
A blend of romaine, arugula, or spring greens provides freshness and a sturdy base for the salad.
Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes add juiciness and a touch of natural sweetness that brightens the dish.
Cucumber
Cucumber contributes crunch and a cooling element that complements the grilled chicken.
Red onion
Red onion adds mild sharpness and depth without overpowering the salad.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for marinating the chicken and forming the base of the dressing.
Fresh lemon juice
Lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the flavors while preventing the avocado from browning.
Garlic
Garlic adds savory depth to the grilled chicken and ties the flavors together.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of both the chicken and vegetables.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Optional fresh herbs
Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley add aroma, color, and a clean finish.
Directions
Begin by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice. Coat the chicken evenly and allow it to marinate briefly while the grill heats.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until cooked through and nicely charred on both sides. Remove from the grill and let it rest for several minutes before slicing.
While the chicken rests, prepare the salad base. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
Slice the avocados just before assembling the salad. Add them to the bowl along with the sliced grilled chicken.
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble the salad just before serving for best texture. The salad is intended to be served cold and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is highly adaptable and easy to customize. For added sweetness, include grilled corn or mango slices. If you prefer extra crunch, toasted nuts or seeds such as almonds or pumpkin seeds work well.
For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or brown rice. I tested this version with quinoa, and it turned the salad into a complete, satisfying meal without feeling heavy.
You can also experiment with different dressings. A light yogurt-based dressing or a simple balsamic vinaigrette pairs well with the grilled chicken. For spice lovers, a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of spicy sauce adds welcome heat.
This salad fits well into low-carb, gluten-free, and high-protein eating plans, and can easily be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 14 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Rest the chicken
Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.
Slice avocado last
Cut the avocado just before serving to maintain color and freshness.
Season in layers
Light seasoning at each step creates a more balanced final flavor.
Use high heat for grilling
A hot grill ensures good char without overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
Yes, leftover grilled or roasted chicken works very well in this salad.
What dressing pairs best with this salad?
A simple lemon and olive oil dressing is ideal, but yogurt-based or vinaigrette dressings also work.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, prepare the components ahead and assemble just before eating.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
What greens work best?
Romaine, arugula, and mixed greens all hold up well with grilled chicken.
Can I cook the chicken indoors?
Yes, a grill pan or standard skillet can be used if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a fresh, nourishing recipe that combines bold grilled flavor with creamy, crisp ingredients. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is a reliable choice for healthy meals that still feel satisfying and full of flavor.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!