Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

If you’re craving something fresh, light, and packed with flavor, then this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is exactly what you need. Picture juicy grilled chicken paired with creamy avocado, crunchy greens, and a zesty homemade dressing that brings everything together in the most delicious way. It’s like a hug in a bowl—nourishing, satisfying, and oh-so-tasty. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this over and over!

This salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a healthy dinner, or even a refreshing dish to serve at your next gathering. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—it’s all about fresh ingredients that combine perfectly, leaving you with a meal that’s light but filling. Plus, it’s so easy to customize! You can add extra veggies, switch up the proteins, or make it more indulgent with a sprinkle of cheese or nuts. So, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

Packed with Flavor

From the smoky grilled chicken to the creamy avocado, every bite is bursting with flavor. The fresh veggies add a satisfying crunch, while the dressing gives it a tangy kick that brings everything together perfectly.

Quick and Easy

This salad comes together in a snap! With a few simple steps—grill the chicken, toss the veggies, and make a quick dressing—you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal ready in no time.

Healthy and Nourishing

It’s full of lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies. Whether you’re watching your calories, trying to eat cleaner, or just want something light, this salad bowl ticks all the boxes. It’s a feel-good meal you can enjoy without the guilt.

Customizable

The beauty of this salad is that you can easily tailor it to your taste preferences. Add extra toppings like roasted nuts, cherry tomatoes, or even a boiled egg to make it your own!

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

Main Ingredients:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The juicy grilled chicken is the star of this dish! It adds the perfect balance of protein and flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado adds a silky texture and healthy fats.
• Mixed Greens: I love using a mix of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine, but you can choose any salad greens you prefer.
• Cucumber: Fresh, crisp, and cool, cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these pop in your mouth and complement the other ingredients beautifully.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a slight sharpness and color to the salad.
• Olive Oil: For grilling the chicken and adding a touch of richness.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightening up the salad and the dressing.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A smooth base for the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: A burst of citrus for tanginess.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives a little extra kick.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness and richness to the dressing.
• Honey: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning to taste.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
2. Drizzle the chicken breasts with a little olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is nicely charred on the outside.
4. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. While the chicken is grilling, prep your veggies: slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into cubes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a sweeter dressing, add a touch more honey!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Arrange the salad mixture on bowls or plates.
2. Top with the grilled chicken slices, then drizzle the dressing over the salad.
3. Toss gently to combine everything.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, protein-packed meal! You can add some extra toppings like roasted nuts, crumbled feta cheese, or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total Carbohydrate: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 8g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 33g
Vitamin A: 70%
Vitamin C: 45%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 800mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

Crusty Bread

This salad is light, but if you want something extra, serve it with some warm, crusty bread or garlic toast on the side to mop up that delicious dressing!

Quinoa or Rice

For a more filling meal, serve this salad with a side of quinoa or brown rice to bulk it up with more grains and fiber.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or carrots pair perfectly with the fresh ingredients of this salad and add an extra layer of flavor.

Cheese

If you love cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheddar, goat cheese, or feta on top of the salad to add a creamy, tangy bite.

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

If you love a little heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing.

Grill the Veggies

For a smoky twist, grill the cucumber, onions, or even the tomatoes before adding them to the salad. It adds an extra depth of flavor that’s irresistible!

Add Extra Protein

For extra protein, you can add a hard-boiled egg, roasted chickpeas, or some nuts to the salad. You could also use turkey breast or shrimp instead of chicken!

Meal Prep Friendly

This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can store the grilled chicken, salad ingredients, and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just assemble and enjoy!

Dressing Variations

Switch up the dressing by using balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a richer flavor, or add a tablespoon of tahini for a creamy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of protein?

A1: Absolutely! You can swap the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Q2: Can I use store-bought dressing?

A2: Yes! If you’re short on time, feel free to use a store-bought dressing. Look for a light vinaigrette or one with a lemony flavor to complement the fresh ingredients.

Q3: Can I make this salad in advance?

A3: Yes! You can prep the chicken and veggies in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just add the avocado and dressing when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I make this salad gluten-free?

A4: Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to make any changes to the recipe.

Q5: Can I add grains to this salad?

A5: Absolutely! Quinoa, brown rice, or farro are great options to make the salad more filling and add some hearty grains.

Q6: How can I make this salad dairy-free?

A6: This salad is already dairy-free, but if you’re adding cheese, you can simply skip it or try a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q7: Can I freeze this salad?

A7: While the salad ingredients themselves aren’t freezer-friendly, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately and thaw it to use in future salads.

Q8: Can I use a different dressing?

A8: Of course! You can use a balsamic vinaigrette, a creamy ranch dressing, or even a spicy chipotle dressing for a different flavor profile.

Q9: Can I use frozen chicken?

A9: It’s best to use fresh chicken for grilling, but if you use frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked through before adding it to the salad.

Q10: How long will leftovers last?

A10: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate so the salad doesn’t get soggy!

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is an absolute winner when it comes to easy, healthy meals. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with everything you need to feel nourished and satisfied. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a quick lunch, or serving a light dinner, this salad will definitely hit the spot. Enjoy every bite!

Print