Description
A vibrant and healthy Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl featuring perfectly seasoned and juicy grilled chicken breasts served atop a bed of mixed greens, fresh avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Finished with a zesty lime-honey dressing and optional feta cheese and cilantro, this salad is a delicious and satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to coat them thoroughly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before slicing into thin strips.
- Prepare the Salad Base: While the chicken rests, divide the mixed salad greens evenly into two bowls. Top each bowl with sliced avocado, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and feta cheese if desired.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified, creating a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
- Assemble the Bowl: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad in each bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if using.
- Serve: Gently toss the salad ingredients together to combine the flavors and serve immediately for a fresh, healthy meal experience.
Notes
- You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
- Feta cheese and cilantro are optional but add extra flavor and texture.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer for safety.
- This salad is best served fresh and should be consumed shortly after assembly to avoid sogginess.
- For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American