This Chicken Avocado Salad is a light, fresh, and protein-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch or a healthy dinner! Made with tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or clean-eating diet, this salad is a must-try for a quick and easy meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 cooked chicken breasts (grilled or shredded)
1 large avocado, diced
2 cups mixed greens (or romaine, spinach, or arugula)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
¼ cup toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp honey (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: If using grilled chicken, slice it into strips. If using shredded chicken, set it aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss & Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add feta cheese and toasted nuts if using.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Total Fat: ~20g
Fiber: ~6g
Sodium: ~220mg

This Chicken Avocado Salad is the perfect healthy meal prep option and is great for any time of the year!

A Balanced Meal with Protein and Healthy Fats

One of the key benefits of this Chicken Avocado Salad is its balance of macronutrients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. The chicken breast provides a high-quality source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. Protein also helps you feel fuller for longer, making this salad a great option for those looking to manage their weight or simply enjoy a filling meal without overindulging.

Avocados, known for their creamy texture and mild flavor, are another standout ingredient in this salad. They are packed with monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that help reduce inflammation and support overall cardiovascular health. These healthy fats also help to keep you feeling satisfied, making this salad not only filling but also incredibly nutritious. In addition, avocados are rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining steady blood sugar levels.

Fresh Vegetables for a Nutrient Boost

In addition to the chicken and avocado, this salad includes a variety of fresh vegetables, each offering its own unique set of health benefits. Mixed greens, whether you opt for spinach, arugula, or romaine, are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. These greens provide a base that is not only low in calories but also high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor to the salad, as well as an additional dose of vitamins C and A. These tiny tomatoes are also a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of certain types of cancer. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, along with a healthy dose of hydration, as cucumbers are made up of about 95% water.

Red onions, while often overlooked, add a sharp, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad. Onions are also rich in compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to better gut health and immune function. The addition of toasted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, not only adds a satisfying crunch but also provides healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

The Perfect Dressing to Bring It All Together

No salad is complete without a great dressing, and this Chicken Avocado Salad has a zesty, homemade dressing that ties all the ingredients together beautifully. The combination of olive oil, lemon or lime juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey creates a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that enhances the fresh flavors of the salad without overwhelming them. Olive oil is a great source of healthy fats, and the addition of Dijon mustard adds a hint of spice, balancing out the creamy avocado and savory chicken.

Lemon or lime juice adds a bright citrus flavor that elevates the dish, while garlic provides a subtle savory undertone. A drizzle of honey (optional) adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the acidity from the lemon or lime juice, making the dressing both flavorful and well-rounded. This dressing is not only easy to make but also versatile, working well with a variety of other salads or as a marinade for grilled chicken or vegetables.

Great for Meal Prep and Versatile for Any Season

One of the standout features of this Chicken Avocado Salad is its versatility. It’s a great option for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. The ingredients are all sturdy enough to hold up well when stored, especially if you keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals who want a healthy, grab-and-go option that doesn’t require much preparation.

The salad is also perfect for any time of the year. In the warmer months, the refreshing ingredients, like avocado, cucumber, and mixed greens, make it a great light lunch or dinner option. In the cooler months, the protein-packed chicken and the satisfying crunch of the toasted nuts make it a comforting yet healthy meal. The versatility of this salad allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste, whether you prefer to add more vegetables, switch up the protein source, or experiment with different dressings.

Customizing Your Chicken Avocado Salad

One of the great things about this salad is how easy it is to customize. While the recipe calls for grilled chicken, you can easily swap this out for other protein sources, such as roasted turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. If you’re looking for extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in your favorite seasonings before grilling, or add spices such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder for a bit of heat.

The choice of vegetables is also highly customizable. If you’re not a fan of cucumber or cherry tomatoes, you can replace them with other vegetables, like bell peppers, radishes, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier salad. If you want to add some extra greens, consider adding kale, baby spinach, or mixed herbs like basil or cilantro.

For the dressing, you can experiment with different acids like balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon or lime juice for a different flavor profile. You can also adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey, depending on your preference.

A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

This Chicken Avocado Salad is not only a great meal for everyday eating, but it can also be served as part of a larger spread for family gatherings, barbecues, or even as a side dish for a holiday meal. Its refreshing and vibrant ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser, while its protein-packed content ensures that everyone feels satisfied. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a solo meal, this salad is sure to impress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chicken Avocado Salad is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, it’s a nutrient-dense dish that can fit into a variety of diet plans, including low-carb, keto, and clean-eating diets. The homemade dressing adds the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the fresh ingredients without overwhelming them. Whether you’re preparing it for meal prep, serving it at a gathering, or enjoying it as a solo meal, this salad is a versatile and delicious choice that’s sure to leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

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