Zesty Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe

Summers sizzle with vibrant, fresh flavors when you whip up this zesty chicken & avocado salad bowl that bursts with color and nutrition.

Tender grilled chicken mingles with creamy avocado chunks, creating a delightful dance of textures and tastes.

Crisp greens provide a refreshing base for this protein-packed meal that comes together in minutes.

Bright citrus notes and a tangy dressing elevate every forkful with excitement.

The combination of wholesome ingredients makes this salad both satisfying and light, perfect for warm days.

Hearty yet refreshing, this bowl offers a delicious solution for anyone seeking a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Prepare to fall in love with a salad that turns weekday eating into a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and adds moisture to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers intense, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly sweet color and depth to the meat.
• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes chicken and brings bright, zesty undertones.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season chicken thoroughly.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements other spices.

• Mixed Greens: Provides crisp base with varied nutritional benefits.
• Avocado: Creamy texture with heart-healthy fats and rich flavor.
• Tomatoes: Adds juicy freshness and vibrant color to the bowl.
• Cucumber: Introduces cool, crisp crunch and hydrating element.
• Red Onion: Delivers sharp, tangy bite and beautiful purple accent.
• Feta Cheese: Optional creamy, salty component for extra richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Brings bright, aromatic finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth, silky dressing base.
• Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and balances other flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Provides zesty, citrusy alternative to vinegar.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds complex, slightly spicy undertone.
• Honey: Introduces natural sweetness and helps emulsify dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Harmonizes and enhances overall dressing flavor.

Tools for Salad Bowl Prep

• Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for perfectly cooking chicken with nice char marks.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise cutting of chicken and salad ingredients.
• Medium Bowl: Used for marinating chicken with seasonings.
• Whisk or Jar: Perfect for mixing dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and dressing components.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken on the grill safely.

Steps to Make Chicken Avocado Salad

• Marinate the Chicken

Massage chicken with a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, mouthwatering flavors.

• Fire Up the Grill

Sear chicken on a hot grill or grill pan, cooking each side until perfectly golden and cooked through. Let the meat rest and then slice into tempting strips.

• Whip Up the Dressing

Create a tangy vinaigrette by combining olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until smoothly blended.

• Build Your Bowl

Layer fresh greens as your base, then artfully arrange sliced grilled chicken, creamy avocado chunks, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sharp red onion, and optional feta cheese.

• Finish and Feast

Drizzle your vibrant dressing over the bowl just before diving in. Sprinkle fresh herbs for an extra burst of brightness and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips for Grilled Salad Bowls

• Grilling Mastery: Ensure chicken is at room temperature before grilling for even cooking and juicier results.
• Quick Marinade Trick: Let chicken sit in the seasoning mix for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace greens with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Protein Power Boost: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, salmon, or shrimp for different protein variations.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Skip feta cheese or replace with dairy-free nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese crumbles for lactose-intolerant diners.

Serving Chicken Avocado Bowls

• Fresh Flavor Pairing: Combine the grilled chicken salad bowl with crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal experience that elevates the dish's light and zesty profile.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for easy assembly during busy weekdays, keeping ingredients fresh and saving significant cooking time.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add roasted chickpeas, quinoa, or additional grilled shrimp to boost protein content, making the salad more filling and nutritionally balanced for active individuals or fitness enthusiasts.
• Side Dish Companion: Serve alongside warm whole grain bread, garlic pita chips, or Mediterranean-style couscous to complement the salad's fresh ingredients and provide a satisfying texture contrast.

Store & Plan Salad Bowls Smart

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 34 days. Separate the sliced chicken from other ingredients to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Dressing Separation Strategy: Store homemade dressing in a sealed glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always shake or stir before using to recombine ingredients.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken, chop vegetables, and mix dressing separately during weekend cooking sessions. Store components in individual containers to assemble quick lunches throughout the week.
• Freezing Friendly Tips: Grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain moisture.

Zesty Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired grilled chicken & avocado salad bowl delivers fresh flavors and nutritious ingredients. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and creamy avocado create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, or spring mix)
• 3 tbsps olive oil (for dressing)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp honey
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: toasted nuts or seeds for crunch

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, and seasonings to create a robust flavor infusion, thoroughly coating chicken pieces and allowing to marinate for enhanced taste profile.
2. Grilling Process: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat, carefully position marinated chicken to achieve golden char marks, rotating once to ensure even cooking and maintaining juicy interior.
3. Salad Foundation: Construct a vibrant base of mixed greens in serving bowls, creating a fresh canvas for remaining ingredients.
4. Protein and Vegetable Assembly: Slice rested grilled chicken into uniform strips, then strategically layer atop greens. Incorporate avocado wedges, cherry tomatoes, cucumber rounds, red onion slivers, and optional feta cheese for textural complexity.
5. Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and seasonings until achieving a silky, emulsified consistency that will complement the salad’s ingredients.
6. Final Touches: Sprinkle fresh herbs for aromatic depth, drizzle prepared dressing moments before serving to preserve ingredient integrity, and present a chilled, nutrient-dense culinary composition.

Notes

• Marinate Methodically: Allow chicken to absorb marinade for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize meat effectively.
• Grill with Precision: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning; use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Balance Dressing Delicately: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create smooth emulsion, adjusting seasoning to personal taste and preventing oil separation.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap feta with plant-based cheese for vegan option, use gluten-free mustard, and replace honey with maple syrup for diverse dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg