The Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is not just a meal; it’s a delicious celebration of flavors and nutrients packed into a bowl! This easy meal prep bowl is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, satisfying dish without the hassle of elaborate cooking. With succulent marinated chicken, vibrant veggies, and a mouth-watering avocado crema, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The best part? It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple lunch on the go.
This recipe is particularly appealing because it caters to various dietary preferences, making it gluten-free and high in protein. Each bite offers a blend of the hearty grilled chicken, the crisp freshness of romaine and cucumber, and the creamy richness of the avocado. Not to mention, the added red pepper flakes elevate the entire experience, giving just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a lighter option that still feels indulgent, this Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad has you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Nutritious: A high-protein, gluten-free meal for a healthy diet.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for preparing ahead of time and using throughout the week.
- Delicious: A harmony of flavors and textures that make each bite a delight.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Getting ready to prepare the Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a breeze! Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a cutting board, knife, mixing bowl, grill or grill pan, and a large salad bowl to assemble your masterpiece.
Before you begin, ensure your chicken breasts are thawed and at room temperature for even cooking. It’s also helpful to have all your vegetables prepped in advance—washing and chopping the romaine lettuce, halving the cherry tomatoes, draining the sweet corn, and dicing the cucumber will make assembly quick and easy. Once your ingredients are at the ready, it’s time to dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup guacamole or homemade avocado crema
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor, so be generous when rubbing it onto each chicken breast. Cover the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every part is coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes on the counter; if you have more time, consider letting it sit for 30 to 60 minutes for even deeper flavor.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once ready, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. As it cooks, resist the urge to constantly flip or move the chicken; this allows for beautiful grill marks and keeps the juices locked in. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips—this will make them juicier!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Grab your large salad bowl now! Start by spreading a base of chopped romaine lettuce—you want it to cover the bottom entirely. Next, artfully arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, drained sweet corn, and diced cucumber in colorful sections around the bowl. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also ensures each bite has a variety of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Finish it Off
Now, add the sliced grilled chicken strips on top of the salad base. For a creamy finish, add a generous scoop of guacamole or your homemade avocado crema right in the center. To add a little heat and extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the entire salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, flavorful chicken, or refrigerate the salad if you want a cooling refreshing dish later.
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add bell pepper, radishes, or avocado slices for extra texture.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like cumin or chili powder for a new flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- For added flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if time permits.
- To maintain freshness, store all ingredients separately when meal prepping and assemble before serving.
- For a low-carb option, consider skipping the corn and adding more leafy greens or sliced radishes instead.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to enhance the flavors.
- Serve it alongside warm bread or tortilla chips for a crunchy side.
Tips
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Try to use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and nutrition.
- Try making a big batch for meal prep and enjoy it throughout the week!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: Varies based on seasoning, typically around 300mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw the chicken completely for even cooking.
What can I substitute for guacamole?
You can use avocado slices, a yogurt-based dressing, or a homemade avocado crema.
How do I make this recipe spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or use a spicy seasoning blend on the chicken before grilling.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just store the salad ingredients separately and assemble before serving for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
Incorporating the Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad into your meal planning will not only keep your dinners exciting but also nourish your body with wholesome ingredients. This recipe is about effortless cooking and vibrant flavors that bring joy to the table. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, the combination of succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado is utterly satisfying. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and variations of this recipe in the comments below; let’s create delicious meals together!
Print
Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A delicious celebration of flavors and nutrients packed into a bowl!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup guacamole or homemade avocado crema
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor, so be generous when rubbing it onto each chicken breast. Cover the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every part is coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes on the counter; if you have more time, consider letting it sit for 30 to 60 minutes for even deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Once ready, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. As it cooks, resist the urge to constantly flip or move the chicken; this allows for beautiful grill marks and keeps the juices locked in. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips—this will make them juicier!
- Grab your large salad bowl now! Start by spreading a base of chopped romaine lettuce—you want it to cover the bottom entirely. Next, artfully arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, drained sweet corn, and diced cucumber in colorful sections around the bowl. This not only makes the dish visually appealing but also ensures each bite has a variety of flavors and textures.
- Now, add the sliced grilled chicken strips on top of the salad base. For a creamy finish, add a generous scoop of guacamole or your homemade avocado crema right in the center. To add a little heat and extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the entire salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, flavorful chicken, or refrigerate the salad if you want a cooling refreshing dish later.
Notes
For added flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if time permits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 30 g