Pin it This vibrant bowl brings together tender grilled chicken, creamy ripe avocado, and crisp vegetables including cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and mixed greens. A zesty lime and Dijon dressing ties everything together with bright, fresh flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple preparation—perfect for a wholesome lunch or satisfying light dinner that keeps you feeling nourished and energized.
The best versions of this recipe always seem to happen when I am too tired to cook anything complicated but still want something that feels special. I started throwing chicken and avocados together on busy weeknights, and somehow it became the one dish my friends actually request when they come over.
Last summer my neighbor came over while I was making this and stood in my kitchen eating it straight from the bowl. That is when I knew this was not just salad material.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless cook evenly and stay juicy
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the dressing and regular for cooking
- Avocados: They should yield slightly to pressure but not feel mushy
- Lime juice: Fresh squeezed makes a difference you can taste
- Dijon mustard: This helps the dressing stay emulsified
Instructions
- Cook the chicken:
- Season the breasts generously and sear them in a hot pan until golden, about 6 to 7 minutes each side. Let them rest so the juices redistribute.
- Prep the vegetables:
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the red onion thinly so every bite gets a little crunch. Dice the cucumber and avocado into pieces that are easy to scoop up.
- Make the dressing:
- Whisk the lime juice, mustard, and garlic together, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking. Season with salt and pepper until it tastes perfect.
- Assemble and serve:
- Toss the greens and vegetables in a large bowl, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with dressing right before eating.
Pin it This salad has saved more last minute dinners than I care to admit, and somehow it still feels elegant every single time.
Making It Your Own
Bacon adds a smoky crunch that takes this to another level, and crumbled feta brings a salty tang that cuts through the creamy avocado. Roasted corn kernels add sweetness that makes the whole bowl feel more substantial.
Perfect Pairings
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the avocado and complements the lime perfectly. If you want something non alcoholic, sparkling water with a lime wedge works just as well.
Serving Ideas
Scoop this into butter lettuce cups for a low carb option that feels fancy without the fuss. It also works beautifully stuffed into a whole wheat pita or served over warm quinoa for extra staying power.
- Keep the dressing separate if you are packing this for lunch
- Leftover chicken works great here so cook extra the night before
- Add toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch
Pin it Hope this becomes your go to for nights when you want something fresh but still satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does this stay fresh?
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Best enjoyed immediately while avocados remain vibrant. If meal prepping, store dressing separately and toss just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
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Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled breasts work beautifully. Simply dice or shred and add during the final tossing step.
- → What other proteins work well?
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Grilled shrimp, pan-seared salmon, or even hard-boiled eggs make excellent alternatives while keeping the dish light and protein-rich.
- → How can I add more crunch?
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Try adding toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, or even crispy chickpeas for extra texture that complements the creamy avocado elements.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
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Yes. Store components separately in airtight containers—greens and chopped vegetables in one, chicken in another, dressing in a small jar. Assemble when ready to enjoy.
