Healthy & Easy Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe – High Protein

Are you looking for a refreshing, nutrient-packed, and easy-to-make salad that doubles as a complete meal? This Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe is just what your taste buds and body need. Combining tender grilled chicken with creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. Whether you need a quick lunch, post-workout meal, or light dinner, this salad fits the bill.

With the rise in low-carb and high-protein diets, avocado chicken salad has become a go-to for health-conscious food lovers. It’s not only filling but also rich in good fats, protein, and essential vitamins. Let’s dive into the full breakdown of this hearty and vibrant dish.

🔪 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Active Time (Cooking): 10 minutes
🕒 Resting Time: 5 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 30 minutes
🥗 Course: Salad / Main Course
🌍 Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
🍳 Equipment Needed: Skillet or grill pan, mixing bowls, cutting board, knife, tongs

🥣 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 ripe avocados, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Olive oil for grilling

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

🍗 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

• Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.

• Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• Let them rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.

• Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

• Dice the avocados just before assembling to avoid browning.

• Slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and roughly chop the greens and herbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl or platter, layer the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.

• Top with the sliced chicken.

• Drizzle with the homemade dressing.

• Toss gently to combine or serve with dressing on the side.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped herbs on top and serve immediately.

• Optional: Add crumbled feta cheese, roasted sunflower seeds, or boiled egg for added texture and flavor.

🥑 Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Fat: 28g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 3g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 360mg

This nutrition estimate may vary depending on the exact size of the chicken breasts and amount of dressing used.

🧊 Storage Tips

• Store undressed salad and sliced chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Keep avocado whole or dice it fresh right before serving to prevent oxidation.

• Store the dressing separately in a sealed jar or container for up to 1 week.

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips & Variations

• Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

• Substitute the greens with kale, spinach, or arugula based on preference.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices.

• Want a creamy dressing? Add Greek yogurt or mashed avocado into the dressing mix.

• Make it dairy-free by omitting any cheese toppings.

🎯 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein and healthy fats

• Low in carbs and gluten-free

• Perfect for meal prep and lunch boxes

• Quick, fresh, and customizable

• Packed with vibrant flavors and textures

🌿 Ideal For:

• Keto and paleo diets

• Post-gym meals

• Summer lunch

• Healthy office lunch ideas

• Family weeknight dinners

📌 Final Thoughts

This Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings together freshness and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a weekend lunch or preparing a weekly meal prep, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your healthy eating repertoire.