Healthy Chicken And Avocado Salad Bowl

Name: Healthy Chicken And Avocado Salad Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 2 cups mixed salad greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Freshly Wholesome

I love whipping up this Healthy Chicken and Avocado Salad Bowl for a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. The combination of tender grilled chicken and creamy avocado creates a delightful balance that I crave. With fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, this salad bowl not only keeps things light but also packs a flavor punch. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when I want to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it's easy to customize based on what I have on hand!

Created by

Lacey Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-02-27T17:41:34.746Z

When developing this Healthy Chicken and Avocado Salad Bowl, I wanted to create a meal that was nourishing but still bursting with flavor. After several tries, I found that grilling the chicken really enhanced its juiciness, which complements the creamy texture of the avocado perfectly. Adding fresh herbs gives it even more vibrancy!

I also discovered that a squeeze of lime juice in the dressing not only lifts the flavors but also keeps the avocado from browning too quickly. Now, this recipe has become a staple in my meal prep rotation!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh ingredients that deliver vibrant flavors
Creamy avocado elevates the texture
Quick to prepare, perfect for any day of the week

      

Choosing the Best Avocado

Selecting the right avocado is crucial for this salad. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. A perfectly ripe avocado will have a creamy texture that complements the grilled chicken without becoming mushy. If you happen to find a hard avocado, you can ripen it at room temperature for a few days. To speed up the process, place it in a paper bag with a banana, which emits ethylene gas, promoting faster ripening.

When preparing the avocado, cut it just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color. If you have leftover avocado, sprinkle the cut surface with lime juice to delay browning. This helps keep the dish looking fresh and appealing, which is especially important if you're meal prepping or serving guests.

The Perfect Grilling Technique

Grilling the chicken breasts correctly ensures they remain juicy and flavorful. Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). To achieve those beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred flavor, avoid moving the chicken too soon; let it sear for about 5-7 minutes per side. Look for the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If the chicken starts to develop a golden hue with grill marks but isn’t quite done, move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without charring.

After grilling, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing is essential. This step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, preventing dryness. If sliced immediately, the juices may run out, leaving you with a lesser-quality bite.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to get started:

For the Salad

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Now that you have the ingredients, let’s put everything together!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your salad bowl to life:

Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is grilling, chop the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Place them in a large salad bowl.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

Add the sliced chicken and diced avocado to the salad bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.

Serve

Divide the salad into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

That’s it! Your Healthy Chicken and Avocado Salad Bowl is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite veggies or add some quinoa for extra protein.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Healthy Chicken and Avocado Salad Bowl is an excellent option for meal prep. You can grill the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad greens should be hydrated and crisp when served, so keep them in the fridge with a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture. Ideally, consume the salad within 3-4 days for the best taste and freshness.

If you want to prepare the dressing in advance, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to shake or whisk it again before serving, as the ingredients may separate during storage. However, since avocado can brown quickly, it's best to add it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Variations to Consider

Feel free to customize your salad bowl with additional ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Adding ingredients like quinoa, black beans, or grilled corn can enhance the dish's heartiness and provide extra nutrients. For a spicy kick, consider tossing in some jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing. You can also substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist.

If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can replace the mixed salad greens with a simple spinach or arugula base, which will provide a peppery flavor. Experimenting with different herbs in the dressing, such as basil or parsley, can also change the character of the salad significantly while keeping the flavor profile fresh and vibrant.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I meal prep this salad?

Yes, you can! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to avoid sogginess.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

→ What can I substitute for avocado?

If you don't have avocado, you can use hummus or a dairy-free creamy dressing for a similar texture.

→ Can I add other proteins to this salad?

Definitely! Feel free to add cooked shrimp, tofu, or even beans for extra protein.