Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe

Zesty Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe for Summer

Crafting a delectable grilled chicken & avocado salad bowl promises a nutritious lunch adventure that breaks away from mundane meal routines.

Crisp vegetables and tender meat create a symphony of flavors dancing across your plate.

Zesty seasonings awaken each bite with unexpected excitement.

Protein-packed ingredients fuel your midday energy while keeping things light and satisfying.

Fresh avocado adds creamy richness that melts into every forkful.

Colorful ingredients make this bowl more than just a meal – it’s a vibrant culinary experience.

Ingredients Needed for Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that adds substantial nutrition and flavor to the salad.
  • Chili Flakes: Provides an optional spicy kick to enhance the overall taste profile.
For the Base Greens:
  • Romaine Lettuce, Mixed Greens: Crisp and fresh foundation that creates a nutritious salad base.
For the Dressing and Creamy Elements:
  • Avocado: Offers a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats for the dressing and salad topping.
  • Greek Yogurt: Provides a tangy and smooth base for the creamy dressing.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the dressing's flavors.
For the Vegetables and Garnish:
  • Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy component that adds color and natural sweetness.
  • Cucumber: Provides a cool and crisp element to the salad.
  • Grilled Corn: Adds a sweet and charred flavor to complement the chicken.
  • Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile of both chicken and dressing.
For the Seasoning and Oil:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: Contributes a smooth texture and rich flavor to the dressing.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides an additional layer of savory seasoning for the chicken.

How to Prepare Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

How to Prepare Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

Step 1: Fire Up the Chicken

Coat the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Place it on a hot grill, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side until it reaches perfect doneness.

After grilling, let the chicken rest briefly, then slice it into delectable strips.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

Grab your blender and toss in these ingredients:
  • Ripe avocado
  • Tangy Greek yogurt
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Blend everything until you achieve a silky smooth consistency.

Step 3: Build Your Colorful Base

Create a lush foundation in your bowl with fresh greens. Scatter these vibrant ingredients across the salad:
  • Crisp romaine lettuce
  • Creamy diced avocado
  • Juicy chopped tomatoes
  • Crunchy cucumber slices
  • Grilled sweet corn kernels

Step 4: Crown Your Masterpiece

Artfully arrange the sliced grilled chicken atop the veggie landscape.

Generously drizzle the luxurious avocado dressing over everything. For adventure seekers, sprinkle chili flakes to add a zesty kick.

Step 5: Mix and Devour

Give everything a gentle toss, blending all the flavors. Your spectacular, nutrition-packed salad bowl is ready to be savored!

Tips to Perfect Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

  • Soak chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance tenderness and taste.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and clean grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char lines.
  • Chill avocado dressing for 15 minutes before serving to help it thicken and develop richer flavors.
  • Wash and thoroughly dry salad greens before assembling to prevent wilting and maintain a fresh, crunchy texture.
  • Replace chicken with grilled tofu, shrimp, or salmon for a delicious alternative that suits different dietary preferences.

Variations for Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad Bowl

  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace regular seasoning with chipotle powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a bold Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Greek Style: Swap out dressing ingredients with tzatziki sauce, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley.
  • Asian Sesame Sensation: Modify dressing with sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and soy sauce, then top with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
  • Tropical Caribbean Remix: Incorporate mango chunks, coconut flakes, and replace dressing with a pineapple-cilantro vinaigrette for a vibrant Caribbean feel.

What Goes Well With Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc that complements the grilled chicken's smoky flavor and cuts through the creamy avocado dressing with its bright, zesty notes.
  • Refresh with Citrus Mocktail: Craft a homemade lemonade with muddled mint and a splash of sparkling water, mirroring the salad's fresh ingredients and providing a cool, tangy counterpoint to the grilled protein.
  • Enhance with Crunchy Side: Add toasted quinoa or crispy tortilla strips to introduce a delightful textural contrast, bringing extra crunch and nutty undertones that balance the salad's smooth dressing and soft avocado.

How to Store Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad Bowl

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken, dressing, and salad greens apart to prevent sogginess for up to 3 days.

Pour extra avocado dressing into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw individual portions when needed.

Warm sliced chicken gently in microwave using 30-second intervals or in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

When ready to eat, quickly reassemble the salad by combining chilled ingredients and adding fresh greens. Drizzle with thawed dressing for a quick, delicious meal.

FAQs

  • Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from grilled chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious and balanced meal.

  • Can I use a different type of protein?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or salmon to suit your dietary preferences.

  • How can I make the dressing more creamy?

Add a bit more Greek yogurt or olive oil to achieve your desired consistency, and blend until smooth.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm.

What Makes Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad Bowl Great

  • Boost Nutrition Fast: Pack this salad with lean protein from grilled chicken and healthy fats from avocado, making it a powerhouse meal that nourishes your body in one delicious serving.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your fridge, allowing you to create a personalized meal that suits your taste and dietary preferences without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Zero-Mess Meal Solution: Combines protein, vegetables, and dressing in a single bowl, reducing kitchen cleanup and providing a complete balanced meal that's perfect for busy individuals seeking quick, nutritious dining.
  • Summer Gathering Star: Ideal for outdoor parties, potlucks, and casual get-togethers where guests can appreciate fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that look as amazing as they taste.
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Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe

Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Summer’s perfect Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors in one refreshing dish. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and creamy avocado combine with zesty lime dressing, offering a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 chicken breast, grilled and sliced

Vegetables and Greens:

  • 2 cups romaine or mixed greens
  • 0.5 avocado, diced
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 0.5 cup cucumber, sliced
  • 0.5 cup grilled corn

Dressing and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 0.5 avocado
  • 0.25 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor absorption.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat around 400°F and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to retain moisture, then slice into thin, even strips.
  4. Create creamy dressing by blending ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until silky smooth.
  5. Layer crisp romaine or mixed greens as the salad base, creating a vibrant foundation for the remaining ingredients.
  6. Distribute fresh diced avocado, juicy chopped tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and grilled corn kernels across the greens.
  7. Strategically arrange sliced grilled chicken on top of the vegetable medley for an appealing presentation.
  8. Generously drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the entire salad, ensuring balanced coverage.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle chili flakes for an extra kick of heat and complexity.
  10. Gently toss all components together, allowing flavors to meld and dressing to coat evenly before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken beforehand in citrus or herb-infused olive oil to enhance tenderness and flavor depth.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
  • Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for vegan or lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
  • Customize salad with additional protein sources such as quinoa, tofu, or beans for more substantial meal options.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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