Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad
Indulge in the fresh flavors of summer with our Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad! This vibrant and nutritious salad combines the tender juiciness of grilled chicken, the creamy richness of avocado, and the tangy crunch of mixed greens, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients:
Salad Base:
- Lettuce or mixed greens
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange, sliced and sautéed)
- Cherry tomatoes (diced)
- Avocado (sliced)
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
Chicken:
- 2 Chicken breasts
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper
- Olive oil (for marinating and grilling)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Dressing:
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Mix the spices with olive oil to form a marinade.
Coat the chicken breasts and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes. - Grill or pan-fry the chicken until golden and cooked through, then slice into strips.
Sauté the Bell Peppers:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan.
- Sauté the sliced bell peppers until tender and slightly charred.
Make the Dressing:
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
- Start with a bed of lettuce or mixed greens.
- Add the sautéed bell peppers, cherry tomatoes,
- avocado slices, and crumbled feta.
- Top with the grilled chicken strips.
Finish & Serve:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips
1. Use ripe avocados: Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overcook the chicken: Grill the chicken until it’s just cooked through and still juicy.
3. Customize with your favorite toppings: Add some diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, or crumbled feta cheese to make the salad your own.
4. Make the lime dressing ahead of time: Prepare the lime dressing up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
5. Use a variety of greens: Mix and match different types of greens, such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce, for a more complex flavor and texture.
Health Benefits
1. Rich in healthy fats: Avocado provides a rich source of healthy fats, supporting heart health and satiety.
2. High-quality protein: Grilled chicken breast provides high-quality protein essential for building and repairing muscles.
3. Good source of fiber: Mixed greens and avocado provide a good amount of dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion and blood sugar levels.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 15g
– Saturated Fat: 3.5g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 10g
– Sugar: 5g
– Sodium: 250mg