Fresh and Colorful Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad with Herb Dressing
This salad bursts with freshness: tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and crisp greens, all drizzled with a vibrant herb dressing. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s light, colorful, and packed with protein and healthy fats.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook chicken: 12–15 minutes
Total: ~30 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the salad:
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 avocado, sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the herb dressing:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or basil, finely chopped
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and marinate at least 15 minutes.
Grill chicken: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 74°C / 165°F). Let rest, then slice.
Prepare dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, garlic, parsley, dill/basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble salad: In a large bowl or platter, layer greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, avocado, and red onion. Add sliced grilled chicken on top.
Finish: Drizzle with herb dressing, sprinkle feta (if using), and serve immediately.
Notes & Tips
Make it heartier: Add cooked quinoa or couscous.
Meal prep: Keep chicken and dressing separate until ready to serve.
Extra crunch: Add roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dressing creamy?
A: Yes! Blend in 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamier texture.
Q: Can I swap the herbs?
A: Absolutely — mint or cilantro also work beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~440 kcal
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 8g