Healthy Chicken Avocado Salad (Printer-Friendly)
Chicken, avocado, and fresh veggies come together for a vibrant, wholesome meal – quick, flexible, and nourishing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets (approximately 10–14 oz total)
02 -
1 ripe avocado, diced
03 -
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 -
1 bell pepper, diced
05 -
1 cucumber, diced
06 -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 -
3 cups mixed salad greens such as arugula, lamb's lettuce, or baby spinach
→ Dressing and Seasonings
08 -
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
09 -
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 -
Salt, to taste
11 -
Black pepper, to taste
12 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 -
1 teaspoon sweet paprika powder
14 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
15 -
2–3 tablespoons plain yogurt, optional
16 -
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold running water and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Evenly season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, dried oregano, paprika, and cumin if using.
02 -
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken fillets and sear for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
03 -
While the chicken is cooking, dice the avocado, bell pepper, and cucumber into uniform cubes. Thinly slice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
04 -
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Incorporate plain yogurt for a creamier consistency, stirring until the dressing is well combined. Add freshly chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
05 -
Spread the mixed greens evenly across a large salad bowl or platter. Arrange the diced vegetables and sliced onion over the greens. Slice the rested chicken breast into strips and place them neatly on top.
06 -
Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss everything together without breaking the avocado. Garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For maximum freshness and a pleasing mouthfeel, add the avocado and dressing just before serving, especially if making ahead.