Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad

Ready to whip up a delicious and nutritious Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad? This dish combines juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies, all tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is sure to impress your taste buds.

This dish represents the pinnacle of fresh, flavorful dining, combining succulent grilled chicken with creamy avocado and crisp vegetables. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, this guide will elevate your salad-making skills to new heights.

Lets dive in!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, diced or sliced
• ¼ head of iceberg lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mixed salad greens, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 180g (approximately 6.3 oz) grilled chicken breast, cubed
• ⅓ avocado, cubed
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
• 1 tsp black raisins
• 1 tsp golden raisins

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Salad spinner (optional)
• Measuring spoons

Don’t have a grill? No worries! Use a stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet to cook the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken breast, ensuring it’s well-coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb those wonderful flavors.

Tip: If you’re short on time, even a quick 10-minute marinade can impart good flavor.

2. Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a nice char and feel firm to the touch.

Visual Cue: Look for clear grill marks and ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for the same amount of time.

3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients

While the chicken is grilling, prepare your salad components:

• Grape Tomatoes: Rinse and slice them in half.
• Cucumber: Peel (if desired) and dice or slice thinly.
• Iceberg Lettuce & Salad Greens: Wash thoroughly and tear into bite-sized pieces. A salad spinner can help remove excess water.
• Red Onion: Peel and slice thinly.
• Avocado: Cut into cubes just before assembling to prevent browning.
• Parsley: Chop finely.

Tip: To reduce the sharpness of red onions, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes, then drain.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dressing should be emulsified and have a balanced tangy flavor.

Substitute: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard or even a pinch of mustard powder can work.

5. Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the torn lettuce, salad greens, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Add the cubed avocado, chopped parsley, roasted pumpkin seeds, black raisins, and golden raisins. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

Tip: Adding the avocado last can help prevent it from getting mashed during mixing.

6. Add the Grilled Chicken

Once your chicken has rested for a few minutes after grilling, cut it into cubes. This step is crucial as resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken pieces.

Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and to maintain the chicken’s texture.

7. Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. The goal is to achieve a glossy appearance without drenching the salad.

Visual Cue: The salad should appear vibrant with a slight sheen from the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

8. Serve

Divide the salad into three portions and serve immediately. Enjoy the medley of flavors and textures that come together in this dish.

Presentation Tip: Serve on chilled plates for a refreshing touch, and garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges for added flair.

Flavor Adjustments

• For a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle over the salad.
• For Extra Tanginess: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing.
• For Added Creaminess: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad.

Dietary Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
• Vegan: Use the vegetarian option and substitute Dijon mustard with a vegan alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially condiments, are certified gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you anticipate leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days.
• Reheating: The salad is best enjoyed fresh. If storing grilled chicken separately, reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Note: Avocado may brown over time. To minimize this, sprinkle cut avocado with lemon juice before storing.

Making It Fancy or Simple

For Guests

To elevate this dish for guests, consider adding:

• Garnishes: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
• Sides: Pair with crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
• Drinks: A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon enhances the flavors.

For Busy Days

Simplify by:

• Prepping Ahead: Marinate chicken and chop veggies in advance.
• Using Pre-cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken can be a quick substitute.
• Batch Dressing: Make extra dressing to use throughout the week.

Conclusion

The Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or serving it to friends and family, this dish offers versatility and satisfaction. Enjoy exploring different variations and making it your own!

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