This Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado & Lime Vinaigrette is a light, fresh, and flavorful meal that brings together the smokiness of grilled chicken, the creaminess of avocado, and the brightness of a zesty lime vinaigrette.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

1.For the Salad:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

2.For the Lime Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
While the chicken rests, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl or platter, arrange salad greens. Top with avocado slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta (if using).
Add the sliced grilled chicken on top. Drizzle with the lime vinaigrette just before serving.
Toss gently and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 120% DV
Vitamin C: 45% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Health Benefits of Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado & Lime Vinaigrette is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Grilled chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and growth, while avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The combination of fresh vegetables offers a range of vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber that support digestion and immune health. This salad is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb and keto-friendly diets. With each bite, you nourish your body without compromising flavor.

Ideal for Weight Management

This salad is an excellent option for those trying to manage their weight. It’s filling without being heavy, thanks to the high protein content of the chicken and fiber from the vegetables and avocado. The lime vinaigrette adds flavor without adding excessive calories or sugar, especially when made from scratch. Eating meals like this can help reduce unnecessary snacking and promote satiety, aiding in portion control and reducing overall daily calorie intake.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Grilled Chicken Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep. The components—grilled chicken, vegetables, and vinaigrette—can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately to keep everything fresh. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the ingredients and enjoy. It’s a time-saving strategy that helps maintain healthy eating habits throughout the week without resorting to fast food or unhealthy options.

A Versatile Recipe for All Seasons

This recipe can be enjoyed year-round. In the summer, it serves as a refreshing and light meal ideal for outdoor dining or picnics. During colder months, it pairs wonderfully with a warm soup or crusty bread for a heartier option. Its versatility also extends to ingredient swaps based on seasonal produce, such as substituting cherry tomatoes with roasted beets or adding roasted squash in autumn.

Customizable for Different Diets

One of the key strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the feta cheese. For vegetarians, grilled tofu or chickpeas can replace chicken. Keto followers will appreciate the low carbohydrate content, while those on paleo diets can enjoy its clean, whole-food ingredients. This makes it an inclusive recipe that can be modified to meet a variety of dietary preferences.

Boosts Immune System and Skin Health

The vibrant mix of ingredients contributes to improved immune function and skin health. Avocados are rich in vitamin E and healthy fats that help protect skin from oxidative stress. Lime juice is high in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and supports collagen production. Leafy greens provide essential minerals and antioxidants, making this salad a great addition to any beauty or wellness routine.

Supports Heart Health

The combination of lean protein and heart-friendly fats makes this salad especially beneficial for cardiovascular health. Avocados contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and olive oil in the vinaigrette is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. By replacing processed dressings with a homemade lime vinaigrette, this recipe avoids excess sodium and trans fats that often contribute to heart disease.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

For busy individuals and families, convenience is key—and this recipe delivers. Grilling the chicken takes only a few minutes, and the vinaigrette can be shaken together in a jar. The remaining components require minimal chopping or slicing. In under 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality salad that’s not only fresh but also made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for hectic weeknights.

Suitable for Lunch, Dinner, or Entertaining

Whether you’re packing lunch for work, planning a casual dinner, or hosting a weekend gathering, this salad fits the bill. Its elegant presentation, vibrant colors, and balanced flavors make it appealing for a variety of occasions. Serve it in individual bowls for a plated meal or arrange it on a platter for a family-style feast that will impress guests without adding stress.

Economical and Accessible Ingredients

Unlike some health-focused recipes that call for expensive or hard-to-find ingredients, this salad is made with staples that are widely available. Chicken breast, avocado, leafy greens, and lime can be found in nearly any grocery store. By preparing the vinaigrette at home and using in-season produce, you can keep costs low while still enjoying a gourmet-quality meal.

Encourages Healthy Eating Habits

Regularly preparing meals like this can help reinforce long-term healthy eating habits. The balance of macronutrients, vibrant colors, and fresh flavors keeps meals exciting and satisfying. It encourages mindful eating and better food choices, especially when paired with regular physical activity. Developing a taste for whole, unprocessed foods is key to maintaining a sustainable healthy lifestyle.

Enhances Culinary Skills

Making your own vinaigrette and perfectly grilling chicken are basic cooking techniques that build confidence in the kitchen. These skills are transferable to other recipes and cuisines, promoting culinary independence. This salad is an approachable dish for beginner cooks and a canvas for creativity for more experienced ones, allowing home cooks to explore flavors, textures, and nutrition simultaneously.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado & Lime Vinaigrette is the perfect intersection of health and flavor. It offers a satisfying meal that supports wellness goals without sacrificing taste or enjoyment. Its simplicity, versatility, and nutritional value make it a smart choice for anyone—from busy professionals to fitness enthusiasts to families looking for balanced meals. Incorporating this recipe into your regular rotation can contribute to better health, improved energy, and an overall more enjoyable eating experience.

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