There’s something about the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl that makes lunchtime feel like a summer getaway every single time. Juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a punch of feta bring a perfect balance of flavor, color, and nutrition to your table. Whether you’re chasing a healthy weeknight dinner or planning a stress-free meal prep, this salad bowl pulls double duty — always vibrant, fresh, and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every fresh and simple ingredient in this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl has its own delicious part to play, from the smoky-spiced chicken to the cool, creamy avocado. These picks don’t just taste good — they make your bowl pop with color, texture, and flavor you’ll crave again and again!
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless to keep things lean and quick-cooking while letting those spices shine through.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- Garlic Powder: Brings savory depth right into the marinade with zero prep fuss.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a swoon-worthy smoky flavor that balances beautifully with the fresh salad.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient, making flavors pop without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Just a hint for subtle spiciness and a touch of class.
- Mixed Greens: Use any leafy combo — romaine, spinach, arugula — for crunch and vibrant color.
- Avocado: Perfectly creamy, it turns the salad into an effortlessly luxurious bowl.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they bring a refreshing burst with each bite.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild zippy kick that brightens the salad.
- Corn Kernels: Use fresh-grilled if you can, but canned (drained) is totally undefeated for convenience.
- Feta Cheese: A final crumbly flourish of saltiness and creaminess you won’t want to skip.
- Lime Juice: Just half a lime, freshly squeezed, brings everything together with zesty freshness.
How to Make Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and rubbing them all over with olive oil. Sprinkle on your garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This quick spice blend gives every bite that signature smoky-savory character that makes this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl a standout.
Step 2: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they have defined grill marks and the juices run clear. Rest them for five minutes; this keeps the chicken extra juicy when you slice for your salad bowl.
Step 3: Prep the Salad Base
In your biggest salad bowl, lay down a lush bed of mixed greens. The crisp leaves form a fresh backdrop for all the toppings, staying crunchy even after tossing.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Slice the Chicken
Slice your grilled chicken into strips and artfully arrange on top of the greens. Surround it with slices of creamy avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, ribbons of red onion, and sweet grilled corn. Scatter crumbled feta cheese over everything for a pop of salty flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Lime & Serve
Squeeze fresh lime juice all over your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl just before serving. You can toss the salad gently for a harmonious mix, or serve it layered so everyone gets a bite of every ingredient in each forkful.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl
Garnishes
Top your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl with extra crumbled feta, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a swirl of your favorite light dressing. A few sliced radishes or a dash of chili flakes can add visual flair as well as a zesty finish.
Side Dishes
Pairing this salad with a side of herby quinoa or some warm pita bread is a delightful way to round out your meal. For something lighter, consider a sparkling water with lime or a crisp lemonade alongside your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, transform your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl into a build-your-own salad bar! Arrange all ingredients in separate dishes and let guests make their own creations — perfect for lunch parties or weeknight dinner fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl components separately for best results. Keep the chopped veggies, grilled chicken, and salad greens in airtight containers, and only slice the avocado right before eating to avoid browning.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies and avocado don’t freeze well, you can freeze grilled chicken for meal prep. Just let it cool completely, slice or cube it, and freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight for next-day use!
Reheating
If you’ve made extra grilled chicken, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a skillet will bring it right back to juicy life. Warm chicken tastes particularly amazing over the chilled salad base of your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, salmon, steak, or even marinated tofu pair wonderfully with the other fresh flavors in this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl. The recipe is flexible enough to suit plenty of tastes or dietary needs.
What type Main Course
A fresh lime vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and vinegar combo is fantastic here. The salad is so flavorful on its own that heavy dressings aren’t needed — but your favorite Greek or ranch dressing works well on the side, too!
Can I meal prep this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare all the components in advance, but keep the avocado and lime juice separate until just before serving to keep things crisp and vibrant. Pack the dressing in a small container and toss it together at lunchtime.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem. Just use a grill pan or a regular skillet on your stovetop. You’ll still get that tasty browned exterior and tender chicken inside — no fancy equipment required.
How can I make the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl extra filling?
Add a scoop of black beans, cooked quinoa, or some roasted sweet potatoes to your salad. This not only boosts the texture but packs in extra protein and fiber, making your bowl a hearty, all-in-one meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a fresh, lively meal that never gets old, the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is ready to be your new go-to. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and super simple steps, you can bring a burst of summer flavor to your table any day of the week. Give it a whirl — you just might find your next favorite bowl!
Print
Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 bowls
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It features juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese on a bed of mixed greens, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Packed with protein and fiber, this salad is not only satisfying but also easy to customize based on your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup corn kernels (grilled or canned and drained)
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, arrange the mixed greens. Top with sliced grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, and feta. Squeeze lime juice over the salad before serving. Toss gently or serve with dressing on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for the chicken.
- Add black beans or quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
- Store dressing separately if meal prepping.
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