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Healthy Chicken Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado and Fresh Greens

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A quick and easy healthy chicken salad featuring grilled chicken, creamy avocado, fresh greens, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), grilled or roasted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 4 cups mixed fresh greens (baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds, roughly chopped
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high and grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped fresh herbs. Toss gently.
  6. Carefully fold in diced avocado without mashing.
  7. Pour dressing over salad and toss lightly to coat evenly.
  8. Arrange sliced chicken on top of the salad.
  9. Sprinkle toasted walnuts or almonds over the salad.
  10. Give the salad a final light toss or serve as is. Optionally, squeeze extra lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

Rest the chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Use ripe but firm avocado and add it last to avoid browning. Toast nuts in a dry skillet for extra crunch and flavor. Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy greens. Store salad components separately if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy chicken salad, avocado salad, grilled chicken salad, fresh greens, easy chicken salad, nutritious salad, low-carb salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/healthy-chicken-salad-recipe-with-creamy-avocado-and-fresh-greens-easy-and-delicious/