Chicken Avocado Salad

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A vibrant, protein-packed salad with juicy seasoned chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies

Why You’ll Love This Salad

✔️ Perfectly seasoned chicken – tender, juicy, and full of flavor
✔️ Creamy avocado – adds richness and healthy fats
✔️ Bright & fresh – cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and lemon juice balance the dish
✔️ Ready in 20 minutes – great for meal prep or a quick lunch

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Salad:

  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens (optional)
  • Extra lemon wedges for serving

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
  • Sliced red onion
  • Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • Drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (or until internal temp reaches 165°F).
  4. Remove from heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, combine lettuce (if using), avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
  2. Slice the rested chicken and add it to the bowl.
  3. Gently toss everything together.

3. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Squeeze extra lemon juice on top.
  • Garnish with extra cilantro or optional toppings.
  • Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day (avocado may brown slightly).

Serving Suggestions

✅ As a salad bowl – Serve over greens for a light meal
✅ In a wrap – Add to a tortilla with a drizzle of Greek yogurt dressing
✅ With chips – Scoop up like a chunky salsa
✅ Meal prep – Store components separately and assemble when ready

Pro Tips

🔸 For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices + lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
🔸 Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky twist.
🔸 Prevent browning – Toss avocado with extra lemon juice before mixing.

Why This Beats Boring Salads

This isn’t just another chicken salad—it’s bursting with texture and flavor from the creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and zesty cilantro. The spices on the chicken give it a restaurant-quality taste, while the lemon keeps it fresh and bright.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep! 🥑🍗

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