Name: Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl: A Family Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Remember that summer barbecue where everything just clicked? The sun was shining, the kids were actually getting along, and I made this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl that everyone raved about? Well, that’s the day this recipe became a staple in our house! I can almost smell the smoky char of the chicken mingling with the creamy avocado – pure bliss!

I remember the first time I made this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl, I totally undercooked the chicken. Ugh! We’ve all been there, right? But instead of throwing in the towel, I tossed it back on the grill, kept a closer eye on it, and voila! Perfectly grilled chicken, ready to be chopped up and tossed into the most amazing salad ever. That’s when I realized that even the biggest cooking mishaps can lead to something delicious, and that’s part of the fun, right?

This grilled chicken avocado salad bowl is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Seriously, between school drop-offs, soccer practice, and trying to squeeze in a little me-time (ha!), I need meals that are quick, healthy, and that everyone will actually eat without complaining. And this hits all the marks! It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and tons of flavor. Plus, it’s totally customizable – you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand.

I actually stumbled upon this recipe when I was trying to recreate a salad I had at a local cafe. I loved the combination of grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh greens, so I started experimenting in my own kitchen. After a few tweaks and adjustments (and a few more undercooked chicken incidents!), I finally perfected it. Now, my family begs me to make this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl at least once a week!

Trust me, once you try this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl, you’ll be hooked! It’s the perfect combination of healthy, flavorful, and easy to make. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always use organic chicken breasts for my grilled chicken avocado salad bowl, but any kind will work.
2 ripe avocados: Make sure they give slightly when you press them.
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: I love the sharpness of red onion in this salad.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a pop of sweetness.
1/2 cup corn kernels: Fresh, frozen (thawed), or grilled – whatever you have on hand! For a delicious variation, try this Grilled Corn Salad Recipe.
1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
4 cups mixed greens: I usually go for a spring mix or baby spinach.
1/4 cup olive oil: For the dressing.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best!
1 teaspoon honey: Balances out the acidity of the lime juice.
1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a little kick.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be afraid to season generously!

When making grilled chicken avocado salad bowl, you can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store. I often buy my avocados in bulk at Costco because they’re usually cheaper.

Here’s a grilled chicken avocado salad bowl trick I learned from my mom: marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes before grilling. It makes the chicken so much more flavorful and tender! Marinating the chicken not only enhances the taste but also helps to keep it moist during grilling.

For ingredient prep shortcuts when making this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl, I often chop the veggies while the chicken is marinating. It saves time and makes the whole process go faster. Efficiency in the kitchen is key, especially on busy weeknights.

To save money on grilled chicken avocado salad bowl ingredients, consider buying frozen chicken breasts in bulk and thawing them as needed. And don’t be afraid to use leftover veggies from other meals! Utilizing leftovers is a great way to reduce food waste and save money.

Store leftover grilled chicken avocado salad bowl ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The avocado is best if used within a day or two, as it can brown quickly. To prevent browning, you can brush the avocado with a little lime juice.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Preparing Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and chili powder. You can also marinate the chicken if you have time. Marinating adds extra flavor and tenderness to the chicken.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t worry if your grilled chicken avocado salad bowl chicken gets a little charred – that’s what gives it that smoky flavor! I learned the hard way with grilled chicken avocado salad bowl that using a meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked properly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – FoodData Central is a great resource for checking internal temperatures and nutritional information.
Let the Chicken Rest: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or chopping it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Resting the chicken is a crucial step for optimal juiciness.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste. This healthy chicken salad bowl dressing is super simple, but really makes the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dressing to your liking.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and cilantro. Add the sliced or chopped grilled chicken.
Add the Avocado: Gently fold in the diced avocado. Be careful not to mash it! The creamy avocado adds a wonderful texture and healthy fats to the salad.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as it can become soggy.
Serve: Serve your grilled chicken avocado bowl immediately and enjoy!

In my kitchen, this easy chicken salad bowl usually takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish, including grilling the chicken. With a little practice, you’ll be able to whip it up even faster!

While the grilled chicken avocado salad bowl is cooking, I like to set the table, pour some drinks, and maybe even put on some music. It makes the whole meal feel more special! Creating a pleasant dining atmosphere can enhance the overall experience.

Your grilled chicken avocado salad bowl should smell like a combination of smoky grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and tangy lime juice. It’s a truly mouthwatering aroma! The aroma of a dish is often the first thing that entices us to eat it.

A family-tested shortcut for this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl is to buy pre-cooked grilled chicken strips at the grocery store. It saves a ton of time and is perfect for those super busy nights. Pre-cooked chicken strips are a convenient option for quick and easy meals.

Remember, the key to a perfect grilled chicken salad recipe is not to overcook the chicken. Keep a close eye on it and use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy. If you have a picky eater who doesn’t like red onion, you can substitute it with chopped green onions. Customizing the recipe to suit individual preferences is a great way to ensure everyone enjoys the meal.

Serving

The kids love our grilled chicken avocado salad bowl when I serve it with a side of tortilla chips. They love scooping up the salad with the chips! It’s become our little family tradition. You could even make it a Sweet Potato Taco Bowl.

My go-to side dishes that pair with this avocado chicken salad bowl are either a simple green salad or some grilled vegetables. They complement the flavors of the salad perfectly without being too heavy. Choosing side dishes that complement the main course can create a well-rounded meal.

This grilled chicken avocado salad bowl is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or even a summer barbecue. It’s so versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility makes it a great option for various occasions.

For presentation tips for your grilled chicken avocado salad bowl, I like to arrange the ingredients artfully in the bowl, with the grilled chicken and avocado on top. A sprinkle of extra cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness. Presentation can enhance the dining experience and make the dish more appealing.

If you have extra grilled chicken avocado salad bowl, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the avocado may brown slightly. I sometimes like to repurpose it as a filling for tacos or quesadillas the next day. Repurposing leftovers is a creative way to reduce food waste and create new meals.

A seasonal variation I’ve tried with this healthy chicken salad bowl is adding grilled peaches or nectarines in the summer. The sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and avocado. Seasonal variations can add a unique twist to the recipe and utilize fresh, local ingredients.

My friends always ask for this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl recipe whenever I make it for them. It’s become my signature dish! I’ve even had people tell me they dream about it (okay, maybe they were exaggerating, but still!). It’s always a great feeling when your cooking is appreciated by others.

FAQs

Can I make this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time, like grilling the chicken and chopping the vegetables. However, I recommend waiting to add the avocado and dressing until just before serving, as the avocado can brown and the salad can get soggy. You know what I do when my grilled chicken avocado salad bowl needs to be made ahead of time? I keep all the ingredients separate and then combine right before serving.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can easily cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or even bake it in the oven. Just make sure it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I actually baked it the other day when it was raining!
Can I use a different type of dressing?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite salad dressing. A creamy ranch or a vinaigrette would both be delicious. Just be mindful of the sodium and sugar content, especially if you’re trying to keep it healthy.
My avocado is rock hard. What do I do?
We’ve all been there! The best thing to do is to place the avocado in a paper bag with a banana or apple. The ethylene gas released by these fruits will help the avocado ripen faster. You can also try placing it in a warm spot, like near a sunny window.
Can I add cheese to this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl?
Of course! Cheese makes everything better, right? I like to add crumbled feta or cotija cheese to my grilled chicken avocado salad bowl. It adds a salty, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
My kids are picky eaters. How can I get them to eat this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl?
I totally get it! Try serving the ingredients separately and letting them build their own salad. You can also cut the chicken and avocado into smaller pieces and add some of their favorite toppings, like shredded cheese or croutons. My kids also prefer a mild dressing, so I sometimes skip the chili powder.
Is this healthy chicken salad bowl gluten-free?
Yes, this avocado chicken salad bowl recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free salad dressing.

My Final Thoughts

Enjoying Your Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl

This grilled chicken avocado salad bowl recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory in the making. It represents those perfect summer days, quick weeknight dinners, and shared laughter around the table. I hope it brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. This healthy chicken salad bowl is good for your heart according to the Healthy Eating.

Here are my Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad Bowl Pro Tips:

Don’t overcook the chicken! It’s the key to a tender and juicy salad.
Use ripe but firm avocados. They should give slightly when you press them, but not be too mushy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or nuts to customize the salad to your liking.

Here are a few grilled chicken avocado salad bowl variations I’ve tried with my family:

Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or use a spicy chili powder.
Mediterranean: Add Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
Mexican: Add black beans, corn, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

My son loves the Mexican version, while my daughter prefers the classic with just a little extra cheese. My husband is happy with any version as long as there is grilled chicken avocado salad bowl on the table!

I encourage you to make this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a salad that your family will love.

I hope you have as much fun making this grilled chicken avocado salad bowl as I do! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!