Grilled Chicken Avocado Herb Dressing (Printer-friendly)
Tender grilled chicken over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber and a creamy avocado-herb dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grilled Chicken
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Salad
07 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, romaine, spinach)
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
10 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
12 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
→ Avocado Herb Dressing
13 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
16 - 1 garlic clove
17 - 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
20 - 2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
21 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
22 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Brush chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Grill chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and allow meat to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - While chicken is grilling, combine avocado, cilantro or parsley, chives, garlic, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, water, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. For a thinner dressing, blend in additional water as desired.
05 - Place salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper together in a large salad bowl.
06 - Top the mixed vegetables with sliced grilled chicken. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, if desired.
07 - Drizzle avocado herb dressing over salad immediately before serving. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The creamy avocado dressing clings to every bite and feels like something from your favorite café.
- This salad fills you up without weighing you down, and it always reminds me how fresh flavors can make a meal feel special.
02 -
- Trying to slice the chicken before it’s rested will let all the juices run out and leave it dry.
- Blending the dressing a bit longer gives it fluffier body and mellows any harsh raw garlic or herb edges.
03 -
- Pounding the chicken to even thickness helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Always zest your lime before juicing—it adds a little punch to the dressing that takes it over the top.