Description
Succulent grilled chicken dances with creamy avocado in this Mediterranean-inspired salad bowl, promising a fresh culinary journey. Crisp greens, zesty dressing, and perfectly charred chicken create a light yet satisfying meal that will refresh your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salad Components:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Ignite the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring an even cooking surface around 400°F for optimal chicken preparation.
- Massage chicken breasts with olive oil and a blend of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring complete and safe cooking.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain for tender, juicy pieces.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, layer mixed greens with vibrant avocado slices, halved cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber chunks, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Craft a zesty dressing by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, optional honey, and seasoning until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Distribute salad mixture evenly among serving bowls, creating an appetizing base.
- Arrange sliced grilled chicken atop the greens, strategically placing optional crumbled feta and toasted almond or walnut slivers.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure even coating without bruising delicate ingredients.
- Serve immediately, presenting a nutritious and satisfying culinary creation.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for extra flavor by letting it sit in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before grilling, enhancing the taste and tenderness.
- Grill chicken on high heat to achieve those beautiful char marks while keeping the inside juicy and preventing dryness.
- use grilled tofu for vegetarians, skip feta for dairy-free, or add quinoa for extra protein.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal, storing chopped vegetables and cooked chicken separately in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg