If you’re in the mood for something vibrant, nourishing, and beautifully simple, look no further than this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl. Juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado slices, and crisp, colorful veggies all come together in a bowl that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. This is the kind of dish that’s perfect for lunch al fresco, a light dinner, or impressing your friends with a meal that feels gourmet but is truly a breeze to pull together.

Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is chosen for big flavor and irresistible texture. With just a handful of fresh, familiar items, you’ll create a salad that’s full of color, crunch, and creamy goodness—each one truly earns its spot in the bowl!

Chicken breasts: Lean, tender protein that’s perfect for grilling and absorbs seasonings beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken stay juicy on the grill.
Paprika: Brings a gentle warmth and a gorgeous golden color to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a subtle, savory depth.
Salt: Enhances every flavor in the bowl—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the other spices.
Mixed greens: The fresh, crunchy foundation—choose your favorites, from romaine to arugula.
Avocado: Perfectly creamy slices that make every bite luxurious.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of color and flavor.
Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing in every forkful.
Red onion: Delivers a bit of zing and beautiful contrast in the bowl.
Feta cheese (optional): Adds a tangy, salty crumble for extra indulgence.
Fresh cilantro or parsley: Brightens everything up with a fresh, herbal note.
Lime juice: The finishing touch that ties all the flavors together with a zesty pop.

How to Make Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and rubbing them with olive oil. Sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides. This quick spice rub infuses the chicken with flavor and helps it develop a golden, slightly smoky crust as it grills.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The target internal temperature is 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes once it’s off the grill—this keeps it juicy and makes slicing a breeze.

Step 3: Slice and Prep the Veggies

While the chicken rests, get your veggies ready. Slice the avocado, halve your cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly, and chop the herbs. Having everything prepped ahead makes salad assembly fun and easy, like building your own edible work of art.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Bowls

In a large serving bowl or individual bowls, lay down a generous bed of mixed greens. Arrange the sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion on top. Nestle the sliced grilled chicken over the veggies, and if you’re using feta, sprinkle it all over for a tangy finish. Shower the salad with your fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 5: Finish with Lime Juice

Just before serving, squeeze the juice of one lime over the entire bowl. This brightens all the flavors and gives that signature zing that makes the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl pop. Serve immediately and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with the finishing touches! A sprinkle of toasted seeds or nuts adds crunch, while an extra crumble of feta or a dash of chili flakes can kick up the excitement. Freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of your favorite dressing will make your salad bowl extra special.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can make it a meal to remember with a side of grilled corn, a slice of crusty bread, or even a bowl of chilled gazpacho. For a gluten-free feast, try pairing it with a simple quinoa salad or some roasted sweet potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl in mason jars for picnics, or arrange the ingredients on a platter for a build-your-own salad bar. If you’re hosting, layer the ingredients in clear bowls to show off those gorgeous colors—it’s a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The greens and veggies will stay crisp, and the chicken will remain moist. Add the avocado and lime juice just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen for up to three months, the veggies and greens are best enjoyed fresh. If you’d like to meal prep, grill extra chicken and freeze it in portions, then simply thaw and add to freshly prepared salads as needed.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, warm it gently in the microwave or a skillet until just heated through. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out. The rest of the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for maximum crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and add a bit more richness. Adjust grilling time as needed, since thighs may cook a little faster or slower depending on thickness.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cheese?

Yes, simply skip the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese. The salad is still packed with plenty of flavor and creaminess from the avocado.

What other veggies can I add?

You can mix in grilled corn, black beans, sliced radishes, or even roasted sweet potatoes. The Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is endlessly customizable—use whatever’s in season or in your fridge!

How do I make the salad more filling?

For extra heartiness, add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even a scoop of hummus on the side. These additions turn your salad into an even more satisfying meal.

Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Definitely! Use a grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop. You’ll still get that lovely sear and all the flavor, no outdoor grill required.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so irresistible about a dish that’s fresh, colorful, and full of flavor—and that’s exactly what you get with this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with its vibrant simplicity. Enjoy every bite!

Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 2 large bowls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and healthy grilled chicken and avocado salad bowl featuring tender grilled chicken breasts, fresh mixed greens, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and optional feta cheese, all enhanced with fresh herbs and a zesty lime juice dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, this salad combines protein and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salad

6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, sliced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
Prepare Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly, ensuring they are well-coated for flavorful grilling.
Grill Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then thinly slice the chicken for serving.
Assemble Salad: In large or individual bowls, arrange the mixed greens as the base. Top with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and the grilled chicken slices.
Add Final Touches: Sprinkle feta cheese over the top if using, add fresh cilantro or parsley, and squeeze lime juice over the entire salad just before serving to add brightness.

Notes

Add your favorite dressing such as balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or a cilantro-lime dressing for extra flavor.
For added crunch, top the salad with toasted nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds.
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled corn or black beans for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American