Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

📜 Description:

This Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish perfect for lunch or dinner. Juicy grilled chicken sits atop a bed of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumbers—all tied together with a homemade creamy cilantro dressing that’s tangy, herby, and incredibly satisfying. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with healthy fats.

🧾 Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 large head romaine lettuce (chopped)

• 1 avocado (sliced)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1/2 cucumber (sliced)

• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)

For the Creamy Cilantro Dressing:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness.

• Rub with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Grill on medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

• Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

2. Make the Dressing:

• In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, and honey.

• Blend until smooth. Add water to reach desired consistency.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl or plate, arrange chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.

• Top with sliced grilled chicken.

• Drizzle with creamy cilantro dressing.

🍽️ Servings:

Serves: 2–3 people
Serving Size: ~1½–2 cups salad with 1/2 chicken breast per serving

🔢 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

(May vary based on exact ingredients and quantities used.)

💡 Notes & Tips:

• Meal Prep Tip: Grill extra chicken and store separately from salad to assemble fresh throughout the week.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free yogurt like almond or coconut-based yogurt in the dressing.

• Extra Crunch: Add toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds for texture.

• Spice It Up: Add a jalapeño to the dressing for a spicy kick.

• Make It a Wrap: Wrap the salad ingredients in a whole-grain tortilla for a filling lunch.

✅ Health Benefits:

• High in Protein: Supports muscle health and satiety.

• Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil support heart health.

• Loaded with Fiber: From veggies and avocado—great for digestion.

• Low-Carb: Suitable for keto and paleo lifestyles.

• Immune Boosting: Cilantro and garlic offer natural antimicrobial properties.

❓ Q & A:

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep all ingredients separately and store in airtight containers. Assemble just before serving for best texture.

Q: How long will the dressing last?
A: The dressing stays fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days in a sealed jar or container.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver.

Q: What if I don’t like cilantro?
A: Try a creamy basil or parsley-based dressing instead.

Q: Is this salad good for weight loss?
A: Yes! It’s high in protein and healthy fats while being low in carbs—great for managing hunger and maintaining energy levels.