The Hearty Chicken and Avocado Salad is a vibrant and nourishing dish that perfectly balances freshness and richness. This salad combines tender pieces of chicken with creamy avocado, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
The salad features a mix of crisp greens, such as spinach, arugula, and romaine, which provide a refreshing base. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor, while thinly sliced red onions and crisp cucumber slices contribute a touch of sharpness and crunch. Shredded carrots bring a hint of sweetness and a splash of color, enhancing the salad’s visual appeal and texture.
The creamy avocado, diced to perfection, complements the lean chicken, adding a rich, buttery element to each bite. If desired, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts can elevate the dish with additional flavors and textures, offering a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and creamy avocado.
Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, the salad is both light and satisfying. The dressing binds all the ingredients together, imparting a tangy and subtly sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste experience.
This Hearty Chicken and Avocado Salad is not only visually appealing but also a versatile option for various meals. Whether enjoyed as a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or a substantial side dish, it delivers a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and rich flavors, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If using leftover cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. For freshly cooked chicken, grill, bake, or poach it until fully cooked and then cool before cutting.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the avocado and place it in a large salad bowl.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and shred the carrots. Add these to the bowl with the avocado.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the cooked chicken to the bowl of vegetables.
- Gently toss the salad ingredients together to combine.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts on top of the salad if using.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Tips:
- Avocado: To prevent the avocado from browning, add it to the salad just before serving and toss gently with the dressing.
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor, or cook and season your own chicken breasts.
- Nuts: Toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for added flavor and crunch.
- Make Ahead: If preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
This Hearty Chicken and Avocado Salad is a satisfying and nutritious meal, combining tender chicken with creamy avocado and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or a substantial side dish, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and enjoyable addition to any meal.
