Easy Chicken Avocado Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing

During the summer months, there’s nothing I love more than a quick, refreshing salad to keep me feeling light and energized. When the sun is out and the days are long, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why this Chicken Avocado Salad has become one of my go-to recipes. It’s packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender grilled chicken, all tossed together with a tangy yogurt lime dressing that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. It’s everything you want in a summer meal, light, fresh, and incredibly delicious.

The combination of juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re enjoying it as a solo meal or serving it at a casual gathering, this salad is sure to keep you cool and satisfied throughout the sunny days. I love that this recipe is so versatile and can be adjusted to include whatever you have on hand.

Key ingredients for this Easy Chicken Avocado Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing

Mixed Salad Leaves– A nice blend of baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce, providing a mix of tender and peppery greens that form the base of this salad.

Cherry Tomatoes– Juicy and sweet, these tomatoes add a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

Avocado– Creamy and rich, avocado brings a luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture and healthy fats to the dish.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced to add a touch of sharpness and crunch, balancing out the other flavors.

Feta Cheese– Crumbled feta adds a tangy and creamy element that enhances the salad’s overall flavor.

Grilled Chicken Breasts– Lean and protein-packed, the grilled chicken adds heartiness and makes this salad a satisfying meal.

Plain Yogurt: Provides a creamy base with a tangy flavor. You can use Greek yogurt if you have it handy but it’s not necessary for this recipe.

Lime juice– Adds a bright, zesty kick.

Garlic Powder– Enhances the dressing with a subtle garlic flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, balancing the dressing’s flavors.

How to make this delicious Easy Chicken Avocado Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper (and any other desired spices) or use this recipe here. Grill or pan-sear the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes, then slice it thinly.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad leaves (baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce). Add the cherry tomatoes (halved), sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Place the sliced grilled chicken breasts on top of the salad
3. Make the Yogurt Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain yogurt, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary
4. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the yogurt lime dressing over the salad. Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients with the dressing, or serve the dressing on the side if preferred. Enjoy your refreshing Chicken Avocado Salad.

What else to add to this salad

Grains: Add cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for extra fiber and protein. This makes the salad more filling.

Beans: Toss in some black beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans for added protein and texture.

Fruits: Fresh fruits like apple slices, berries, or pomegranate seeds can add a touch of sweetness and extra vitamins.

Vegetables: Add shredded carrots, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for additional crunch and flavor.

Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle in some sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or slivered almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats.

Cheese Alternatives: Try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.

Tips for this Easy Chicken Avocado Salad

Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, 30 minutes before grilling. This adds a zesty touch to the chicken and makes it juicier.

Use Ripe Avocado: Make sure your avocado is perfectly ripe for the best texture. It should give slightly when pressed but not feel mushy.

Crisp Up the Salad Leaves: If your salad leaves seem a bit limp, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes before drying. This will make them extra crisp and refreshing.

Adjust the Dressing: For a touch of sweetness, you can also add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the tanginess.

Make it Ahead: You can prep the salad ingredients (except avocado) and dressing in advance. Store them separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh.

How to store the Chicken Avocado salad

Store Dressing Separately: Keep the yogurt lime dressing in a separate airtight container. Adding it just before serving will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Use Airtight Containers: Store the salad in airtight containers to maintain freshness, and place the salad in the refrigerator as soon as possible after preparation. For optimal freshness, consume the salad within 2-3 days. The ingredients will begin to lose their crispness and flavor over time.

Keep Avocado Fresh: If you need to store the salad for more than a few hours, consider adding the avocado right before serving. To store the avocado separately, place it in an airtight container with a bit of lime juice to minimize browning.

Enjoy making this Easy Chicken Avocado Salad with Yogurt Lime Dressing, and don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on our blog!