Grilled Chicken Avocado Herb Dressing (Print)
Grilled chicken atop mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta and a creamy avocado-lime herb dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Grilled Chicken
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Salad
07 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, romaine, spinach)
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
10 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
11 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
12 - 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
→ Avocado Herb Dressing
13 - 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
16 - 1 garlic clove
17 - 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
20 - 2 tablespoons water
21 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
22 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Brush chicken breasts with olive oil. Season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Place chicken on grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, cilantro or parsley, chives, garlic, Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, water, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with additional water as needed.
05 - In a large bowl, toss together mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.
06 - Arrange sliced grilled chicken over salad and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if using.
07 - Drizzle salad with avocado herb dressing immediately before serving. Toss gently to combine.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- That velvety avocado dressing tastes far fancier than it looks and doubles as an irresistible dip.
- The charred, juicy chicken brings warmth and depth that makes this more than just another salad.
02 -
- If you rush the chicken off the grill without resting, it’ll be dry every time.
- Adding just enough water to the dressing takes it from gloppy to pourable perfection—don't skip the test spoonful.
03 -
- Brushing oil on the chicken instead of the grill keeps your kitchen smoke alarms quiet and your meat extra tender.
- Chilling the salad plates makes every bite feel just a little more restaurant-level special.