Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
For the Salad:
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
For the Lime Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating & Grilling the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts in the bowl and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for **at least 30 minutes** (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Grill chicken for **6-7 minutes per side** until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for **5 minutes** before slicing into strips.
Marinating & Grilling the Chicken
Indoor Grilling Tip: No outdoor grill? Use a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat. For defined grill marks, press the chicken down with a spatula for the first minute of cooking on each side.
Preparing the Avocado
- Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit.
- Use a large spoon to scoop the flesh out in one piece.
- Place flat side down on a cutting board and slice into ¼-inch thick slices.
Avocado Tip: Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness. To prevent browning, prepare avocados just before serving or sprinkle with extra lime juice.
Making the Lime Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assembling the Bowl
- Divide the chopped romaine lettuce between two bowls, creating a bed for the other ingredients.
- Arrange the sliced grilled chicken, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, corn, and red onion on top of the lettuce.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and crumbled bacon (if using).
- Drizzle with the lime dressing just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is delicious on its own, but you can customize it with these optional toppings and sides:
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
- Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds
- Sliced jalapeños for heat
- Black beans for extra protein
- Crushed tortilla chips for crunch
Serving Ideas:
- With a slice of crusty bread
- In a whole grain wrap
- With a side of quinoa or brown rice
- Alongside grilled corn on the cob
- With fresh lime wedges for extra zing
Nutrition Facts
This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to fuel your day:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 520 | – |
| Total Fat | 32g | 41% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 680mg | 30% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 12g | 43% |
| Sugars | 8g | – |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Nutrition Highlights: This salad bowl is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado, lean protein from chicken, and fiber from vegetables. It’s also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and antioxidants.
Meal Prep Tips
This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl is perfect for meal prepping. Here’s how to store components for maximum freshness:
Chicken
Grill and slice chicken, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in microwave for 30 seconds before adding to salad.
Vegetables
Wash and chop lettuce, store with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Prepare corn, tomatoes, and onions and store separately. All will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Avocado & Dressing
Prepare avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Dressing can be made ahead and stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using.
“For the freshest meal prep salad, store components separately and assemble just before eating. This prevents soggy lettuce and maintains the perfect texture of each ingredient.”
Assembly Tip: For grab-and-go lunches, layer ingredients in a mason jar with dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty vegetables, chicken, and greens on top. This keeps everything fresh until you’re ready to shake and eat!
Recipe Variations
This versatile Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl can be customized in many ways:
Mexican-Inspired
- Add black beans and corn
- Use cotija cheese instead of feta
- Add sliced jalapeños
- Top with crushed tortilla chips
- Use a lime-cilantro dressing
Mediterranean-Inspired
- Add kalamata olives and cucumber
- Use feta cheese
- Add roasted red peppers
- Include fresh dill and mint
- Use a lemon-oregano dressing
Asian-Inspired
- Add edamame and shredded carrots
- Use a sesame-ginger marinade for chicken
- Top with sliced almonds
- Add mandarin orange segments
- Use a rice vinegar-sesame oil dressing
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Simply slice or shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken and toss it with a little of the lime dressing for flavor before adding to your salad bowl.
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, marinated tofu, or a cup of black beans and quinoa for protein. The avocado already provides healthy fats and creaminess that makes this salad satisfying without meat.
The best approach is to add fresh avocado just before eating. If you need to prep ahead, toss avocado slices in extra lime juice, which helps slow browning due to its acidity. Store in an airtight container with as little air as possible.
Yes! Grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep. You can serve it cold in the salad or gently reheat it before adding to your bowl.
Ready to Make Your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl?
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creation on social media and tag us, or leave a rating and review below.
Wheat-Free Recipes for Lunch: Healthy and Flavorful Meal Options
