Chicken and Avocado Salad with Skinny Creamy Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Avocado Salad with Skinny Creamy Dressing is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy days. It combines tender grilled chicken, fresh avocado, and crisp romaine lettuce all tossed in a light, tangy dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad against a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is fresh green romaine lettuce leaves. On the left and right sides, there are two neatly fanned layers of sliced avocado with a smooth green texture. In the center bottom, several pieces of grilled chicken breast with a golden-brown sear are arranged in slices. Bright red halved cherry tomatoes are scattered throughout the top center. Lime wedges with a light green peel are placed in the upper left and lower right corners of the bowl. Small green cilantro leaves are sprinkled over the entire salad. A small glass jar with a creamy white dressing sits above the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 medium chicken breast or thigh fillets (skinless and boneless)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dry parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 garlic clove (crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 avocado (peeled, de-seeded, and sliced)
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or griddle pan to medium/high heat. Rub the chicken breast with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into the preheated pan and add the chicken. Cook for 7-8 minutes on each side until the outside is golden and crispy and the inside is cooked through. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes, then slice into cubes or thin slices.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, and lemon juice until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Step 3: Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl or divide between two plates. Top with sliced chicken, avocado slices, and halved grape tomatoes. Drizzle with the creamy dressing before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a milder dressing.
  • Add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.
  • Swap romaine lettuce for baby spinach or mixed greens to vary the base.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated as well. When ready to eat, toss everything together and enjoy immediately. Reheat the chicken gently if preferred warm.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad arranged in layers: the bottom layer is made of chopped green leafy lettuce, topped with grilled chicken slices cooked to a golden brown and scattered with small green herbs. On one side, there are thinly sliced, bright green avocado pieces, fanned out neatly in two places. Cherry tomato halves, deep red and glossy, are placed in a group near the chicken and avocado. Lime wedges with a pale green rind are placed around the edges. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a glass jar of white creamy dressing can be seen in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more flavor and juiciness to the salad.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?

You can substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or use mashed avocado blended with lemon juice and garlic for a creamy, dairy-free dressing.

Print

Chicken and Avocado Salad with Skinny Creamy Dressing Recipe

A quick and healthy Chicken and Avocado Salad featuring grilled seasoned chicken breast, fresh avocado, grape tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce, all tossed with a tangy and skinny creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner ready in just 20 minutes.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 medium chicken breast or thigh fillets (skinless and boneless)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dry parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 garlic clove (crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

To Assemble:

  • 1 avocado (peeled, de-seeded and sliced)
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat a grill or griddle pan over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pan, then place the chicken on it. Cook for 7-8 minutes each side, until the outside is golden and crispy and the inside is thoroughly cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing into cubes or thin slices.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, crushed garlic, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, mixing well.
  3. Assemble the Salad: Place the chopped romaine lettuce into a large salad bowl or divide between two individual salad plates. Arrange the sliced chicken, avocado slices, and halved grape tomatoes on top. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad just before serving to enjoy fresh flavors.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier, lower-fat dressing.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juices for better flavor.
  • Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch if desired.

Keywords: Chicken salad, avocado salad, healthy lunch, grilled chicken, creamy dressing, quick salad recipe

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