Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s equal parts vibrant, filling, and just plain crave-worthy, the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl deserves a spot in your kitchen lineup. This dish is a total celebration of fresh veggies, perfectly grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and a pop of feta—all tied together with a zippy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s my go-to anytime I need something nutritious, satisfying, and thoroughly delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The joy of this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen, contributing bright colors, bold flavors, and a mix of textures that make every bite exciting. Gather these building blocks and you’ll be only minutes away from salad bliss.

• Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for grilling, chicken breasts form the protein-packed heart of this bowl.
• Olive oil: A little drizzle locks in flavor and helps those cozy grill marks form on the chicken.
• Garlic powder: Adds gentle pungency and depth to every bite—trust me, it’s a must for that savory punch.
• Smoked paprika: A dash provides subtle smoke and color, elevating the whole salad with a hint of warmth.
• Salt: Essential to enhance every other flavor—don’t be shy!
• Black pepper: Just a touch for flecks of heat and balance.
• Mixed greens: The crispy, leafy base that keeps everything light and refreshing.
• Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness brighten up the bowl visually and flavor-wise.
• Avocado: Buttery-smooth slices bring creaminess you absolutely don’t want to skip.
• Cucumber: Cool, crisp rounds lend crunch and a burst of hydration.
• Red onion: Thin slices deliver a pop of zingy sharpness (mild if you soak them briefly in cold water).
• Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, feta delivers tang and just the right touch of saltiness.
• Balsamic vinaigrette: This ties the whole dish together—choose your favorite or go classic for a sweet-tart finish.

How to Make Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Before anything else, set your grill to medium-high heat. This is your ticket to juicy, beautifully charred chicken. You’ll want the grill hot and ready so the chicken cooks through without turning dry—trust me, a great sear is key to the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl experience.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub your chicken breasts with olive oil all over and sprinkle on the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Every inch should get a little love! This flavor-packed rub guarantees each bite will be subtly spicy, smoky, and deeply savory.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Pop the chicken on the hot grill and let it cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temp of 165°F. Your chicken should be golden, a bit charred, and still juicy on the inside. Remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps all those savory juices locked in.

Step 4: Arrange the Salad

In a roomy salad bowl—or create individual servings if you like—arrange your mixed greens as a fluffy bed. Scatter the cherry tomato halves, avocado slices, cucumber rounds, red onion slivers, and crumbled feta over top. Each layer adds color and personality to the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Dress

Slice your rested, juicy grilled chicken and lay it proudly over the veggies. Drizzle generously with balsamic vinaigrette or your personal favorite dressing. The flavors mingle, the colors pop, and suddenly that bowl is irresistible!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can make this salad taste even fresher. Add an extra twist of black pepper or a handful of toasted nuts and seeds if you’re feeling adventurous—it’s your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl, so have fun topping it off!

Side Dishes

This salad bowl stands alone as a main course, but it pairs beautifully with a slice of toasted sourdough, some grilled corn on the cob, or even a cup of chilled gazpacho on hot days. Just a little something on the side rounds out the meal for larger appetites.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the ingredients in a mason jar for an on-the-go lunch, or serve the salad family-style on a big platter for dinner guests. For a twist, offer a mini DIY salad bar and let everyone build their unique Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl—it’s a surefire conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover components in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Cut avocados at the last minute to prevent browning, and store the dressing separately to keep those greens crisp. This way, your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl will taste fresh even a day or two later.

Freezing

While I wouldn’t recommend freezing the whole salad (greens and avocado don’t freeze well), you can absolutely batch-cook and freeze extra grilled chicken for lunches down the line. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

If your chicken needs a little warming, gently reheat the slices in a skillet or microwave until just heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist—then simply build your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl as usual with the fresh veggies and dressing.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp or tofu both make delicious swaps and keep the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl fresh and interesting every time you make it.

What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning?

Slice the avocado just before serving, and if prepping ahead, toss slices with a bit of lemon or lime juice to slow browning. Store tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to keep it looking bright and green.

Which greens are best for this salad?

A mix of spring greens, arugula, spinach, and even romaine works well. Choose what’s in season or whatever you love for a custom Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl.

Is the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your salad dressing label to avoid any hidden gluten.

How do I meal prep this salad?

Grill your chicken and prep your veggies ahead of time, storing components separately. Assemble your Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl just before eating for the freshest texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a feel-good meal that packs in flavor, color, and a refreshing mix of textures, you simply have to try this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl. It’s that perfect balance of healthy and hearty, and I can’t wait for it to become a staple in your kitchen too!

Print