Description
A fresh and nourishing salad featuring grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and cucumber, all tossed in a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. This quick and satisfying dish is perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner, and it comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
-
- For the Chicken:
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
-
- For the Salad:
- 5 cups chopped lettuce (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Rub with hot sauce and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 165°F. Rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, add chopped lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble: Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently. Top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Add crunch with roasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Top with crumbled feta for extra tang.
- Swap lemon juice for balsamic or red wine vinegar for a different dressing twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (1/2 of recipe)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
