Why Make This Recipe
Grilled Chicken With Fresh Avocado Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that brings together juicy chicken and a fresh, flavorful salad. This recipe is perfect for warm weather and outdoor cooking, making it an excellent choice for barbecues or family dinners. The combination of grilled chicken, creamy avocados, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates a satisfying meal that is both healthy and delicious. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
How to Make Grilled Chicken With Fresh Avocado Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Each breast should weigh around 6-8 ounces.)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor.)
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is preferable.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 pieces Ripe Avocados, diced (Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure.)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved (Adds sweetness and color.)
- 1 small Red Onion, finely chopped (Soak in cold water to mellow flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice (Enhances flavors of the salad.)
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro, chopped (Adds freshness and herbaceous flavor.)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare salad ingredients by dicing avocados, halving cherry tomatoes, and chopping red onion.
- Add cilantro and lime juice to the salad mixture and gently toss everything together.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Add sliced chicken to the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken With Fresh Avocado Tomato Salad
This dish can be enjoyed as a light main course or served as a side alongside rice or quinoa. It is great for a picnic or a potluck. Serve the salad in a large bowl, topped with the grilled chicken pieces, and offer lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. Garnish with additional cilantro if you like.
How to Store Grilled Chicken With Fresh Avocado Tomato Salad
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and salad separately in airtight containers. The grilled chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. The avocado salad is best eaten the same day due to the avocados browning quickly. If storing the salad, squeeze a little extra lime juice over the avocados to help slow down the browning.
Tips to Make Grilled Chicken With Fresh Avocado Tomato Salad
- Choose ripe avocados: Make sure the avocados are ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Marinating the chicken helps to infuse flavor and keep it juicy.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the chicken marinade for added flavor.
Variation
You can add other ingredients to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or corn for a different twist. You could also use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a variation that suits different dietary preferences.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, Grilled Chicken With Fresh Avocado Tomato Salad is gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in advance and prepare the salad ingredients ahead too. Just assemble everything right before serving to keep the salad fresh.