Citrus-Chicken Salad with Avocado
A bright, quick weeknight salad featuring citrus-marinated chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp greens. This dish blends fresh flavors with a bubbly lime-orange vinaigrette for a healthy, satisfying bite.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)Ingredients(scaled)
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon lime zest
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons orange juice
- ½ tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cups mixed salad greens
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ ripe avocado, sliced
- ½ small cucumber, sliced
- ½ 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- ½ 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pepitas (optional for crunch)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through; rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, orange juice, lime zest, honey, and Dijon mustard; drizzle in the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to emulsify.
- Toss greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and cilantro in a large bowl. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with citrus dressing.
- Sprinkle almonds or pepitas over salad for crunch. Serve immediately, with extra citrus on the side if desired.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Pound chicken to even thickness for quicker, uniform cooking.
- Use a hot pan and minimal turning for a golden sear.
- Add a splash of charred corn for extra color and sweetness if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread or a light quinoa side to round out the meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers; assemble fresh for best texture.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
| calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| protein | 32 |
| carbohydrates | 14 |
| fat | 26 |
Community Ratings & Comments
No ratings yet. Be the first!
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to leave one!