Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado Sunshine on a Plate

Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado My Sunshine Salad
Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado My Sunshine Salad
By Zelia ThorneUpdated:

Blackened Chicken Salad With Avocado Sunshine On

Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado My Sunshine Salad Recipe Card
Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado My Sunshine Salad Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:10 Mins
Servings:4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts

Calories450
Fat30g
Fiber7g

Recipe Info

CategorySalad
CuisineAmerican

Craving a Salad That Actually Slaps?

Ever stare into the fridge, craving something light but not, you know, boring ? That's exactly how this Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado recipe came about.

Honestly, it's like sunshine on a plate, packed with flavour and goodness.

What's the Story Behind This Chicken And Avocado Dream?

Think Southern spice meets California cool. The blackened spice is awesome. This Salad With Chicken is inspired by Cajun flavours.

It's ridiculously easy. It takes about 45 minutes to get on the table. The recipe makes 4 generous servings. Perfect for sharing or meal prepping.

This Healthy Chicken Dinner is Good For You Too!

Avocado is packed with healthy fats. I try to have some avocados for Easy Chicken Salad , you know? This Blackened Chicken salad is also loaded with protein.

This keeps you full and satisfied. It's also perfect for a summer picnic. This salad is seriously special because it's both healthy and incredibly tasty.

This Spicy Chicken Salad is a little bit of magic. The perfect balance. Ready to dive into the ingredients?

Ingredients & Equipment For Your Best Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado

Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado Sunshine on a Plate presentation

Alright, so you're ready to dive into this amazing Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado ? Awesome! Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of what you'll need.

Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. This Salad With Chicken is about fresh flavors and minimal fuss. It’s perfect for summer.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

For this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe , the Chicken And Avocado are obviously the stars. Here's the breakdown:

  • Chicken: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Good quality chicken is key. Look for plump breasts that aren’t too pale. Color is always important.

  • Avocado: 2 ripe avocados. You want them creamy but not mushy. Seriously, there's nothing worse than a slimy avocado. I like to use Hass avocados.

  • Salad Greens: 4 cups of mixed greens (around 4 oz/115g per person). I love a mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula for a bit of peppery kick.

  • Red Onion: 1/2 cup thinly sliced. (about 55g ). This adds a little sharpness.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1/2 cup halved. (around 85g ). These bursts of sweetness are a must.

  • Cotija Cheese (optional): 1/4 cup crumbled. (about 25g ). Skip it if you're going dairy free.

  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for the chicken and 1/4 cup for the vinaigrette. The quality matters!.

  • Lemon & Lime: 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Your Salad!)

The blackened seasoning is what gives this Easy Chicken Salad its oomph! If you're making your own, think paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of thyme.

But honestly, a good store bought blend works wonders too.

  • Essential Spice Combination: Blackened seasoning! It's what turns boring chicken into Blackened Chicken .

  • Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Honey ( 1 tablespoon ) and Dijon mustard ( 1 teaspoon ) in the dressing add a touch of sweetness and tang.

  • Quick Substitution Options: If you don't have blackened seasoning, a mix of smoked paprika and chili powder will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid

You don't need a ton of fancy gear to whip up this Healthy Chicken Dinner .

  • Essential Tools Only: A large skillet (cast iron is ideal for that smoky Blackened Chicken ), a small mixing bowl, and a whisk.

  • Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do. And if you don't have a skillet, any frying pan will work! This Spicy Chicken Salad is all about adaptability.

Honestly, making this Grilled Chicken Salad is a breeze. Enjoy it!

Nail This Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado

Right then, fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? Forget boring lunches, we are diving into a Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado that will knock your socks off! This isn't just any old Easy Chicken Salad , it's a flavor explosion with a bit of spice and a whole lot of deliciousness.

Seriously, get ready to ditch the diet and grab a fork.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organised. Dice those avocados. Slice the onion. Halve those gorgeous cherry tomatoes. Prepping everything beforehand isn't just for fancy chefs.

It’s for making your life easier! Grab your ingredients: the chicken and avocado , the spices, all of it. Measure out your olive oil, and have the lemon and lime ready for that zingy dressing.

Also, make sure your chicken breasts are patted dry. Trust me, it makes all the difference. Safety first, always. Wash your hands, folks!

Step-by-Step to Salad Nirvana:

  1. Coat the chicken breasts generously with the blackened seasoning. Don’t be shy!
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Get it shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the chicken. Cook for 4- 5 minutes per side. You want a lovely black crust. Don’t move them around too much.
  4. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C . Don't risk serving undercooked chicken!
  5. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
  6. Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients, and that includes, olive oil, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  7. Toss salad greens, avocado , red onion, and tomatoes together.
  8. Slice the chicken and serve this amazing Salad With Chicken . Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with cheese, if using.

Pro Tips for a Blackened Chicken Salad

Honestly, the secret is in the seasoning. I make my own Spicy Chicken Salad rub by blending smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and a pinch of brown sugar.

Adds a real depth of flavour. If you're making this for a Healthy Chicken Dinner option, go easy on the cheese.

Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when blackening the chicken. It steams instead of searing if you cram too much in.

Cook in batches for the best results. And make that dressing ahead of time! It keeps in the fridge for a few days.

Talk about a delicious and fresh Summer Salad Recipes .

I swear, this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is a winner. Enjoy your Grilled Chicken Salad and make sure to prepare your Blackened Chicken Salad Dressing well.

Recipe Notes for Your Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado

Okay, so you’re about to dive into making this amazing Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado , right? Awesome! Before you get started, let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure it turns out perfect .

Honestly, it's all about the details.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Think of your plate as a canvas. For plating, start with a bed of mixed greens. Arrange the Avocado Chicken Salad on top.

A sprinkle of cotija cheese makes it look extra fancy, you know? For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc is just the ticket! If you're feeling peckish, add a side of crusty bread.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Right, so this Easy Chicken Salad is best served fresh. But, if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing isn't really recommended, as the avocado can go a bit funny.

When reheating, just give it a gentle toss and maybe add a fresh squeeze of lime.

Variations: Tweak it Your Way

Fancy a bit of heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Blackened Chicken seasoning for a Spicy Chicken Salad .

Boom! Need a dairy free option? No probs. Just ditch the cotija cheese. For a Mediterranean twist, use feta cheese instead of cotija and add Kalamata olives.

So easy! What about for the cold Summer Salad Recipes ? Use roasted sweet potato for a similar creamy texture to Chicken And Avocado .

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Healthy Chicken Dinner is packed with goodness. We're talking roughly 450 calories, with 35g of protein and 30g of healthy fats.

Plus, all those veggies mean you’re getting a good dose of fiber. It’s a guilt free way to enjoy a seriously tasty Salad With Chicken .

So, there you have it! A few tips and tricks to make your Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado sing. Honestly, this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is a winner.

Give it a go and let me know what you think, yeah? Happy cooking! Now go have a blast making this Grilled Chicken Salad with the best Blackened Chicken Salad Dressing !

Delicious Blackened Chicken Salad Your Ultimate Summer Meal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado difficult to make? I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen.

Fear not, this recipe is easier than making a cuppa! It's more about assembling fresh ingredients than requiring any fancy chef skills. The blackening part just needs a bit of attention, but even a beginner can achieve it with a bit of practice. You'll be serving up sunshine on a plate in no time!

Can I make the Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado ahead of time? I'm always rushing around like a blue arsed fly!

You can definitely prep some components in advance to save time. The vinaigrette can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and the greens from getting soggy. Nobody wants a droopy salad!

What's the best way to store leftover Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado? I always end up with too much!

Store any leftover chicken and salad separately. The dressed salad will get soggy, so it's best to keep the vinaigrette on the side as well. The cooked chicken will last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, avocado doesn't store very well once it's cut, so it's best to use it fresh.

I'm watching my waistline. Is this Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado a healthy option?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and vitamins and minerals from the greens and vegetables. To make it even healthier, you could reduce the amount of olive oil in the vinaigrette, or use a lighter sweetener like stevia instead of honey.

Remember, everything in moderation, even healthy food!

I don't have cotija cheese. Is there a good substitute for this Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado?

No worries, cheese is always replaceable! Feta cheese is a great alternative that will add a salty and tangy flavor. If you're going dairy free, you can simply omit the cheese altogether, or add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for some extra crunch and flavor. A little goes a long way!

Can I use a different protein if I don't fancy chicken?

Absolutely! Blackened shrimp is a fantastic alternative that cooks up quickly and has a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, try grilled halloumi cheese, which provides a satisfyingly salty and chewy element. You could even use chickpeas for a vegan protein boost.

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