This grilled chicken, avocado and tomato salad with honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette is a delightful mixture of fresh, earthy flavors. It's a perfect combination of lean protein, healthy fats and vibrant vegetables, all brought together with a tangy and aromatic vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side at dinner or even a main course on its own.
The ingredients in this recipe are all commonly found in most supermarkets. However, queso fresco, a type of Mexican cheese, might not be as commonly available in some locations. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with feta cheese or any mildly flavored, crumbly cheese.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Tomato Salad with Honey-Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette
Chicken breast: This lean protein source is grilled to perfection, providing rich flavor and a hearty texture to the salad.
Romaine lettuce: A crunchy base for our salad, romaine lettuce is full of fiber and nutrients.
Grape tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes add a burst of fresh flavor to the salad.
Fresh corn: Adding a touch of sweetness and crunch, fresh corn also provides additional fiber.
Avocados: Avocados contribute creamy texture and healthy fats to the salad.
Queso fresco: This fresh, mild cheese adds a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
Lime juice: Fresh lime juice gives the vinaigrette a tangy kick.
Honey: Honey balances out the tartness of the lime juice with its natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to the vinaigrette, enhancing the other flavors.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor to the vinaigrette.
Garlic: A clove of garlic provides a pungent depth of flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the salad.
Olive oil: The base of our vinaigrette, olive oil also helps to carry and meld the flavors.
One reader, Angelique Rea says:
This grilled chicken, avocado, and tomato salad with honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the vinaigrette adds a zesty kick. The combination of fresh ingredients makes it a refreshing and satisfying meal. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a healthy and delicious dining experience.
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Salad
Grilling the chicken: The chicken breasts should be seasoned with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices before grilling. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Making the honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette: In a blender, combine lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until the cilantro is finely chopped. With the blender set on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until the vinaigrette is slightly thickened.
Assembling the salad: Layer the romaine lettuce onto serving plates, then divide the grilled chicken, grape tomatoes, fresh corn, sliced avocados, and crumbled queso fresco among the plates. Drizzle the salad with the desired amount of honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette. Alternatively, all salad ingredients can be added to a salad bowl, tossed with the vinaigrette, and then served.
How To Make Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Tomato Salad with Honey-Lime, Cilantro Vinaigrette
This tomato salad is brimming with flavors from the grilled chicken, creamy avocado, corn, & fresh lettuce. They’re all tossed in a sweet & tangy dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbchicken breast,boneless skinless, grilled and diced into strips
- 1headRomaine lettuce,torn into bite size pieces
- 1pintgrape tomatoes,sliced into halves
- 1cupfresh corn,(from about 2 ears of corn)
- 2avocados,diced
- 4ozQueso Fresco,or Feta cheese, crumbled
For Honey-Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette:
- 3tbspfresh lime juice
- 3tbsphoney
- 3tbsprice vinegar
- ¼cuplightly cilantro,packed
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓cupolive oil
Instructions
-
To assemble salad, layer lettuce onto serving plates, then divide remaining ingredients among plates over lettuce and drizzle with desired amount of vinaigrette, or alternately add all salad ingredients to a salad bowl and toss with desired amount of vinaigrette and serve.
Vinaigrette:
-
In a blender combine lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper and pulse mixture until cilantro has been finely chopped.
-
With blender set on low speed (remove the center circular attachment from lid), slowly drizzle olive oil into blender in a slow and steady stream, then blend for 20 more seconds until slightly thickened.
Nutrition
- Calories: 731.76kcal
- Fat: 51.18g
- Saturated Fat: 11.54g
- Trans Fat: 0.36g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 29.22g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.78g
- Carbohydrates: 40.10g
- Fiber: 12.36g
- Sugar: 20.91g
- Protein: 35.01g
- Cholesterol: 92.14mg
- Sodium: 1354.51mg
- Calcium: 259.91mg
- Potassium: 1518.97mg
- Iron: 3.78mg
- Vitamin A: 824.18µg
- Vitamin C: 34.81mg
Pro Tip for Perfectly Grilled Chicken in Salads
When grilling the chicken, ensure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety. Using a meat thermometer will provide the most accurate reading. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken. For the avocados, choose ones that are ripe but still firm. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. This ensures they hold their shape in the salad. Lastly, when making the honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette, add the olive oil slowly to ensure it emulsifies properly with the other ingredients. This will give your dressing a smooth, creamy texture rather than separating into layers.
Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing This Delicious Salad
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the vinaigrette the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time.
Prep ingredients in advance: Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado ahead of time for quick assembly when ready to serve.
Multi-task: While grilling the chicken, prepare the vinaigrette and assemble the salad ingredients to save time.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp knife will make chopping and slicing ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to streamline the cooking process.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize clean-up time at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Tomato Salad with Honey-Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe
Grilled chicken - Substitute with grilled tofu: Grilled tofu can provide a similar texture and smoky flavor to grilled chicken, making it a great vegetarian alternative.
Avocado - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber can add a refreshing crunch and a mild, watery texture similar to avocado, making it a suitable substitute in the salad.
Tomato - Substitute with bell pepper: Bell pepper can provide a similar juicy and slightly sweet flavor to tomatoes, adding a pop of color and freshness to the salad.
Honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar offers a similar sweetness to honey and can be used in the vinaigrette to achieve a comparable flavor profile.
Lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a tangy and citrusy flavor similar to lime juice, making it a suitable replacement in the vinaigrette.
Cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can offer a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro, providing a vibrant element to the vinaigrette.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can provide a similar richness and smooth texture to olive oil, making it a suitable substitute in the vinaigrette.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Avocado and Tomato Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the grilled chicken, avocado, and tomato salad with precision and attention to detail. Ensure each ingredient is showcased beautifully on the plate, creating an inviting and visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize the natural colors of the fresh ingredients to create a visually stunning dish. The bright green avocados, red tomatoes, and golden corn will add a pop of color to the plate, enhancing its overall appeal.
Focus on balance and symmetry: Arrange the components of the salad in a balanced and symmetrical manner, creating a harmonious visual composition that reflects the care and thought put into the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a delicate touch to the presentation by garnishing the salad with vibrant microgreens, such as cilantro or arugula, to impart a fresh and elegant finish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated and refined serving ware that complements the dish, such as minimalist white plates or artisanal ceramic platters, to elevate the overall presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Skillfully drizzle the honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette in an artistic manner, adding a touch of finesse to the plating and enhancing the visual appeal of the salad.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Grilled Chicken Salad
To store the grilled chicken, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The chicken can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before reheating.
The honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give the vinaigrette a good shake or stir before using it, as the ingredients may separate over time.
It's best to store the salad ingredients separately and assemble the salad just before serving. The lettuce, grape tomatoes, and corn can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The avocados should be stored at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerated until ready to use. To store cut avocados, squeeze some lime juice over the exposed flesh to prevent browning, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days.
The queso fresco can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
When ready to serve, assemble the salad by layering the lettuce, grilled chicken, grape tomatoes, corn, avocados, and queso fresco on a plate or in a bowl. Drizzle the desired amount of honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette over the top and enjoy!
How to Reheat Leftover Grilled Chicken Salad
- To reheat leftover grilled chicken, avocado and tomato salad with honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette, start by removing the avocado from the salad, as it may become mushy when reheated.
- Place the remaining salad ingredients, including the grilled chicken, tomatoes, corn, and queso fresco, in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the salad from drying out during reheating.
- Microwave the salad on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are warm.
- While the salad is reheating, slice the reserved avocado and set it aside.
- Once the salad is heated, transfer it to a serving plate and top it with the freshly sliced avocado.
- Drizzle the reserved honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette over the salad, adding more if desired.
- If the vinaigrette has separated or thickened during storage, whisk it briefly or shake it in a sealed jar to recombine the ingredients before drizzling it over the salad.
- For best results, consume the reheated salad immediately to ensure the grilled chicken and vegetables maintain their texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a cold salad, you can also enjoy the leftover grilled chicken, avocado, and tomato salad straight from the refrigerator, without reheating, for a refreshing and convenient meal.
Surprising Trivia About Honey-Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette
Grilled chicken, avocado, and tomato salad with honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette is a nutritious and delicious meal. It's a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and the vinaigrette adds a zesty and refreshing flavor to the salad. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with additional ingredients such as grilled corn, black beans, or red onion. The combination of flavors and textures makes this salad a crowd-pleaser, and it's a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly: Making This Salad at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this grilled chicken, avocado and tomato salad with honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette recipe is quite favorable. The use of affordable ingredients such as chicken breast, romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, avocados, and corn makes it a budget-friendly option for a household. The vinaigrette ingredients like lime juice, honey, and cilantro are also reasonably priced. Overall, this recipe offers a healthy and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $20, earning a solid 9/10 rating for cost-effectiveness.
Is This Grilled Chicken Salad Healthy?
This grilled chicken, avocado, and tomato salad with honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. The recipe incorporates a variety of healthy ingredients:
- Chicken breast provides lean protein
- Romaine lettuce is rich in vitamins and minerals
- Tomatoes and avocados offer heart-healthy fats and antioxidants
- Fresh corn adds dietary fiber and nutrients
- The homemade vinaigrette uses wholesome ingredients like lime juice, honey, and olive oil
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the salad even healthier:
- The queso fresco, while adding flavor, also contributes saturated fat and sodium to the dish
- The honey in the vinaigrette, although natural, still adds sugar to the recipe
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a low-fat or fat-free cheese alternative to reduce the saturated fat content
- Reduce the amount of honey in the vinaigrette or replace it with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia to minimize added sugars
- Add more colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to increase the variety of vitamins and minerals
- Include a whole grain, like quinoa or brown rice, to boost the fiber content and make the salad more satiating
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the vinaigrette, like basil or cumin, to add flavor without relying on salt or sugar
Editor's Take: Why This Salad Recipe Is a Must-Try
The combination of grilled chicken, avocado, and tomato salad with honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The freshness of the ingredients paired with the zesty vinaigrette creates a harmonious balance. The addition of queso fresco adds a creamy and slightly salty element, elevating the dish. The vinaigrette's sweet and tangy notes complement the grilled chicken beautifully. Overall, this recipe is a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Enhance Your Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Tomato Salad with Honey-Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Salad
Why trust this Grilled Chicken, Avocado & Tomato Salad with Honey-Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. The honey-lime cilantro vinaigrette adds a burst of zesty flavor, perfectly complementing the dish. With fresh corn and queso fresco adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The honey in the vinaigrette balances the tangy lime juice and rice vinegar, creating a well-rounded dressing that ties the salad together. Trust in the vibrant colors and vibrant flavors of this dish for a delightful culinary experience.
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