This Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad is a marvel of flavors and textures, and it's packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables. The zesty chimichurri sauce doubles as a marinade, giving the chicken an incredible depth of flavor, while the fresh avocado adds creaminess to every bite.
The authentic chimichurri needed for this recipe is a green sauce used for grilled meat, originally from Argentina. It's made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, and white vinegar. While it's not commonly found in every kitchen, it's easy to make from scratch or can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
Authentic chimichurri: This herby, tangy, garlicky, sauce originated in Argentina and is incredibly versatile. It serves as the marinade for the chicken and the dressing for the salad.
Chicken thigh fillets: These are chosen for their flavor and tenderness, absorbing the chimichurri marinade beautifully.
Olive oil: Used for grilling the chicken, it helps to brown and crisp the surface while keeping the insides juicy.
Romaine lettuce leaves: Adds a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.
Ripe tomatoes: Adds sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors in the salad.
Red onion: Gives a sharp, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
Avocados: Brings a creamy, cooling element to the salad, complementing the spicy chimichurri.
Fresh parsley leaves: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter touch to round out the salad.
One reader, Doralynne Hickey says:
This grilled chimichurri chicken avocado salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and fresh. The chimichurri adds a zesty kick to the tender chicken, and the creamy avocado complements it perfectly. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a healthy and delicious meal.
Essential Techniques for Making Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe
How to make authentic chimichurri: This involves blending together fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes until a coarse sauce is formed. The chimichurri should be allowed to sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How to marinate the chicken: The chicken fillets should be coated with 4 tablespoons of chimichurri and allowed to marinate for 20 minutes, if time allows. The remaining chimichurri should be refrigerated to be used as a dressing later.
How to grill the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, then grill the chicken fillets on each side until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through. Once cooked, the chicken should be set aside to rest before slicing into strips.
How to prepare the salad: The salad should be prepared with romaine lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado slices. It should be drizzled with the remaining chimichurri dressing and garnished with fresh parsley leaves before serving.
How To Make Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
All the flavors of a classic chimichurri sauce can be found in this chicken avocado salad. The dish comes with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and onions as well.
Serves:
Ingredients
- One batch Authentic Chimichurri
- 4skinless chicken thigh fillets,or chicken breasts, no bone
- 1tspolive oil
- 5cupsRomaine lettuce leaves,washed and dried
- 3ripe tomatoes,sliced
- ½red onion,sliced
- 2avocados,sliced
- Fresh parsley leaves,to garnish
Instructions
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Make a batch of Chimichurri using the recipe in the notes below.
-
Pour 4 tablespoons of Chimichurri out into a shallow dish to coat the chicken fillets, and allow to marinate for 20 minutes (if time allows). Refrigerate the reserved untouched marinade to use as a dressing.
-
Heat the oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and grill chicken fillets on each side until golden, crispy and cooked through. Once chicken is cooked, set aside and allow to rest.
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Slice chicken into strips and prepare salad with leaves, tomatoes, onion and avocado slices.
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Drizzle with remaining Chimichurri dressing and serve with (optional) extra parsley leaves.
Recipe Notes
Recipe for authentic chimichurri.
Nutrition
- Calories: 437.26kcal
- Fat: 24.19g
- Saturated Fat: 4.47g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.60g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.93g
- Carbohydrates: 15.58g
- Fiber: 9.35g
- Sugar: 4.45g
- Protein: 41.67g
- Cholesterol: 181.42mg
- Sodium: 200.57mg
- Calcium: 58.34mg
- Potassium: 1343.27mg
- Iron: 3.00mg
- Vitamin A: 317.12µg
- Vitamin C: 26.73mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. Also, allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps to redistribute the juices throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and moist. For the chimichurri marinade, the longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful it will be. However, don't marinate it for too long as the acidity from the marinade can start to break down the meat and make it mushy. Ideally, 20 minutes to 2 hours is a good marinating time.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
Marinate in advance: Marinate the chicken in the chimichurri ahead of time, even overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse and save time on the day of cooking.
Prep ingredients simultaneously: While the chicken is marinating, prep the salad ingredients to make the cooking process more efficient.
Use pre-made chimichurri: To save time, consider using store-bought chimichurri sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Grill in batches: If you're cooking for a larger group, grill the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Pre-slice the vegetables: Pre-slice the tomatoes, onions, and avocados in advance to streamline the salad preparation process.
Multi-task: While the chicken is grilling, toss the salad ingredients together to save time and ensure everything is ready to serve simultaneously.
Invest in a good grill pan: Using a high-quality grill pan can help cook the chicken evenly and efficiently, saving time and ensuring great flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe
authentic chimichurri - Substitute with parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, olive oil: If you don't have authentic chimichurri, you can make a substitute using these common ingredients to achieve a similar flavor profile.
skinless chicken thigh fillets - Substitute with boneless chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative to thigh fillets, and it works well in grilled recipes like this one.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and flavor profile to olive oil, making it a suitable substitute for grilling the chicken.
romaine lettuce leaves - Substitute with baby spinach leaves: Baby spinach can be a great alternative to romaine lettuce, offering a different texture and a boost of nutrients to the salad.
ripe tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute for ripe tomatoes, providing a sweet and juicy flavor to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with sweet onion: Sweet onions can be a milder alternative to red onions, adding a subtle sweetness to the salad.
avocados - Substitute with mangoes: If you're looking for a unique twist, ripe mangoes can be used as a substitute for avocados, offering a sweet and tropical flavor to the salad.
fresh parsley leaves - Substitute with cilantro leaves: Cilantro can be used as an alternative to parsley, providing a fresh and citrusy flavor to the chimichurri dressing.
How to Beautifully Present This Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the grilled chimichurri chicken avocado salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate the bright green chimichurri, red tomatoes, and creamy avocado to create a visually stunning and appetizing dish.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each ingredient, ensuring that the salad is meticulously arranged to showcase the flavors and textures.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the salad to stand out.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a final touch of elegance by delicately garnishing the dish with fresh parsley leaves, enhancing the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
Grill pan or skillet: A grill pan or skillet is used to cook the chicken fillets over medium-high heat, giving them a golden, crispy exterior while ensuring they are cooked through.
Food processor: A food processor is used to prepare the authentic chimichurri, blending the ingredients into a flavorful sauce for marinating the chicken and dressing the salad.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used to marinate the chicken fillets in the chimichurri sauce, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat before grilling.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad: A Guide
To store the grilled chimichurri chicken avocado salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chimichurri dressing separate from the salad ingredients to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
If you want to freeze the grilled chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding it to the salad.
The chimichurri sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
It's best to prepare the avocado and tomatoes fresh when ready to serve the salad, as they don't store or freeze well. If you have leftover avocado, sprinkle it with some lemon juice or lime juice to prevent browning, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
When ready to serve the salad, assemble the lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and avocado in a bowl. Reheat the grilled chicken if desired, and add it to the salad. Drizzle with the reserved chimichurri dressing and enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
Reheat the grilled chicken in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
For the salad greens, it's best to store them separately from the chicken and dressing to prevent them from becoming soggy. If the greens have wilted, you can refresh them by soaking them in cold water for a few minutes, then draining and patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
If the avocado has turned brown due to oxidation, gently scrape off the discolored layer with a spoon and discard it. The green flesh underneath should still be fresh and edible.
To reheat the chimichurri sauce, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
When reassembling the salad, place the reheated chicken on top of the refreshed greens, and add freshly sliced tomatoes, red onion, and avocado if desired. Drizzle the warmed chimichurri sauce over the salad and garnish with fresh parsley leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
If you find that the salad has lost some of its flavor after being stored, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of salt and pepper to brighten up the taste before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe
Chimichurri is a traditional Argentine sauce that is often used as a marinade or condiment for grilled meats. It is made with a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, giving it a vibrant and flavorful profile.
Is Making Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled chimichurri chicken avocado salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken thigh fillets, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of simple, fresh ingredients makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Grilled Chicken Salad Healthy?
The grilled chimichurri chicken avocado salad recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. The use of skinless chicken thigh fillets provides lean protein, while the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and avocado offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The chimichurri sauce, made with fresh herbs and olive oil, adds flavor and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish. Overall, this salad is a well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for organic ingredients whenever possible to reduce exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals
- Use a mix of different lettuce varieties, such as spinach or arugula, to increase the nutrient diversity of the salad
- Add other colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers to boost the fiber and antioxidant content
- Incorporate whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the chimichurri sauce to add more flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar
- Choose ripe, but firm avocados to ensure optimal taste and texture while minimizing the risk of consuming overripe, nutrient-depleted fruit
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
The grilled chimichurri chicken avocado salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tangy and herbaceous chimichurri complements the grilled chicken beautifully, while the creamy avocado adds a luscious richness to the salad. The fresh vegetables provide a crisp and refreshing contrast, making each bite a burst of vibrant flavors. This recipe is a perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, making it a versatile and satisfying dish for any occasion.
Enhance Your Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Tasty Alternatives to Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe
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Why trust this Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful experience with its authentic chimichurri made from fresh parsley and olive oil. The grilled chicken is marinated in the chimichurri, ensuring a burst of zesty flavors in every bite. The addition of ripe avocado and juicy tomatoes complements the dish with a creamy and refreshing touch. The use of romaine lettuce provides a crisp and nutritious base. With the careful selection of high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying salad that users can trust and enjoy.
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