Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad with Cilantro Yogurt Dressing

This vibrant Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Yogurt Dressing is a fresh, herb-forward dish perfect for a light lunch or satisfying dinner. Crisp romaine and bibb lettuce are tossed with creamy avocado, cool cucumber, and tangy feta, while tender chicken breasts, marinated with garlic and Dijon, provide hearty protein. The star of the dish is the creamy cilantro yogurt dressing, which brings zesty brightness and ties all the flavors together for a refreshing and nutritious meal.

Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad with Cilantro Yogurt Dressing

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories per serving

400

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

• ½ head bibb lettuce, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped

• 1 English cucumber, sliced

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 2 tablespoons feta cheese (optional)

• For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast

• ¼ cup olive oil, divided

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• 3 garlic cloves, pressed

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• For the Cilantro Yogurt Dressing:

• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• ½ cup 2% Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 lime

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon cumin

Directions

• Make the Dressing:
  – Blend all dressing ingredients in a blender or small food processor until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Cook the Chicken:
  – In a bowl, mix ¼ cup olive oil, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with the marinade. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice into strips.
• Assemble the Salad:
  – In a large bowl, combine romaine, bibb lettuce, cilantro, dill, cucumber, avocado, and feta (if using). Top with sliced chicken.
• Toss and Serve:
  – Drizzle with the cilantro yogurt dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Let Chicken Rest After Cooking:
  Resting ensures juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist when sliced.
• Massage the Greens (Optional):
  Lightly massaging the romaine and bibb with a few drops of olive oil enhances texture and flavor.
• Prep Ahead Tip:
  Store components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness and crunch, especially the avocado and dressing.

Quick to prepare and full of fresh flavor, this salad is a perfect go-to for healthy eating without sacrificing taste. Its mix of textures, lean chicken, and tangy dressing makes it a well-rounded, craveable dish that’s easy to customize.