Salads are a great way to incorporate fresh, healthy ingredients into your diet. They can be a meal on their own or a refreshing side dish.

If you’re looking for a salad that is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavors, then this rustic salad with grilled chicken and avocado is the perfect choice. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of textures, this salad is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering salad:.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• For the dressing:
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation of this delicious rustic salad:.

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1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the chicken breasts.
3. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Set them aside to cool down slightly.
4. In the meantime, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
5. Once the chicken has cooled down, slice it into thin strips.
6. In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts.
7. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring every ingredient is coated in the flavorful dressing.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious rustic salad with grilled chicken and avocado!

Tips

To make this salad even more enjoyable, here are a few tips:.

• For more smoky flavor, you can add a hint of chipotle powder to the chicken rub.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding or substituting ingredients to suit your taste. Some great additions could be roasted corn, black beans, or even fresh mango chunks.
• If you’re following a gluten-free diet, ensure that your choice of Dijon mustard is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
• If you’re meal-prepping, remember to keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.

Conclusion

This rustic salad with grilled chicken and avocado is a true delight for your taste buds. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s packed with nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a post-workout meal, or a healthy dinner option, this salad is a fantastic choice. So, grab your ingredients, fire up that grill, and enjoy this delicious and refreshing salad!.