Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite go-to recipes: Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado! I can’t even begin to express how much I love this dish. It’s not just a salad; it’s a fiesta of flavors that comes together in a fresh, vibrant way. Whenever I need a quick lunch or a delightful dinner, this is my secret weapon. The combination of blackened chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp greens just makes my taste buds sing!
I remember the first time I made this recipe, I had some friends over for a backyard barbecue. It was blazing hot, and I didn’t want to weigh anyone down with something heavy. So, I decided to whip up this salad, and everyone went crazy for it! The smoky, spicy chicken paired with cool avocado is simply divine, and it’s proven to be a crowd-pleaser ever since. Let me walk you through the ingredients and how to make this delightful dish!
What’s in Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado?
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this salad as they grill beautifully and soak up all that delicious blackening seasoning.
Blackening Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! A blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs gives the chicken a spicy and smoky flavor. You can buy it ready-made or whip it up yourself; I’ve done both!
Olive Oil: A touch of good quality olive oil is perfect for searing the chicken and adds a luscious richness to the dish.
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices bring a delightful richness that balances the spices of the chicken. They’re not just delicious; they’re a superfood!
Mixed Greens: A lovely bed of fresh greens such as spinach, arugula, or a spring mix adds a crunchy and refreshing base. I usually just grab whatever looks vibrant at the grocery store.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness add color and freshness to the salad. I usually like to halve them for an easy bite.
Cucumber: Crunchy and refreshing, cucumber adds a lovely contrast to the rich ingredients. I prefer slicing them thin or using a peeler for ribbons.
Is Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrition:
Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein, it helps keep you feeling full and satisfied while supporting muscle health.
Avocado: Loaded with healthy fats and fiber, avocado is known for its heart benefits and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Mixed Greens & Vegetables: These are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, making this salad nutrient-dense. Plus, they add beautiful colors to your plate!
Just a gentle reminder: if you’re watching your sodium intake, try making your own blackening seasoning and choose low-sodium options for any store-bought ingredients.
Ingredients List
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, sliced
This recipe serves about 2-4, depending on how hungry you are (and trust me, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds)!
How to Make Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado?
1. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps get that crispy outer layer!
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil and generously coat both sides with the blackening seasoning.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is well-blackened and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
5. In a large bowl, layer your mixed greens, followed by the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
6. Add the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with additional olive oil or your favorite dressing if desired.
7. Toss gently and serve immediately!
Delicious Variations & Tips
– Feel free to add other veggies or toppings you love! Some of my favorites include sliced bell peppers or crunchy radishes.
– If you’re not in the mood for chicken, this salad works beautifully with grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option!
– For a bit of tang, add a squeeze of lime or lemon over the salad just before serving.
So there you have it! This Blackened Chicken Salad with Avocado is everything I look for in a recipe: easy, fresh, and absolutely mouthwatering! I can’t wait for you to try it out. If you do, please let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
