Avocado-Cilantro Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing and protein-packed salad featuring tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing. Packed with healthy fats and fresh herbs, it's a satisfying meal that requires no cooking. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes blends boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic powder into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, diced red onion, and diced cucumber. Season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then toss until evenly mixed.
  3. Step 3: Add sliced chicken to avocado mixture and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Cilantro Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Avocado-Cilantro Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cilantro Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Avocado-Cilantro Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Avocado-Cilantro Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing?

Mexican salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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