Avocado-Cucumber Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing

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

A refreshing, protein-rich salad featuring tender chicken and cool cucumber in a zesty lime dressing, ideal for warm days. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (high-protein, dairy-free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs chicken breast, avocado, cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 6 oz chicken breast with 1/4 tsp sea salt. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 medium avocado and 1/2 medium cucumber into 1/2-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl and add 2 tbsp finely chopped chives.
  3. Step 3: Squeeze juice from 1 medium lime over the vegetables, then add 1 tbsp olive oil and toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Slice cooked chicken into thin strips, add to the bowl with avocado and cucumber, and toss to combine. Season with additional salt if needed before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cucumber 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-Cucumber Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Avocado-Cucumber Chicken Salad with Lime Dressing high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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