Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

A flavorful high-protein salad bowl featuring spicy blackened chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing for a satisfying clean-eating meal. This American-inspired high-protein recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breast (boneless, skinless), olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Ingredients

• 12 oz chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 medium avocado (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 tbsp cilantro leaves (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)

The instant-read thermometer we’d check this chicken with → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the blackening spice.
2. Step 2: Rub 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mixture. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until blackened and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp olive oil until emulsified.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1 diced medium avocado.
6. Step 6: Top the salad with sliced blackened chicken and drizzle the lime dressing over the bowl. Toss gently and serve immediately.