Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing

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

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 ready in about 30 minutes blends chicken breast (boneless, skinless), olive oil, paprika 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 450 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and 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 Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and 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 Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Blackened Chicken Salad Bowl with Avocado and Lime Dressing?

American high protein 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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