Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad with Avocado

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

A refreshing salad with grilled chicken, ripe avocado, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. This latin american-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breasts, avocado, cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.0 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper on both sides. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 juiced lime until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Once chicken is cooked, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. Toss 3 cups mixed greens with 2 tbsp of the cilantro-lime dressing.
  4. Step 4: Divide greens between plates, top with sliced chicken, diced avocado, and drizzle with remaining dressing.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad with Avocado?

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 breasts from drying out.

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

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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken Salad with Avocado 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.

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

Latin American whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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