Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad

This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad combines juicy, marinated grilled chicken with creamy avocado, fresh greens, and a zesty lime dressing. The dish balances traditional flavors with a creative twist, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner. It's packed with protein and healthy fats, meeting dietary needs for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, romaine)
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
6. Add the sliced grilled chicken to the salad, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to combine. Top with feta cheese if desired.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if preferred.