Main Dish Salad Recipe With Chicken, Avocado And Baby Spinach
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).
This Main Dish Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Baby Spinach is the perfect blend of fresh and flavorful ingredients. With juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender chicken, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love Main Dish Salad Recipe With Chicken, Avocado, And Baby Spinach
- Quick and easy: This salad takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy days when you need a healthy meal fast.
- Nutrient-packed: With lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and a base of nutrient-rich spinach, this salad provides a balanced and filling meal.
- Light yet satisfying: The combination of creamy avocado, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying dish without feeling too heavy.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite extras like nuts, seeds, or other veggies to make this salad your own.
- Healthy and flavorful: With a simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil, this salad is both light and flavorful, highlighting the freshness of each ingredient.
I love to eat main dish salads for lunch. They are so healthy and tasty, and they make you full. This main dish salad has sliced chicken, avocado, tomatoes and baby spinach, with the dressing of freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil.
For this yummy salad you can use leftover chicken, or buy those convenience packaged cooked chicken strips. Of course, you can also cook the chicken breast from scratch just for the salad – the best option for that are individual frozen chicken breasts.
Main Dish Salad Recipe With Chicken, Avocado And Baby Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced: A lean source of protein, perfect for making this salad a filling meal.
- 1/2 avocado, chopped: Adds creaminess and healthy fats, making the salad both delicious and nutritious.
- 1 tomato, chopped: Provides a burst of juicy, fresh flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves: A nutrient-dense leafy green that serves as the perfect base for this salad.
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Used for a light and flavorful dressing, adding healthy fats.
- 1 slice of lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon adds brightness and tang to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to taste to enhance the flavors of the salad.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Main Dish Salad Recipe With Chicken, Avocado, And Baby Spinach
- Knife – For slicing the chicken, avocado, and tomato.
- Cutting board – To chop and prepare all the ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – To toss the spinach with the lemon and olive oil dressing.
- Fork – For tossing the salad and for mashing the avocado, if needed.
- Measuring spoons – To measure the olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing.
Instructions How To Make Salad
- Put the baby spinach leaves in a bowl. Squeeze the lemon slice over them and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the baby spinach leaves so they are coated with the dressing.
- Put the baby spinach leaves on the place. Top with the chopped tomato and avocado pieces. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- Top the salad with the chicken slices.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Note how this salad uses half of an avocado. Are you wondering what to do with the other half so it doesn’t turn brown? Don’t worry – you can store is safely – see how to store half of an avocado.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this salad with cheesy garlic bread or a naan bread for a more filling meal.
- For a refreshing side, pair the salad with a chilled glass of hibiscus iced tea or water with lemon.
- If you’re craving extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, over the salad.
- This salad pairs beautifully with a light soup, like tomato or mushroom spinach soup, for a balanced lunch or dinner.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese or Parmesan for a rich, savory touch to complement the avocado and chicken.
Tips For Success
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, use ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach. Fresh ingredients will make the salad taste bright and vibrant.
- Season to taste: Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the salad. You can also add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, like basil or parsley, for extra flavor.
- Add variety: Feel free to customize this salad by adding other vegetables like cucumbers, red onions, or bell peppers. You can also try different types of greens, such as arugula or mixed greens, for variety.
- Prep ahead: To save time, you can pre-cook the chicken breast and store it in the fridge. When ready to make the salad, just slice the chicken and assemble the ingredients.
- Keep the avocado fresh: If you’re making this salad ahead, wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent it from browning.
Variations And Substitutions
- Protein alternatives: If you don’t have chicken on hand, you can substitute it with grilled shrimp, turkey slices, or even canned tuna for a different twist.
- Add grains: For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice to add extra fiber and texture to the salad.
- Cheese option: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan for a savory, creamy addition that pairs beautifully with the avocado and spinach.
- Different greens: Swap baby spinach for arugula, kale, or mixed greens if you prefer a different leafy base.
- Dressing alternatives: While lemon juice and olive oil keep the salad light, you can use a vinaigrette, balsamic glaze, or a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar for more flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting. Place the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating the chicken: If you prefer warm chicken on your salad, reheat the sliced chicken in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before assembling the salad.
- Make-ahead tips: You can prepare the chicken, avocado, and other ingredients ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing and avocado until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute baby spinach with any leafy greens like arugula, mixed greens, or kale, depending on your preference.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to wait to add the dressing and avocado until right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I add to this salad for extra flavor?
You can add toppings like crumbled feta, sliced cucumbers, red onion, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use your favorite store-bought dressing like a lemon vinaigrette, balsamic dressing, or even a creamy option like Caesar or ranch.
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over it before adding it to the salad. If storing leftovers, keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving.
Other Easy Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Crispy Diced Chicken Breast Recipe: This air fryer recipe delivers perfectly crispy diced chicken breast that’s juicy, tender, and great for salads, wraps, or snacking.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wrap Recipe: This Buffalo chicken wrap is filled with spicy, tangy chicken, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing for a flavorful, quick meal.
Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry: A simple and healthy stir fry made with air-fried chicken and broccoli, perfect for a quick dinner with minimal cleanup.
Chicken Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich Recipe: Enjoy tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and melty cheese on a toasted roll with this classic Chicken Philly Cheese Steak sandwich recipe.
Other Easy Avocado Recipes
Creamy Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie: This Vietnamese avocado smoothie is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet, making it a deliciously refreshing drink.
Chunky Avocado Guacamole Dip with Tomatoes: This chunky guacamole dip combines ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and lime for a fresh and flavorful appetizer or side.
Smoked Salmon and Avocado Wraps Recipe: These smoked salmon and avocado wraps are a light and nutritious meal, combining creamy avocado and savory smoked salmon in a soft tortilla.
Main Dish Salad Recipe With Chicken, Avocado, And Baby Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 cooked chicken breast sliced
- 1/2 avocado chopped
- 1 tomato chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 slice lemon for juice
- 1 tsp Salt to taste
- 1 tsp Pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, add the baby spinach leaves. Squeeze the juice from the lemon slice over the spinach and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the spinach to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Assemble the salad: Place the dressed spinach on a plate. Top with the chopped tomato and avocado pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken: Layer the sliced chicken breast over the salad.
- Serve and enjoy: Your salad is ready to serve. Enjoy as a healthy main dish for lunch or dinner!
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook a fresh chicken breast if you prefer.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, such as fresh basil or parsley.
Nutrition
More Salad Recipes
- Fresh Tomato and Burrata Salad Appetizer
- Apple Raisin Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
- Parmesan Pea and Cherry Tomato Salad
