If you’re craving a light yet flavorful meal that bursts with freshness, this Herbed Chicken Tenderloin and Avocado Salad will surely hit the spot. Combining juicy chicken tenderloin, creamy avocado, and a colorful array of vegetables, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. The zesty lime-cilantro dressing ties all the elements together, making each bite a refreshing delight. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a light dinner, this dish is versatile and satisfying.

What Makes This Salad Special?

This salad stands out because it’s more than just a mix of greens. The chicken tenderloin adds protein, making the salad substantial and filling. Avocado brings a creamy texture along with healthy fats, while cucumber and cherry tomatoes contribute a crisp and refreshing crunch. Adding hard-boiled eggs ensures extra richness and nutrition, and kalamata olives lend a savory, briny flavor that elevates the whole dish. The star of the show, however, is the vibrant lime-cilantro dressing, which adds a tangy kick that ties all the ingredients together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

Chicken tenderloin: Provides lean protein to keep you full and energized.
Avocado: Rich in healthy fats, giving the salad a smooth, creamy texture.
Cucumber: Adds a crisp freshness to balance the richness of the avocado.
Hard-boiled eggs: Boosts the protein content and adds extra flavor.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness complements the savory ingredients.
Fresh spinach or kale: The base of the salad, offering a nutrient-packed green.
Kalamata olives: These briny delights give the salad an extra burst of flavor.

For the Dressing:

Lime juice: Adds a citrusy tang.
Fresh cilantro: Brings an herby freshness that pairs perfectly with lime.
Garlic cloves: Adds depth and flavor.
Honey: Balances the tartness of the lime with a touch of sweetness.
Olive oil: Smooths out the dressing and brings all the ingredients together.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning, enhancing the overall taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenderloin with salt and pepper to taste. You can cook the chicken using your preferred method—whether it’s grilling for a smoky flavor, baking for a leaner option, or pan-searing for a golden, crispy crust.
Slice the Avocado and Cucumber: Cut the avocado and cucumber into slices to add a creamy and crisp contrast to the salad.
Prepare the Eggs: Hard-boil your eggs, then cut them in half for a rich addition to the salad.
Wash the Tomatoes and Greens: Rinse the cherry tomatoes and your choice of spinach or kale thoroughly. These will add color and freshness to the plate.
Assemble the Salad: On a large plate, arrange the cooked chicken tenderloin, avocado, cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and spinach or kale.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This lime-cilantro dressing will add a zesty, refreshing finish to your salad.
Finish with Olives: Scatter the kalamata olives on top for a savory, briny flavor that complements the freshness of the other ingredients.
Drizzle and Serve: Pour the lime-cilantro dressing over the assembled salad. Enjoy the delightful mix of textures and flavors with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This herbed chicken tenderloin and avocado salad strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and healthiness. It’s rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, making it an excellent choice for those looking to eat well without sacrificing taste. The dressing, infused with lime and cilantro, adds a bright and zesty note that keeps the dish light and refreshing. Plus, it’s easy to customize—swap out spinach for kale or add other veggies based on what you have on hand!

Whether you’re making this for a quick solo meal or serving it up for a gathering, this salad is sure to impress.

Herbed Chicken Tenderloin and Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing

Author: Alice

Print Recipe

Description

Looking for a fresh and vibrant meal? Try this Herbed Chicken Tenderloin and Avocado Salad. Featuring juicy chicken tenderloin, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

For the Salad:
– Chicken tenderloin
– Avocado, sliced
– Cucumber, sliced
– Hard-boiled eggs, halved
– Cherry tomatoes
– Fresh spinach or kale
– Kalamata olives

For the Dressing:
– Lime juice
– Fresh cilantro
– Garlic cloves
– Honey
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Season the chicken tenderloin with salt and pepper and cook to your desired doneness using your preferred method such as grilling or baking.
2. Slice the avocado and cucumber.
3. Prepare the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half.
4. Wash the cherry tomatoes.
5. Rinse the fresh spinach or kale thoroughly and prepare them for the salad.
6. Arrange the cooked chicken tenderloin, avocado, cucumber, eggs, tomatoes, and spinach or kale on a plate.
7. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Whisk until well combined.
8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
9. Add kalamata olives for a delicious briny flavor.