Are you searching for a light, healthy meal that satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body? Look no further than the Avocado Chicken Tenderloin Salad, a refreshing twist on the classic salad. Combining tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
The star of this dish is the chicken tenderloin, known for its juicy, tender texture. Paired with the smooth richness of avocado, the crisp bite of cucumber, and the sweetness of corn, this salad creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The addition of cherry tomatoes and red onion adds vibrant color and a mild sharpness, while the mixed greens provide a fresh and nutritious base.
To top it all off, a bright and tangy lime dressing ties everything together, elevating the dish with a burst of citrusy freshness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, a light dinner, or even a dish to impress your guests, this Avocado Chicken Tenderloin Salad is versatile enough to fit the bill.
Ingredients for Success
This salad comes together quickly with a few fresh ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken tenderloin, shredded or diced (use grilled, baked, or rotisserie for convenience)
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens, like spinach, arugula, or romaine
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (use fresh, canned, or thawed frozen corn)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, to prevent avocado browning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey or Dijon mustard (optional for a sweet or tangy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken tenderloin isn’t already cooked, season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Then, grill, bake, or poach it until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prep the Veggies
Dice the avocado and toss it with lime juice right away to keep it fresh and green. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. If you’re using fresh corn, quickly blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool it under cold water.
3. Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and either honey or Dijon mustard for added flavor. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, chicken tenderloin, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and corn.
5. Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
6. Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or pita for a heartier meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Avocado Chicken Tenderloin Salad is more than just a healthy option – it’s also a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You can prepare it in advance for a weekday lunch, whip it up as a quick dinner, or even serve it at a gathering for a fresh, crowd-pleasing option. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables makes it both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re a salad lover or simply looking for a new recipe to add to your meal rotation, this Avocado Chicken Tenderloin Salad is a must-try. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors and the feeling of eating a meal that’s as good for you as it is delicious!
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Avocado Chicken Tenderloin Salad
Description
Discover a new twist on a classic favorite with our Avocado Chicken Tenderloin Salad. Perfect for a light and healthy meal, this salad combines succulent chicken tenderloins, creamy avocado, and a bright lime dressing, providing a balance of flavors that’s both delightful and energizing.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
– 2 cups cooked chicken tenderloin, shredded or diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed greens such as spinach, arugula, or romaine
– 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
– 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (to prevent avocado browning)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
– 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp honey or Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– If the chicken tenderloin is not already cooked, season it with salt, pepper, and preferred spices, then grill, bake, or poach until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
– Dice the avocados and immediately toss them with 1 tbsp of lime juice to prevent browning.
– Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
– If using fresh corn, blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool under cold water.
3. Make the Dressing:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and honey or Dijon mustard (if using), then season with salt and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
– In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded chicken tenderloin, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and corn kernels.
5. Dress the Salad:
– Drizzle the lime dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
– Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately, alongside crusty bread or pita for a complete meal.