Looking for a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for any meal? The Herbed Chicken Tenderloin and Avocado Salad might just be your next favorite. With the savory richness of herbed chicken tenderloins combined with creamy avocado and a medley of fresh vegetables, this salad is both a feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a light yet satisfying main course or as an impressive side dish, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Why This Salad Stands Out
This salad combines a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken is seasoned with herbs and paired with creamy avocado, which balances perfectly with the crunch of fresh vegetables. Each bite offers a refreshing mix of tastes, from the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and corn to the crispness of cucumber and bell peppers, all brought together with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins: These provide a lean source of protein and are lightly seasoned with oregano for flavor.
- 1 ripe avocado, diced: Creamy avocado adds richness and a delightful smooth texture.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, these add a pop of color and flavor.
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness to balance the sweetness of other ingredients.
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels or canned, drained: Adds sweetness and a bit of chewiness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Brings an aromatic freshness that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced: For a hint of sweetness and a vibrant splash of color.
- 1 lemon, juiced: The citrusy zing brightens the dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat that binds the flavors together in the dressing.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds herby warmth to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How to Make It:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by seasoning the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. You can either grill or pan-sear the chicken until it’s fully cooked. Once done, let the tenderloins rest for a few minutes to retain their juices, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad ingredients:
- Dice the avocado.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- If you’re using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. If using canned, make sure to drain it well.
- Dice the red bell pepper.
- Finally, chop the fresh basil, which will bring a lovely aroma to the dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad In a large bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables – avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, red bell pepper – and sprinkle the chopped basil over the mix. Add the sliced chicken tenderloin to the bowl, creating a beautifully vibrant and nutritious salad.
Step 4: Dress and Serve Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a simple but zesty dressing. Pour it over the salad and toss everything gently to ensure the flavors are well combined. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and the bright flavors at their peak.
Serving Suggestions
This Herbed Chicken Tenderloin and Avocado Salad can easily stand alone as a light meal, especially if you’re craving something healthy and filling. However, if you’re hosting a gathering or looking to create a more substantial spread, it pairs wonderfully with grilled bread or a side of quinoa for a bit of added heartiness.
Final Thoughts
This salad is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that bring together protein, healthy fats, and vibrant vegetables. It’s light, flavorful, and nutritious, making it a versatile dish for any occasion – whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing side at a dinner party. With its refreshing taste and colorful presentation, it’s sure to leave everyone satisfied.
Enjoy the delicious combination of herbed chicken and avocado in every bite!
PrintHerbed Chicken Tenderloin and Avocado Salad
Description
This delectable salad combines savory herbed chicken tenderloins with the fresh taste of avocado and colorful vegetables. Perfect as a satisfying meal or an impressive side dish for your next dinner party.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenderloins
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh corn kernels or canned, drained
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Chicken Tenderloins: Season the tenderloins with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, then let rest before slicing.
Avocado: Peel and dice the avocado.
Tomatoes: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
Cucumber: Thinly slice the cucumber.
Onion: Thinly slice the red onion.
Corn: If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. If using canned corn, drain it thoroughly.
Bell Pepper: Dice the red bell pepper.
Basil: Chop the fresh basil.
Combine the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and red bell pepper.
Add the chopped basil for an aromatic touch.
Add the sliced chicken tenderloin for protein and flavor.
Dress the Salad:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Serve:
Serve immediately to savor the freshest flavors. This salad is delightful on its own or paired with another light dish.