This Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad is a vibrant and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with juicy berries, creamy avocado, and savory grilled chicken, this salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious option that works well as a light lunch or dinner. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a healthy meal, this salad will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold flavors: The combination of sweet berries and savory grilled chicken creates a taste explosion in every bite.
Nutritious ingredients: This salad is loaded with vitamins and minerals from fresh produce, making it both healthy and satisfying.
Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side salad, suitable for any occasion from picnics to dinner parties.
Diet-friendly: This recipe is Paleo, dairy-free, and has a Whole30 friendly option, catering to various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparing your Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad even easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Blender
Skillet
Mixing bowls
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while imparting delicious smoky flavors.
Blender: Perfect for creating a smooth dressing that ties all the flavors together seamlessly.
Skillet: Useful for toasting nuts or cooking other ingredients without needing an oven.
Tongs: Handy for flipping chicken on the grill or tossing salad ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

This grilled chicken salad is packed with flavor with sweet juicy berries, avocado, and a raspberry vinaigrette along with savory grilled chicken, spinach, and walnuts. It’s Paleo, dairy-free, and has a Whole30 friendly option. Perfect for a light healthy lunch or dinner!

For the Dressing

1 cup berries of choice (sliced if using strawberries)
1/3 cup avocado oil
2 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp stone ground mustard
1/2 Tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey) (Omit for Whole30)
1/2 tsp onion powder
Sea salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Salad

1 cup walnuts halves/pieces
2 Tbsp maple sugar (or coconut sugar)
1 Tbsp ghee
Sea salt
1.25 lbs chicken breast (2-3 breasts pounded to even thickness)
Sea salt and black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp avocado oil
8 oz baby spinach (chopped if desired)
1 cup strawberries (sliced)
1 cup blueberries
1 cup raspberries
1 large avocado

How to Make Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by making the dressing that will elevate your salad’s flavor profile.
1. Place all dressing ingredients except salt and pepper in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

The grilled chicken adds protein to your salad while enhancing its taste.
1. Drizzle the chicken breasts with avocado oil, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Season them with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Grill the chicken covered for about 6-7 minutes per side or until no longer pink in the center. Set aside when done.

Step 3: Candied Walnuts (Optional)

If you want to add some sweetness to your walnuts:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, toss walnuts with maple sugar or coconut sugar.
2. Sprinkle with sea salt and add ghee.
3. Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes; lower heat if necessary to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now it’s time to bring everything together into one beautiful dish!
1. Start by layering baby spinach at the bottom of your serving bowl.
2. Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and arrange slices of avocado around the edges.
3. Top with sliced grilled chicken and walnuts or candied walnuts.
4. Drizzle generously with prepared dressing before serving.

Enjoy your vibrant Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad, bursting with freshness!

How to Serve Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad

This vibrant triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, here are some suggestions to make your presentation shine.

On a Bed of Greens

Serve the salad on a large platter with a fresh layer of mixed greens. This adds color and freshness, making it visually appealing.

In Individual Bowls

Portion the salad into individual bowls for a personal touch. This approach makes it easy for guests to grab their servings and enjoy.

With Extra Dressing

Offer additional raspberry vinaigrette on the side. This allows everyone to customize their salad according to their taste preferences.

Topped with Cheese

For those who enjoy cheese, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top (omit for Whole30). The creamy texture complements the salad’s ingredients beautifully.

Accompanied by Bread

Serve with slices of crusty bread or whole-grain rolls. This pairing adds heartiness and makes it a more filling meal option.

How to Perfect Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad

To create the best triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Use ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best creaminess in each bite.
Grill chicken evenly: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking, ensuring they remain juicy throughout.
Experiment with berries: Feel free to mix different types of berries based on what’s in season or available, as this will elevate the flavor profile.
Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together.
Add crunch: Incorporate nuts like sliced almonds or pecans along with walnuts for added texture and nutrition.
Make ahead: Prepare the dressing and grilled chicken in advance. Assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad

Pairing side dishes with your triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

Quinoa Pilaf: A flavorful blend of quinoa cooked with herbs and spices, providing a nutritious and hearty complement.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy offer a sweet balance to the tangy flavors of the salad.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed in vinegar adds a cool contrast that pairs well with grilled chicken.
Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans seasoned with garlic create a savory side that enhances your main dish.
Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with fresh herbs provides a light yet filling accompaniment without overshadowing the salad.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with olive oil brings sweetness and adds seasonal flair to your meal.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A zesty chickpea salad loaded with fresh veggies offers protein and vibrancy alongside your main dish.
Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil create a low-carb side that complements any protein dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad even better. Here are key errors to watch for:

Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the creamy texture of your salad. Always choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C) for juicy results.
Not seasoning adequately: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Don’t forget to generously season the chicken and dressing with salt and pepper for balance.
Skipping the dressing prep: A rushed dressing can affect flavor harmony. Allow time to blend the ingredients until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or wilted greens and berries can impact taste. Always opt for fresh, vibrant ingredients for the best flavor and nutrition.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad

This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the fresh ingredients that lose texture upon thawing.

Reheating Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 10 minutes).
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Heat on low in a pan, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad.

What type of berries work best?

You can use any combination of berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Choose what’s fresh or in season for maximum flavor.

Can I substitute other oils for avocado oil?

Yes! You can use olive oil or another mild oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

How do I make this salad Whole30 compliant?

To make it Whole30 friendly, omit maple syrup in the dressing and skip candied walnuts. Use plain walnuts instead.

What proteins can I use instead of chicken?

Feel free to substitute grilled turkey or lean beef if you want a different protein source while maintaining great flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Triple berry avocado grilled chicken salad is not only delicious but also versatile! Enjoy this refreshing dish as a light lunch or dinner while customizing it with your favorite ingredients. Try adding different nuts or seeds for added crunch!