There’s something about the combination of grilled chimichurri chicken and creamy avocado that tickles my taste buds like a feather in a tickle fight. Imagine tender, juicy chicken kissed by the smoky embrace of the grill, drizzled with vibrant chimichurri bursting with fresh herbs and zesty lime. Add to that the velvety goodness of ripe avocados, and you’ve got a summer fling on your plate that’s practically begging to be devoured.

This Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Picture those lazy Sunday afternoons with friends, laughter filling the air, as you serve this colorful salad, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Trust me; one bite will have you daydreaming about sunny picnics or backyard barbecues for weeks to come.
Why You'll Love This Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
- This incredible Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
The first time I made this salad, my friend Jennifer exclaimed that she had never seen vegetables look so appealing. I think she was more interested in the chicken though!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 breasts based on your crowd size; they grill beautifully and stay juicy.
- Fresh Parsley: Use vibrant green parsley for freshness; it’s essential for that authentic chimichurri flavor.
- Fresh Oregano: A must-have herb; choose fresh leaves for the best aromatic punch.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the chimichurri; don’t skimp on these little powerhouses.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds zesty acidity; opt for high-quality vinegar to enhance flavors.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime brightens everything up and balances out rich flavors.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness; it’s worth splurging here!
- Avocados: Ripe avocados bring creaminess; make sure they’re perfectly soft but not mushy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness complements the salad beautifully; halved or whole—your choice!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; never underestimate their importance!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
Create the Chimichurri Sauce: In a food processor, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, lime juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse until well blended but still slightly chunky.
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a bowl or zip-lock bag. Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over them and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to absorb all those lovely flavors.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill each breast for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear.
Prepare the Salad Base: While chicken is grilling, slice avocados and halve cherry tomatoes. In a large bowl, combine greens of your choice—spinach or mixed greens work well—with avocado slices and tomatoes.
Add Grilled Chicken: Once chicken is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain. Arrange it atop your salad base like a culinary masterpiece waiting to be devoured.
Final Touches: Drizzle remaining chimichurri sauce over everything liberally. Toss gently if desired to mix flavors without mashing those beautiful avocados.
Enjoy your vibrant Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad as a main dish or as an impressive side at gatherings!
Now go ahead and relish every bite—it’s pure bliss on a plate!
This showstopping Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in chimichurri for at least 30 minutes. While it soaks up flavor, chop your veggies and whip up more chimichurri. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about six to eight minutes per side until cooked through. This efficient sequence ensures your salad is fresh and full of vibrant flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this salad based on what you have at home! Swap grilled chicken for shrimp or tofu, add roasted corn, or toss in some nuts for crunch. You can also play with the chimichurri by adding extra herbs like basil or mint to give it a unique twist. This dish is all about personal taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to reheat the chicken, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. For best results, enjoy the salad cold rather than reheated; its freshness is part of its charm.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
- This professional-quality Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
I remember the first time I served this dish to my friends during a summer BBQ. They were skeptical about how good a salad could be until they took their first bite! The compliments were overflowing, and I felt like a culinary rockstar.
FAQ
What is chimichurri sauce made of?
Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant mixture of fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. It’s tangy and herbaceous with a kick! You can adjust each ingredient according to your taste preferences or even experiment with additional herbs like cilantro.
Can I make chimichurri ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare chimichurri sauce up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge where it will stay fresh and flavorful. Just remember to give it a good stir before using as ingredients may separate during storage.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep since it stays fresh when stored correctly. Keep cooked chicken separate from veggies until ready to serve, preventing sogginess. Combine everything just before eating for that crunchy texture we all love!
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Definitely! This salad is versatile—feel free to substitute grilled steak, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its own unique flavor profile while still pairing beautifully with chimichurri and avocado.
Conclusion for Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
In summary, this Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad combines fresh ingredients with zesty flavors that elevate any meal. By following key cooking techniques and customizing according to your taste preferences, you’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this salad promises satisfaction every time!
Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad
Grilled Chimichurri Chicken Avocado Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, smoky grilled chicken with creamy avocado and zesty chimichurri sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep, this salad transforms simple ingredients into a stunning culinary experience that will impress your guests. Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing main dish or side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Juice of 2 limes
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor, blend parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, lime juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil until combined.
- Marinate chicken in half of the chimichurri sauce for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While chicken grills, combine greens with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
- Slice grilled chicken and arrange on top of the salad base. Drizzle with remaining chimichurri sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Customize by adding other proteins like shrimp or tofu. For added crunch, toss in nuts or roasted corn. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.







