Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

This Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a healthy lunch, or enjoying a light dinner. Bursting with flavors and textures, this salad combines the richness of grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Each bite is a delight that promises to satisfy your cravings while keeping things fresh and vibrant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful combination: The mix of grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese creates a taste explosion.
• Quick preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can have this delightful salad ready in no time.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with nutrients from spinach and avocado, this salad is both delicious and nutritious.
• Versatile dish: Perfect as a main course or side salad, it suits various occasions and preferences.
• Crowd-pleaser: Its appealing look and fantastic taste make it a favorite among family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing the Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad easy and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Serving plates

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in your dressing without lumps.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and chicken.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 oz. baby spinach
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, (grilled and cut into strips or cubes)
• 1 large avocado, (sliced or cubed)
• 1/3 cup (heaping) drained sun dried tomatoes in oil, (finely chopped)
• 3/4 cup feta cheese, (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp red apple vinegar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp finely minced fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove, (minced)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red apple vinegar, minced parsley, garlic, basil, oregano, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Divide the baby spinach among four plates. Top each plate with grilled chicken strips or cubes, sliced avocado, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and pine nuts.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Stir the dressing again to ensure it’s well mixed. Pour an even amount over each serving of salad.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad right away for the best taste!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

This Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is a versatile dish perfect for any meal. It can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the salad as a hearty main course for lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken provides ample protein, making it both filling and nutritious.

In a Wrap

• Consider wrapping the salad in a whole grain tortilla. This makes for an easy-to-eat option that’s great for on-the-go lunches.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the salad with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread complements the flavors and adds a satisfying crunch.

As a Picnic Treat

• Pack the salad in portable containers for a picnic. Its fresh ingredients hold up well, making it an ideal choice for outdoor dining.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

To truly master this delicious salad, keep these simple tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and ripe avocados to enhance flavor and texture.
• Marinate the Chicken: Marinate your chicken breasts beforehand to infuse extra flavor before grilling.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients according to your taste preferences; add more lemon juice for acidity or honey for sweetness.
• Toast Pine Nuts: For added crunch, lightly toast the pine nuts in a skillet before adding them to the salad.
• Add Protein Variations: Consider substituting grilled chicken with shrimp or tofu for different protein options.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge before serving can meld flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic side that’s easy to prepare, garlic bread adds warmth and crunch that complements the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain dish is nutritious and provides an extra layer of texture alongside your salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring vibrant colors and flavors, making your meal visually appealing.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can offer refreshing sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory elements of the main dish.
5. Caprese Skewers: These skewers made with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes are bite-sized delights that echo Italian flavors.
6. Couscous Salad: A couscous salad with herbs and lemon adds another dimension of flavor while keeping things light.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty addition without overwhelming the palate.
8. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds elegance while remaining healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Skipping the Dressing: Not preparing the dressing properly can lead to bland salad. Make sure to whisk all ingredients until well combined for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Grilling chicken too long can dry it out. Aim for a juicy texture by grilling until just cooked through.
• Using Unripe Avocado: An unripe avocado can ruin the salad’s creaminess. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted spinach or stale nuts will affect taste and texture. Always use fresh ingredients for the best results.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Under-seasoning the salad can leave it flat. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

• This salad is not ideal for freezing due to avocado and spinach textures.
• If necessary, freeze the grilled chicken separately, consumed within 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm chicken in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover, heating in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil, then warm the chicken gently, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead but avoid adding dressing until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

What can I substitute for sun dried tomatoes in this salad?

You might consider using roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes as a substitute for sun dried tomatoes.

How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad?

Feel free to add other proteins like shrimp or tofu, or mix in extra vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for variety.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store components separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat.

What would pair well with this salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with a light white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon.

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. With its vibrant flavors and textures, it’s perfect for any occasion—from casual lunches to elegant dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies! Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!