When the sun is shining and you're craving something light, refreshing, yet satisfying, this Grilled Chicken & Avocado Mediterranean Salad is the answer. It’s a harmonious blend of tender, perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and salty feta, all brought together with a zesty homemade dressing. This isn't just a salad; it's a meal that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast!
I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant ingredients and fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The way simple, wholesome components come together to create something truly spectacular is pure magic. This particular salad has become a staple in my kitchen for its incredible taste and ease of preparation. Whether you're meal-prepping for a busy week, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a healthy and delicious dinner, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
The secret to its success lies in perfectly grilling the chicken and balancing the flavors in the homemade dressing. The smoky char on the chicken provides a fantastic contrast to the cool, fresh salad components. If you're looking to master your grilling technique, check out my guide on Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy & Perfect in 6 Easy Steps to ensure your chicken is always tender and flavorful.
Why You'll Love This Mediterranean Chicken & Avocado Salad
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite is bursting with fresh, zesty, and savory notes.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt it to your liking with extra veggies or different cheeses.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ready to make this delicious salad your own? Let's gather our ingredients and get cooking!

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken & Avocado Mediterranean Salad
Perfectly Grilled Chicken
Achieving juicy, tender grilled chicken is key. Don't overcrowd your grill, and ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) without drying it out. For an excellent grilling experience, I highly recommend using My Favorite Grill.
Avocado Freshness
To prevent your diced avocado from browning too quickly, toss it gently with a little lemon juice before adding it to the rest of the salad. This little trick helps preserve its beautiful green color.
Dressing It Up
While the recipe calls for a specific dressing, don't be afraid to adjust it to your taste. A touch more honey for sweetness, or extra Dijon for a sharper bite can make a big difference. For another fantastic salad idea that highlights fresh ingredients, consider trying a Warm Pear and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese.
Storage and Meal Prep
If you plan to meal prep this salad, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness of your greens and avocado. Store all components in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, try grilled shrimp, salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Options: As mentioned in our FAQs, goat cheese or mozzarella are great alternatives to feta.
- Add Grains: For a heartier salad, mix in cooked quinoa or couscous.
- Extra Veggies: Roasted red peppers, thinly sliced red cabbage, or blanched green beans would all be delicious additions.
This Grilled Chicken & Avocado Mediterranean Salad is more than just a recipe; it's an experience. It’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish that's both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy creating this culinary delight!
Print
Grilled Chicken & Avocado Mediterranean Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb, High Protein
Description
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and a zesty homemade Mediterranean dressing.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil (for chicken)
1 tsp salt (for chicken)
1/2 tsp black pepper (for chicken)
1 tsp dried oregano (for chicken)
1 tsp dried basil (for chicken)
1 avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for salad)
1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt (for dressing)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for dressing)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for topping)
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives (for topping)
Fresh parsley leaves (optional, garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with chopped fresh basil, chopped kalamata olives, and optionally, fresh parsley leaves and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant Mediterranean meal!
Notes
For best results, use fresh, ripe ingredients. If meal prepping, store the dressing and salad components separately and combine just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
FAQs
Can I prepare the grilled chicken ahead of time for this salad?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken a day in advance and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator can save you time. Simply slice and add it to the salad when ready to serve.
What are some good substitutions if I don't have feta cheese?
If feta isn't available, you could use goat cheese for a tangy, creamy alternative, or even fresh mozzarella for a milder flavor. Crumbled cotija cheese would also work for a salty kick.
How long does this Mediterranean salad stay fresh?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If dressed, it's best consumed within 1-2 hours to prevent the avocado from browning and the greens from wilting. You can prepare components and store the dressing separately for up to 2-3 days in the fridge, assembling just before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, feel free to customize! Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), artichoke hearts, or chickpeas would all be delicious additions that complement the Mediterranean theme.