Berry Avocado Chicken Salad – Healthy Version

Berry Avocado Chicken Salad – Healthy Version

Juicy chicken breast adds a little protein to this simple berry avocado salad with a light poppyseed dressing. Throw on a little gorgonzola, candied nuts and you’ve just made the most perfect dinner salad recipe.

We chose to use Greek yogurt instead of the oil, sour cream or mayonnaise versions. We also found that because of the creaminess of the Greek yogurt there was no need to use an entire cup of sugar like many of the recipes out there. Plus bonus protein from the yogurt! I love when I can make something a little healthier and it still tastes fabulous!

Years ago my friend invited me to a girls night dinner to chat. She had a gift card for us both at a local restaurant and as we were fighting to survive unemployment (link to fighting faith) it was a blessing so I hopped in the car with her. Little did I know she was going to change my whole salad and soup life! She taught me how to turn a “nuts about berries” salad into something incredible, how to take tomato soup and creamy cauliflower soup and combine them with a little orzo on top for the best soup ever and now I’ve been making this berry avocado chicken salad ever since! I think the candied nuts and cheese are essential, but you can do any changes you’d like- feta instead of Mild Blue Cheese or gorgonzola is great too for example. See our entire list of possibilities below!

Ingredients for Chicken Berry Avocado Salad

This berry avocado salad only uses just a few wholesome and fresh ingredients. You’ll only need 4 ingredients for the light poppyseed dressing! Here is everything you will need:

• Chicken Breasts
• Brown Sugar BBQ Rub: Salt and pepper would work great too.
• Butter Lettuce
• Spinach and Kale Combo
• Avocado
• Berries: Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries and Blackberries
• Candied Pecans
• Crumbled Mild Blue Cheese, or gorgonzola

Poppyseed Dressing

• Plain Greek Yogurt
• Sugar
• Prosecco or Champagne Vinegar
• Poppy Seeds

The measurements and details for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe at the end of the post so keep scrolling!

How to Make Berry Avocado Salad

This salad recipe is so easy to make, and taking the time to cook the chicken and make the candied pecans is so worth the extra effort! Here are the basic steps!

1. Cook the Chicken: Season each chicken bread on top and bottom with the BBQ rub and cook over medium-high heat either on the grill or in a pan on the stove top with a drizzle of oil. Then turn the heat down to medium and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Set the chicken aside and let it rest for 3 minutes and then thinly slice it.
2. Make the Dressing: Whisk all the ingredients together and then store in the fridge until ready to use.
3. Assemble the Salad: Place the lettuce, spinach, kale, avocado, berries, nuts and cheese in a large bowl and toss to combine. Top with the sliced chicken and serve with the poppyseed dressing.

The complete recipe can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post where you can also save or print the recipe.

Berry Avocado Chicken Salad Video

How to Make Candied Pecans

Candied pecans can be made several days or weeks ahead of time. I like to make a big batch of them and then store them in the pantry for when I need them. Head over to our Candied Pecan and Brussels Sprouts recipes for the instructions on how to make candied pecans.

Salad Variations

I mentioned above that you could swap the blue cheese or gorgonzola with feta cheese, but there are many variations you could try:

Protein: You can omit the chicken altogether or swap it for turkey (hello Thanksgiving leftovers!), bacon, or steak.

Cheese: If you aren’t a blue cheese or gorgonzola fan, try feta, shaved parmesan cheese or mozzarella balls.

Fruit: The berries in this recipe are totally customizable. Omit berries you can’t find, add berries that are in season or just use one berry. You could also add apple chunks.

Nuts: Have a pecan allergy? Use candied almonds or walnuts instead, or sunflower seeds would also be so yummy!

Other Additions: This salad would also be great with thinly sliced red onions or shallots, mushrooms, peas, broccoli or snap peas.

Make It Ahead of Time

If you want to make this salad ahead of time, cook the chicken and make the salad dressing and store them separately. You can assemble the whole salad up to 3-4 hours ahead of time minus the candied pecans, chicken and salad dressing. Add those right before serving.

Storage Tips

As we all know, salad that has already had the dressing added will not store very well. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within the next day or two.

If the salad hasn’t been assembled yet, all the ingredients can be stored separately for 3-4 days and then assembled right before serving.

This vibrant Berry Avocado Chicken Salad combines tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and a burst of sweet, juicy berries, all tossed in a light, zesty dressing. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or a wholesome dinner. The balance of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors makes each bite the perfect bite!

More Salad Recipes to Try:

• Elote Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Loaded Cowboy Salad
• Tomato Cucumber Salad
• Southern English Pea Salad
• Strawberry Feta Spinach Salad
• Classic Broccoli Salad

READ: Berry Avocado Chicken Salad – Healthy Version