The Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Corn is a vibrant and satisfying dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Tender, smoky grilled chicken meets the buttery richness of avocado and the natural sweetness of charred corn, all tossed together with fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing.

This salad is the perfect example of wholesome comfort food—hearty enough for lunch or dinner, yet light enough to leave you feeling energized. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a show-stopping salad for guests, this recipe delivers in both flavor and nutrition.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it embodies balance—the smoky grilled chicken gives it depth, the avocado adds creaminess, the corn brings natural sweetness, and the lime dressing ties everything together with a refreshing tang.

It’s also a feel-good meal—high in protein, rich in healthy fats, and filled with fiber from the veggies.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You should try this dish because:

• It’s protein-packed and filling, perfect for any meal.
• The grilled corn and chicken add a smoky flavor you can’t resist.
• It features fresh, wholesome ingredients that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
• It’s bright, colorful, and crowd-pleasing—great for BBQs or family dinners.
• The homemade lime dressing elevates it with zesty, tangy freshness.

This salad isn’t just food—it’s sunshine in a bowl.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: American / Southwestern

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 ears corn on the cob (or 1½ cups frozen corn, thawed)
• 6 cups mixed greens (Romaine, spinach, or arugula)
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for brushing

For the Marinade (Chicken):

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Lime Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush lightly with oil.
3. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Transfer to a plate, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Grill the Corn

1. Place corn on the grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred.
2. Let cool slightly, then cut kernels off the cob.

Step 4: Make the Lime Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl or platter, arrange the mixed greens.
2. Top with sliced grilled chicken, corn kernels, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cheese.
3. Drizzle with the lime dressing.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

1. Toss gently to combine (or leave arranged beautifully for presentation).
2. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve this salad slightly warm for the best flavor—when the chicken and corn are freshly grilled.
• Pair with crusty bread, garlic toast, or grilled sweet potatoes for a hearty meal.
• For drinks, it pairs beautifully with iced lemonade, sparkling water, or chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

Recipe Tips

• Marinating tip: Don’t skip marination—it adds flavor and tenderness.
• Charred corn shortcut: Use frozen corn and sauté in a skillet until golden.
• Keep avocado fresh: Toss avocado in a little lime juice to prevent browning.
• Perfect grill marks: Make sure the grill is hot before placing the chicken.
• Make it ahead: Grill chicken and corn in advance and refrigerate separately.

Recipe Variations

1. Southwest Chicken Salad: Add black beans, jalapeños, and tortilla strips for a Tex-Mex twist.
2. BBQ Chicken Salad: Brush chicken with BBQ sauce and top salad with ranch dressing instead of lime dressing.
3. Greek-Style Chicken Salad: Use lemon-herb marinade and add olives and feta.
4. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
5. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeño or chipotle powder to the marinade.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage:
  • Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Keep dressing in a jar for up to 1 week.
• Freezing:
  • Do not freeze assembled salad.
  • You can freeze grilled chicken separately for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Whisk (for dressing)
• Tongs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use canned or frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes! Just drain and lightly sauté or char it in a skillet for flavor.

Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.

Q3: What’s a good substitute for lime?
Lemon juice works just as well for both marinade and dressing.

Q4: Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes—omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q5: Is this salad healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats—perfect for balanced eating.

Conclusion

The Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Corn is everything a perfect salad should be—colorful, fresh, smoky, and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. The juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and sweet corn come together with zesty lime dressing to create a symphony of textures and tastes.

Whether served for a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a backyard barbecue, this salad always shines. It’s a must-try dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—an instant favorite for any season.