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Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad

Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad

Chicken Black Bean Avocado Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish combining tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and hearty black beans. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, this salad is quick to prepare, packed with lean protein and fiber, and topped off with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing that enlivens the palate. Ideal for meal prep or a colorful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 to 2 cooked chicken breasts (grilled or roasted), diced

Beans

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

Fresh Vegetables & Fruits

  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

Dressing & Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Grill or roast the chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and cumin. After cooking, let them rest briefly, then dice into bite-sized pieces to maintain tenderness.
  2. Rinse and drain black beans: Thoroughly drain the canned black beans and rinse under cold water to reduce sodium and preserve freshness. Set aside.
  3. Chop fresh vegetables: Dice the ripe avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers into uniform pieces for even texture and vibrant appearance.
  4. Combine ingredients in a bowl: Gently toss together the diced chicken, black beans, and vegetables to mix evenly without mashing the avocado.
  5. Make the dressing and dress the salad: Whisk fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Serve immediately or chill: The salad can be served right away or refrigerated for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed for the creamiest texture.
  • Cook chicken evenly over medium heat to avoid drying it out.
  • Drain black beans thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
  • Chop vegetables just before assembling to keep them crisp.
  • Add lime juice gradually to balance acidity without overpowering.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken salad, Black bean salad, Avocado salad, Healthy lunch, Gluten free, Quick dinner