This is one of those drop-what-you’re-doing kind of recipes—the one you make new plans around. Seriously, just look at those colors! 🌈 Food should taste every bit as amazing as it looks, and this grilled chicken salad absolutely delivers.
Whether you’re planning a weekend gathering, bringing a dish to a party, or just celebrating LIFE with good food, this salad is the perfect centerpiece. Fresh, vibrant, hearty, and tossed with a homemade sweet onion dressing, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Salad
✔️ Packed with lean protein from grilled chicken and hard-boiled eggs
✔️ Bursting with fresh veggies and creamy avocado
✔️ Crunchy pecans for texture and nutty flavor
✔️ Sweet, tangy homemade dressing that ties it all together
✔️ Great for meal prep, potlucks, or a family dinner
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salad:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (about 5 oz each)
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 8 packed cups mixed lettuce leaves
- 1 cup fresh or thawed organic corn kernels
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
For the Sweet Onion Dressing:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (plus more for sautéing)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Grill the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken fillets with oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Grill for about 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Transfer to a cutting board, cover loosely, let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Make the Sweet Onion Dressing
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and onions, sautéing for about 6 minutes, until soft and golden brown.
- Transfer to a small blender, add olive oil, cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, layer the lettuce as a base.
- Add sliced chicken, corn, tomatoes, pecans, eggs, and avocado.
- Drizzle with the sweet onion dressing.
- Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- 🥑 Use a ripe but firm avocado so it holds its shape when tossed.
- 🥗 Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- 🍋 Make extra dressing—it pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or as a marinade for chicken.
This Clean Grilled Chicken Salad is more than a meal—it’s a celebration on a plate. Fresh, colorful, and satisfying, it’s perfect for any occasion when you want to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.
Clean Grilled Chicken Salad with Sweet Onion Dressing
4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
Salad
4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets (about 5 oz each)
1 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
8 packed cups mixed lettuce leaves
1 cup fresh or thawed organic corn kernels
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
⅓ cup chopped pecans
4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
1 ripe avocado, diced
Sweet Onion Dressing
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Grill the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken fillets with oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Grill 5 minutes per side, until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Set aside, cover, rest for 2 minutes, then slice thin.
- Make the Dressing
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic for 6 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a blender, add remaining olive oil, cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
- Assemble the Salad
- Place lettuce in a large salad bowl.
- Top with sliced chicken, corn, tomatoes, pecans, eggs, and avocado.
- Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.



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