Introduction
Chicken Spinach Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate, and Pecans is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for any time of year, combining rich flavors and textures for a refreshing, satisfying meal. With tender chicken, peppery spinach, creamy avocado, juicy pomegranate, and crunchy pecans, each bite offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and earthy notes. This salad is not only a feast for the senses but also a healthy, wholesome choice for lunch or dinner.
The first time I made this salad was during a week where I was craving something light but filling—something fresh yet still indulgent. I remember how the flavors came together so beautifully, with the sweetness of the pomegranate seeds perfectly complementing the creamy avocado and crunchy pecans. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and I now make it regularly as an easy, flavorful way to get in those essential greens and proteins.
One of the best parts about this salad is how simple it is to prepare while still feeling special. Whether you’re making it for a light lunch or adding a protein for a more substantial dinner, you can easily tweak it based on what you have in your kitchen. Add a sprinkle of feta, some toasted almonds, or a drizzle of your favorite dressing to make it your own. Once you try this Chicken Spinach Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate, and Pecans, you’ll be hooked—its combination of fresh ingredients and satisfying flavors will keep you coming back for more!
Perfect for:
- Healthy lunches or dinners
- A post-workout meal
- Holiday or special occasion side dishes
- Family gatherings or dinner parties
- Meal prep for the week
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Dense: Loaded with healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrients.
- Light Yet Filling: The balance of chicken and healthy fats from the avocado and pecans will keep you full and energized.
- Flavor Explosion: A delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes each bite exciting.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what’s in season.
- Easy to Make: Quick to prepare and great for meal prep or a fast weeknight meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350–400 calories
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup toasted pecans
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breasts: Lean protein to help you feel full and satisfied.
- Spinach: High in iron, vitamins, and minerals, it’s an excellent base for the salad.
- Avocado: Provides healthy fats for creaminess and a nutritious boost.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Offer a burst of sweetness and antioxidants.
- Pecans: Add crunch and a smoky, nutty flavor to the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Prep Chicken Breasts: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C). Remove from heat and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Prepare the Salad:
- Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, sliced avocado, pomegranate seeds, red onion (optional), and toasted pecans.
- Add the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture.
Make the Vinaigrette:
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve:
- Plate the Salad: Serve the salad immediately, or store in the fridge for later.
How to Serve
- As a Main Dish: This salad makes a hearty meal on its own, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Pair with Whole Grains: Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber.
- Top with Cheese: Add a sprinkle of goat cheese or feta for a creamy finish.
- Meal Prep: Store the components separately and assemble just before serving to avoid wilting.
Additional Tips
- Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a pan.
- Customize with Other Nuts: Feel free to substitute the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Add Seasonal Fruits: In the fall, consider swapping out the pomegranate seeds for dried cranberries or apples.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian alternative.
- Make it Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or a few red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Recipe Variations
- Avocado Dressing: If you’re looking to add extra creaminess and richness to your dish, replace the traditional vinaigrette with an avocado-based dressing. Blend ripe avocado with lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of garlic for a smooth, velvety dressing that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the salad. You can also add a pinch of salt, a dash of hot sauce, or some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an even more refreshing, zesty version. Avocado dressing adds not only creaminess but also healthy fats, making the dish more satisfying.
- Grilled Salmon: For a seafood twist, swap out the chicken for grilled salmon. The rich, flavorful taste of salmon adds a deliciously smoky element, enhancing the overall profile of the dish. Grilling the salmon gives it a crispy exterior, which contrasts nicely with the tender meat inside. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, or try a marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor. The protein-packed salmon pairs beautifully with leafy greens and a fresh vinaigrette, offering a healthy and satisfying alternative to the original.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and texture of your dish by adding more vegetables. Roasted vegetables like sweet potato, butternut squash, or carrots add not only additional nutrients like fiber and vitamins but also a natural sweetness that complements savory flavors. Roasting the vegetables intensifies their flavor and adds a crispy texture, creating an enjoyable contrast to the softer elements of the dish. You can mix and match based on what’s in season or what you prefer, offering a versatile base for any meal.
- Low-Carb Version: To make the dish even lighter and lower in carbohydrates, skip the nuts or avocado (which are often higher in calories) and serve the dish with a side of sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. These leafy greens are packed with nutrients, low in calories, and can easily be seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil to make them a flavorful addition. This version keeps the dish light and fresh without sacrificing texture or flavor, while still providing plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Citrus Vinaigrette: For a bright, zesty twist, swap the balsamic vinegar in the dressing with fresh orange or lemon juice. The citrusy acid adds a refreshing brightness that balances well with both sweet and savory ingredients. A lemon vinaigrette, for instance, pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables, while orange juice lends a slightly sweeter flavor that complements sweeter ingredients like roasted squash or fresh berries. You can mix citrus juice with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey for a smooth, tangy vinaigrette with an added layer of complexity.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For optimal freshness, store the dressing separately from the salad components.
- Meal Prep: Keep pre-chopped salad ingredients, chicken, and dressing in separate containers to assemble quickly throughout the week.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: For cooking the chicken breasts.
- Mixing Bowl: To toss and combine the salad ingredients.
- Whisk: For preparing the vinaigrette dressing.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the chicken, avocado, and vegetables.
- Storage Containers: For meal prep or storing salad components separately.
FAQ Section
- Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, arugula, mixed greens, or kale would all work well in place of spinach. - Can I make the salad ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving. However, you can prepare the chicken and other ingredients in advance. - What else can I use for protein?
You can replace the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even a boiled egg. - How do I make the salad vegan?
Substitute chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. - Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese would all pair wonderfully with the ingredients in this salad.
Conclusion
Chicken Spinach Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate, and Pecans is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together fresh greens, juicy fruit, creamy avocado, and crunchy pecans. Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, it’s a perfect option for a light yet satisfying meal. The combination of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and the antioxidants from the pomegranate creates a balanced salad that supports overall well-being.
This salad is not only quick and easy to assemble but also offers endless customization options. You can add your favorite dressing, swap the chicken for another protein, or mix in additional fruits or vegetables to suit your taste. It’s a refreshing choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a side for gatherings.
Treat yourself to a burst of freshness and nutrition with this salad. Enjoy the colorful combination and feel free to share your creation on Instagram—remember to tag me so I can cheer you on! Happy eating!