There’s nothing bland or boring about this Blackened Chicken Avocado Berry Salad! It’s loaded with flavorful lean AIP-friendly blackened chicken, sweet and juicy strawberries, creamy healthy avocado, and lots of other salad toppings. However, my favorite part about this salad is the easy strawberry vinaigrette that comes together in under 5 minutes with healthy, whole ingredients.
This is one of my favorite salads because it makes a filling lunch, or it can be served as a side salad in smaller portions. This salad is AIP- and paleo-friendly, and absolutely delicious.
AIP blackened chicken salad
Dr. Amy Myers
March 4th, 2022
https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-blackened-chicken-salad/AIP blackened chicken salad
Dr. Amy Myers
March 4th, 2022
https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-blackened-chicken-salad/AIP blackened chicken saladAIP blackened seasoning
Most blackened seasoning is made with spicy nightshade peppers, but I make my own AIP-friendly blackened seasoning blend from just a few spices and dried herbs. It has ground ginger for the spice, and a few flavorful ingredients, such as onion and garlic powder, dried thyme and oregano, and salt and pepper, which help the chicken blacken and get nice and flavorful. All the spices are used in equal proportions, so it’s really easy to measure out the ingredients for the blackened seasoning, and easy to remember how to make it.
I recommend making a larger batch of the AIP blackened seasoning so you have it ready to use for next time that you’re craving spicy blackened chicken. This seasoning is also great on shrimp, salmon, or any other protein of your choice.
Healthy strawberry vinaigrette
The strawberry dressing for this salad is made by blending fresh strawberries, olive oil, raw apple cider vinegar, and a few seasonings in a blender. These ingredients make a very nutritious and delicious dressing. Strawberries contain lots of antioxidants, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. All these nutrients help keep our immune system healthy, help regulate blood pressure, and may help prevent cancer. Olive oil is a healthy oil filled with monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which may help protect against heart disease and reduce inflammation in the body. Raw apple cider vinegar which may help with weight loss, reducing cholesterol and lowering blood sugar.
The sweet fruity flavor of this strawberry dressing pairs really well with spicy blackened chicken. The dressing recipe makes extra dressing, which lasts in the fridge for up to 1 week, so you can enjoy a delicious salad throughout the week!
AIP blackened chicken salad
Dr. Amy Myers
March 4th, 2022
https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-blackened-chicken-salad/AIP blackened chicken salad
Dr. Amy Myers
March 4th, 2022
https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-blackened-chicken-salad/AIP blackened chicken saladHow to put together an amazing salad
The secret to a great salad is lots of different toppings, with lots of flavor and texture. I start with organic mixed salad greens, which give this salad a variety of flavors and textures, along with vitamins A, C, and K folate, and potassium. Then I add sliced blackened chicken, which contains lots of muscle-building lean protein. Other salad toppings include a few slices of fresh juicy strawberries, a few slices of creamy avocado that is loaded with healthy fats, crunchy red onion, crispy cucumber, and zesty olives. You can always add other berries, such as blueberries and raspberries for an extra flavorful salad.
Drizzle the strawberry vinaigrette on top, and squeeze some fresh lime over everything for extra flavor and zest.
Every bite of this salad is bursting with flavor and nutrients!
AIP Blackened Chicken Avocado Berry Salad
Course:
Protocol:
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
For the blackened chicken
- 2 chicken breast
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml sea salt
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml ground black pepper
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml onion powder
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml garlic powder
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml dried thyme
- 1 tsp 4.93 ml dried oregano
- 2 tbsp 29.57 ml olive oil
- 1/2 cup 120.00 ml water more if needed
For the salad
- 16 cups 3840.00 ml leafy greens
- 4 mini cucumber thinly sliced
- 8 strawberries
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado thinly sliced
- 1 scallions diced
- 2 tbsp 29.57 ml cilantro
- 1 lime cut into wedges
For the strawberry vinaigrette
- 8 strawberries
- 2 tbsp 29.57 ml olive oil
- 2 tbsp 29.57 ml apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp 2.46 ml sea salt
- 1/2 tsp 2.46 ml ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp 2.46 ml onion powder
- 2 tbsp 29.57 ml honey optional
Instructions
- Mix together all the seasonings for the blackened chicken in a small bowl (sea salt through dried oregano). Season the chicken breasts on both sides.
- Preheat a medium skillet. Add the olive oil, then gently add the chicken breasts. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until blackened. Add ½ cup water to the pan and cover with a lid. Continue to cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. If the water evaporates before the chicken is cooked, add a little more water and continue to cook, covered.
- Remove the chicken onto a heat-safe cutting board and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Slice thin.
- Combine all the ingredients for the strawberry vinaigrette in a blender and process until smooth.
- Prepare the salad by dividing all the fresh vegetables and strawberries over 4 salad plates. Top each salad with half a chicken breast and squeeze some fresh lime juice over the chicken. Pour strawberry vinaigrette over the salad and garnish with diced scallions and fresh cilantro leaves
