Chicken & Avocado Salad with a Lemon-Tahini Dressing

Chicken & Avocado Salad with a Lemon-Tahini Dressing

* Protein: Grilled chicken breast (lean protein)

*Healthy Fats: Avocado (healthy fats, fiber)

*Carbs: Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale, etc.) and cherry tomatoes

• Dressing: Tahini (rich in calcium and healthy fats) with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your favorite blend)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:

• 1/4 cup tahini

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (for a touch of sweetness)

• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

• Water to thin (as needed)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and minced garlic.

   • Gradually add water until you reach your desired consistency. The dressing should be creamy yet pourable. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced avocado, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

   • If using, sprinkle the feta cheese over the top.

3. Dress the Salad:

   • Drizzle the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

4. Season:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

5. Serve:

   • Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for a bit to let the flavors meld (not too long, though — avocados like to stay fresh!).

This Chicken & Avocado Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing celebrates the delightful freshness of its ingredients, offering a perfect blend of flavors while keeping it quirky, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying!