Big chopped salad with herb dressing and plenty of protein
Paleo Chicken Avocado Ranch Salad
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Paleo Chicken Avocado Ranch Salad
Big chopped salad with herb dressing and plenty of protein
A substantial chopped salad with chicken, avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a dairy-free ranch-style dressing built on olive oil and herbs.
20m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
A lot of big salads fall apart because they feel like side dishes pretending to be dinner. This one does not have that problem. The chicken and avocado carry the weight, while the ranch-style dressing makes the bowl feel familiar and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 romaine hearts, chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
PrepDaily Use
Test Kitchen Pick
Chef Knife
Helpful Tool
Why a sharp knife helps here
When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.
This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.
- Speeds up chopping and slicing
- Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating
A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.
Shop chef knife options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Combine the chicken, romaine, avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes in a large bowl.
- 3
Pour over the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- 4
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- 5
Serve immediately or portion into containers for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Best enjoyed fresh -- prepare the dressing separately if making ahead
Substitutions
RomaineLittle gem or mixed greens
Any sturdy lettuce works, though romaine gives the best crunch
Lemon juiceRed wine vinegar
The flavor becomes a little sharper but still ranch-adjacent
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Add the avocado right before serving if you are meal-prepping the salad.
Rotisserie chicken makes this especially fast if you are not strict about ingredients.
Storage
Store the dressing separately and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
No reheating needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories360
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein29g
Carbohydrates9g
Fat23g
Fiber3g
Sugar4g
Sodium390mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make it Whole30?
- Yes. Just be sure the chicken and any add-ins are compliant.
- What if I want it heartier?
- Add roasted sweet potato or extra chicken depending on your goals.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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