Mediterranean Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Salad Boats

Mediterranean Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Salad Boats

These Mediterranean Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Salad Boats are a fresh, vibrant, and healthy way to enjoy bold flavors in a light, no-fuss meal. Juicy chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing, then combined with creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and Mediterranean herbs. Served in crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves, these salad boats are low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein and healthy fats.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or appetizers, this dish is refreshing, satisfying, and easy to make in under 30 minutes.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Servings: 4 (makes about 8–10 salad boats)

Ingredients

For the Honey Lime Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp honey

2 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus zest from 1 lime)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp cumin

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Avocado Salad Filling:

1 large avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup cucumber, diced

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Salad Boats:

8–10 large romaine lettuce leaves or butter lettuce cups

Optional toppings:

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Extra lime wedges for serving

A drizzle of extra honey-lime dressing or olive oil

Instructions

Marinate and Cook the Chicken:

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, honey, lime juice and zest, garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Place the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Let sit for 10–15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F / 74°C).

Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Avocado Salad Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley (or mint), olive oil, and lime juice.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine without mashing the avocado.

Assemble the Salad Boats:

Lay out the romaine leaves or butter lettuce cups on a platter.

Fill each lettuce boat with a spoonful of the avocado salad.

Top with the sliced honey-lime chicken.

(Optional) Sprinkle with feta cheese and drizzle with a little extra lime juice or honey if desired.

Serve:

Serve immediately as light main dishes, appetizers, or party platters.

Enjoy with extra lime wedges for brightness.

Tips

Use Fresh Lime Juice:
Freshly squeezed lime gives the chicken and salad a bright, tangy flavor that bottled juice can’t match.

Avoid Overcooking Chicken:
To keep the chicken juicy, use a meat thermometer and cook to exactly 165°F / 74°C, then let it rest before slicing.

Assemble Just Before Serving:
To prevent the lettuce from getting soggy and the avocado from browning, assemble the salad boats right before eating.

Choose the Right Lettuce:
Use romaine hearts, butter lettuce, or little gem lettuce—these are sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Dice Ingredients Evenly:
For easier eating, dice the chicken, avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes into similar-sized pieces so the salad fits neatly into the lettuce boats.

Variations

Protein Options:

Shrimp or Salmon:
Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or seared salmon using the same honey-lime marinade.

Vegetarian Version:
Use chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or tofu for a plant-based option.

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut:
Use pre-cooked shredded chicken tossed in the honey-lime marinade for a super quick meal.

Add-Ins & Flavor Twists:

Herb Options:
Use fresh mint, basil, or cilantro in place of or alongside parsley for different Mediterranean notes.

Cheese Alternatives:
Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese or shaved Parmesan for different textures and flavors.

Grain Bowl Version:
Skip the lettuce boats and serve the filling over quinoa, couscous, or farro for a Mediterranean grain salad.

Spicy Kick:
Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper, red pepper flakes, or harissa for gentle heat.

Serving Ideas:

Serve as appetizers, a light lunch, or picnic-friendly finger food.

Turn it into a wrap by rolling the filling in flatbread or pita.

Pair with tzatziki, hummus, or olive tapenade on the side for extra Mediterranean flair.

Q&A

Q: Can I make these salad boats ahead of time?
A: You can prep the chicken and chop the veggies ahead, but it’s best to assemble the salad boats just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the avocado fresh.

Q: What’s the best lettuce for salad boats?
A: Use romaine hearts, butter lettuce, or little gem lettuce because they’re sturdy, crisp, and perfect for holding the filling without breaking.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes! Use shredded rotisserie chicken and toss it in the honey-lime dressing for a no-cook shortcut.

Q: How do I keep the avocado from browning?
A: Toss the avocado in lime juice immediately after dicing to prevent oxidation and keep it vibrant.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for keto or low-carb diets?
A: Yes! These salad boats are naturally low-carb, high in protein, and rich in healthy fats, making them a great option for keto or paleo lifestyles.

Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Salad Boats – Approximate)

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Salad Boats are a perfect mix of bright citrus, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce, all in a handheld, low-carb package. They’re refreshing, satisfying, and ideal for quick lunches, healthy dinners, or Mediterranean-inspired appetizers.

With minimal cooking and maximum flavor, this recipe is great for busy days when you want a healthy, protein-packed meal without sacrificing taste. Customize it with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or proteins to make it your own!