Spicy Avocado Green Salad
I love when I feel inspired for a new recipe, especially one in the summer that is refreshing, crunchy, and packs a flavorful punch! This recipe idea came to me in Trader Joe's (of course!) when I impulsively bought the Crispy Jalapeño Pieces. These little bits of crunchy joy are quite literally the perfect way to top a salad, and immediately I thought of a recipe that could combine the spice of the jalapeño with the refreshing flavors of citrus, avocado, and tomatoes.
Tip! These beloved Trader Joe's Crispy Jalapeño pieces are unfortunately not gluten-free, which I know some of you visiting this blog are. Since I am not gluten-free at the moment, they were a great addition; however, I listed some substitutions below so you still get that crunch!
Not only is this salad addicting, but you can swap the fruits/vegetables based on what you have on hand. It's super easy to customize based on your dietary needs and preferences, but overall it will provide the nutrition and fiber your body so desperately needs - and you'll keep wanting more!
Tip! Have grilled chicken already prepared so when you go to make this recipe, it's easy to put together.
This recipe is made to suit what YOU want, and that is why I welcome substitutions to it! I would recommend keeping the sauce and the crunchy romaine lettuce the same - as that is what brings the flavor to this recipe - but as far as toppings, the world is your oyster 😋
My favorite topping substitutions:
Corn
Sliced carrots
Mango
Pineapple
Tortilla strips
Spiced shrimp
Quinoa
Cojita
Queso fresco
To substitute the Trader Joe's Crispy Jalapeño pieces
Sliced jalapeños, lightly dusted in arrowroot powder and sautéed on the pan or air-fried until crispy - a gluten-free alternative!
Pickled jalapeños
Roasted chickpeas, seasoned with chili powder and lime
Chili flakes
Crispy quinoa
Any type of salty nuts - think pepitas or sunflower seeds!
Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do, and comment below your favorite way to make it!
Welcome! If you made it here, you are probably looking for answers on where to begin your wellness journey. I'm Jessica, and I started my gut health journey over 3 years ago. As an avid foodie and wellness enthusiast, I hope to inspire you on your realistic wellness journey.
Jul 29, 2025
CATEGORY:
Lunch, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free, Keto, Under 30 Minutes, Vegetarian Option, Refined Sugar Free, Ovulation Phase, Dinner
A refreshing salad that packs flavor, lots of crunch, and a citrusy spice. With prepped chicken (or your fav lean protein!) it will be ready in 5 minutes!
Spicy Avocado Green Salad
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time: Servings:
2 Minutes
0 Minutes
5 minutes
1
A refreshing salad that packs flavor, lots of crunch, and a citrusy spice. With prepped chicken (or your fav lean protein!) it will be ready in 5 minutes!
Dressing Ingredients
1/2 of a medium avocado
1/4 olive oil
1/2 of a lime, squeezed + zested (approx. 1 tablespoon)
Dash of salt and pepper
Salad Ingredients
1 head of romaine lettuce, thoroughly washed and chopped*
1 grilled chicken breast, cooked and cubed
3-4 diced cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons of black beans, basically two big spoonfuls!
2 tablespoons of diced red onion
1/4 of a large cucumber, diced
Crispy jalapeño pieces, topping
Instructions
Step 1
In a medium sized bowl - the same bowl you'll eat out of! - add the avocado half, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, and a dash of salt and pepper. With a fork, mash the avocado and blend all ingredients until creamy.
Step 2
Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl with the dressing. With salad tongs, mix together the lettuce and dressing until the lettuce is completely coated. It should also reduce in volume.
Step 3
Add all of your favorite vegetables and toppings! The cubed chicken, cherry tomatoes, black beans, red onion, cucumber, and crispy jalapeño pieces are my go-to. Enjoy out of the same bowl for the easiest clean-up!
Notes
*For the romaine lettuce, I end up using about 3/4 of a single head of romaine lettuce, enough to fill a medium sized bowl. If you bought the romaine lettuce in a package, I recommend chopping and thoroughly washing all romaine heads in one go, and storing it in a glass container with a paper towel to absorb the extra moisture. Since this salad is best consumed day-of, you will have the lettuce prepped for the next salad!