Say hello to your new favorite light lunch or dinner — Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Caesar Salad Boats! Perfectly seasoned grilled chicken with a sweet citrus zing, paired with creamy avocado, crisp romaine, and crunchy croutons, all drizzled with a homemade Caesar dressing. These salad boats bring together bright flavors and crunchy textures in every bite, making them a go-to for those who want something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving a small group or prepping for the week, this handheld salad is refreshing, satisfying, and low in carbs — without skimping on taste!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled or seared
- 1½ tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Salad Boats:
- 4–5 large romaine lettuce leaves (whole, for boats)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper to taste
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Salt & cracked pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Grill or sear your chicken breasts until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness).
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from heat, brush or toss with the honey lime mixture, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Parmesan until creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Boats
- Lay out washed and dried romaine leaves on a serving platter.
- Add a layer of chopped honey lime chicken into each boat.
- Top with diced avocado and a small handful of croutons.
- Drizzle Caesar dressing over each salad boat.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and finish with a bit more cracked black pepper.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
- Serve your salad boats as a fun appetizer, light lunch, or a casual dinner.
- Add extra lime wedges for a zesty finish!
Variation
- Grilled Shrimp can replace chicken for a seafood twist.
- Use kale or butter lettuce instead of romaine for a different base.
- Add crispy bacon bits or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Cooking Note
- Allowing the chicken to rest in the honey-lime mix helps lock in flavor and gives it a beautiful glaze.
- Always use ripe but firm avocados so they hold shape in the salad boats.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a glass of chilled lemonade or white wine for a light meal.
- Pairs well with tortilla chips and salsa on the side.
- Great as part of a brunch spread or summer cookout menu.
Tips
- Use grilled rotisserie chicken as a time-saving option.
- Chill the romaine leaves before filling — this keeps them extra crisp.
- Double the dressing recipe to use throughout the week for other salads!
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Caesar Salad Boats
- Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled or seared
- 1½ tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Salad Boats:
- 4–5 large romaine lettuce leaves (whole, for boats)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper to taste
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Salt & cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Grill or sear your chicken breasts until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness).
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from heat, brush or toss with the honey lime mixture, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and Parmesan until creamy.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Boats
- Lay out washed and dried romaine leaves on a serving platter.
- Add a layer of chopped honey lime chicken into each boat.
- Top with diced avocado and a small handful of croutons.
- Drizzle Caesar dressing over each salad boat.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and finish with a bit more cracked black pepper.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
- Serve your salad boats as a fun appetizer, light lunch, or a casual dinner.
- Add extra lime wedges for a zesty finish!
Notes
- Allowing the chicken to rest in the honey-lime mix helps lock in flavor and gives it a beautiful glaze.
- Always use ripe but firm avocados so they hold shape in the salad boats.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sodium: 480mg
- Protein: 29g
Conclusion
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Caesar Salad Boats are a modern, flavor-packed twist on classic Caesar salad. The bold citrus marinade for the chicken complements the creamy avocado and tangy dressing perfectly, while the crisp lettuce leaves turn everything into a fun, no-fork-needed meal. Whether you’re serving this for lunch, entertaining guests, or just want to enjoy something light and nourishing, this recipe will hit the spot. Easy to customize, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with fresh ingredients — this one is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep all ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Q: Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
A: Absolutely — but homemade gives it a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
A: You can substitute with soy sauce or leave it out if needed.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely to make this dish gluten-free.