Hey y'all! Craving something fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor? This Avocado Chicken Salad is your ticket to a healthy, satisfying meal that comes together in minutes—perfect for picnics, quick lunches, or light dinners. With its irresistible combination of tender chicken, ripe avocados, and vibrant veggies, this Salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins for a satisfying meal.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on toast, in lettuce wraps, or as a classic salad.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh and delicious for days in the fridge.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Naturally suitable for a variety of diets!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Optional: ½ diced cucumber for extra crunch
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
If you haven't already, cook the chicken breast (poach or bake at 375°F/190°C for about 20-25 minutes or use rotisserie chicken for convenience). Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken into bite-size pieces.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced avocados, red onion, celery, and cilantro or parsley. If using, add cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime or lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix & Serve
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocados too much. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Dice avocados just before mixing to prevent browning.
- Squeeze extra lime/lemon juice over the top if storing for later to keep avocados fresh.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Bacon Lover's: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of crumbled cooked bacon.
- Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup diced mango or pineapple for sweetness.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Fork or tongs for mixing
- Small bowl and whisk for dressing
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Avocado Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, add a little extra lemon or lime juice to prevent browning. Stir gently before serving if the avocados oxidize slightly.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve on toasted sourdough or whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich.
- Spoon into lettuce cups for a crisp, low-carb meal.
- Enjoy atop a bed of greens with extra veggies for a hearty salad bowl.
- Pair with tortilla chips as a chunky, protein-packed dip.
Pro Tips for the Best Avocado Chicken Salad
- Use just-ripe avocados for a creamy texture without mushiness.
- Gently combine the salad to keep avocado pieces intact and the salad fresh-looking.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or basil to change up the flavor profile.
FAQ
Can I make Avocado Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all components except the avocado, then gently fold in freshly diced avocado just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze Avocado Chicken Salad?
It's not recommended, as avocado tends to become watery and discolored after freezing. Enjoy fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What chicken is best for this salad?
Any cooked chicken works, but grilled or rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and tenderness to this creamy Avocado Chicken Salad.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
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2In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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3Pour the dressing over the chicken and avocado mixture.
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4Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocados.
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5Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for best flavor.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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