If you’re on the lookout for a refreshing, creamy, and nutritious dish to brighten up your lunch or dinner, this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. With tender shredded chicken meeting buttery ripe avocados, a hint of tangy lime, and the crisp bite of celery and red onion, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. It’s a healthy, no-cook recipe that feels indulgent yet light, making it perfect for a quick meal or a satisfying snack. Trust me, once you try this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe, it will become your go-to whenever you want something deliciously simple and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a unique role: creamy avocados bring richness, Greek yogurt adds a nice tang with protein, lime juice brightens everything up, and the crunchy veggies add just the right amount of texture. Here’s what you need to create this delightful mixture:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- 2 ripe avocados (peeled and diced): Choose avocados that are soft but not mushy for the perfect creamy chunks.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds a smooth, tangy creaminess as a healthier alternative to mayo.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the avocado.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Infuses a fresh herbal note that elevates the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup diced red onion: Offers a sharp, slightly sweet crunch for contrast.
- ½ cup diced celery: Adds a refreshing crisp texture to every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for highlighting all the natural flavors.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the creamy base
Start by mashing one ripe avocado in a large bowl until mostly smooth—it’s okay if there are a few lumps for texture. Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and fresh lime juice. These ingredients come together to form a luscious, tangy base that gives the salad its irresistible creaminess.
Step 2: Add the chicken and fresh veggies
Next, fold in the cooked shredded or chopped chicken along with the remaining diced avocado chunks, cilantro, red onion, and celery. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to over-mash those avocado chunks. This step ensures you get a lovely balance of creamy and crunchy throughout the salad.
Step 3: Season to perfection
Finally, sprinkle salt and pepper to your taste. This simple seasoning brings out and harmonizes all the flavors. If you want an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some finely chopped jalapeño for heat. That’s it—your Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of extra chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of red onion on top to add a pop of color and freshness. A little wedge of lime on the side can also brighten every bite when squeezed over just before eating.
Side Dishes
This Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with light sides like crisp lettuce leaves for wraps, whole grain crackers, or simply atop toasted sourdough bread for a satisfying sandwich. To keep things fresh, a side salad of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette is a lovely complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the salad stuffed inside ripe tomato halves or hollowed-out avocados. It also makes a great filling for collard green wraps or colorful bell pepper cups, making your meal as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but because avocado tends to brown quickly, try to consume it within a day to enjoy the freshest flavors. A light squeeze of lime over the top before storing can help slow the browning process.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The avocado’s creamy texture and the fresh veggies will not hold up well after thawing and could become mushy or watery, compromising the salad’s lovely texture.
Reheating
This Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature. Since it’s a no-cook dish meant to be fresh and vibrant, reheating isn’t necessary and could diminish its natural creaminess and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Mayonnaise will give the salad a richer, more classic chicken salad flavor, but Greek yogurt adds a healthier twist with tang and protein while keeping it light and fresh.
What type of chicken works best in this salad?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh—shredded or chopped—will work perfectly for this recipe.
How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
Using lime juice helps prevent browning, but storing the salad in an airtight container and eating it within a day is key to keeping it looking and tasting fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Due to the avocado’s tendency to brown, it’s best to prepare this salad fresh, but you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time to save some minutes on the day you want to enjoy it.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with ingredients like chopped jalapeño for heat, diced tomatoes for extra juiciness, or even a sprinkle of cheese for a bit of indulgence. This recipe is quite versatile!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe is a winner every time. It’s quick to throw together, wonderfully satisfying, and perfect for any occasion from a simple lunch to a light dinner. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad that you keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines tender cooked chicken with ripe avocados, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light main course or lunch option, it’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal without the heaviness of mayo.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 2 ripe avocados (peeled and diced)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup diced celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mash the base: In a large bowl, mash one of the avocados with the Greek yogurt and lime juice until the mixture is mostly smooth, creating a creamy and tangy dressing base.
- Add the chicken and remaining avocado: Fold in the cooked chicken and the remaining diced avocado chunks carefully, ensuring the avocado pieces retain their texture without being overly mashed.
- Incorporate fresh veggies and herbs: Stir in the chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and celery to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed to enhance all the flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately served on toasted bread, in crisp lettuce wraps, or as a filling for sandwiches for a quick and healthy meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or a chopped jalapeño for a mild kick.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save prep time.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh because the avocado can brown if stored; if necessary, store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
