There’s something so comforting about the creamy texture of a fresh chicken salad. This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is exactly what you need for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and let’s be honest, it’s been trending for a reason! Creamy avocado meets tender chicken, creating a deliciously refreshing meal.
Imagine all the goodness of classic chicken salad, but with a twist. It’s made with ripe avocados, cooked chicken, and a splash of tangy lime juice. No mayo herejust pure, wholesome ingredients! Plus, it comes together in about 15 minutes. Easy, right?
Started making this healthy twist back in 2020 when we were all seeking cozy meals at home. My husband took a bite and exclaimed, “This is what summer tastes like!” The trick is to add a hint of lime to keep those avocados from browning and elevate the flavors. Over the years of blogging about food, this one always gets smiles around the table.
Thomas Baker
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe You Need to Try
This healthy avocado chicken salad is a quick and tasty meal perfect for any time you want something nutritious and flavorful. Packed with creamy avocado and tender chicken, this healthy avocado chicken salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Start by mashing the avocado in a large bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Next, incorporate the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the mashed avocado, stirring thoroughly.
Add the shredded chicken to the mixture, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Gently fold in the red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes, and chopped herbs for a fresh crunch.
Pour the olive oil over the salad and stir lightly to combine all flavors.
If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle the red pepper flakes on top.
Enjoy the salad right away or chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the tastes blend beautifully.
Notes
For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving. You can swap cilantro for parsley based on your preference. This salad can be served on its own or with whole-grain bread for a more filling meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutrients from avocado, chicken, and veggies, it’s a nourishing choice.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 10 minutes, this Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is perfect for busy days!
Family-Approved: With flavors that appeal to all ages, everyone will want seconds of this creamy delight.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, in wraps, or atop a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here’s what you need to create this cozy, comforting salad:
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded and ready for a satisfying protein boost.
Ripe Avocado: The star ingredient that adds creaminess without the need for mayo.
Greek Yogurt: A healthy alternative to traditional dressings, giving a tangy twist.
Lime Juice: Fresh and zesty, it keeps the avocado vibrant and enhances flavor.
Veggies (Red Onion, Celery, Cherry Tomatoes): For crunch, color, and added nutrition.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley bring a refreshing note to the mix.
Tools: A large mixing bowl, fork for mashing, and a couple of measuring spoons.
How It Works: Step-by-Step Guide
Mash the Avocado: In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until smooth. Ensure it’s ripe for that perfect creamy texture.
Add the Creamy Elements: Stir in Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Mix in the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken and fold it in, ensuring every piece gets coated with that delicious avocado mixture.
Incorporate the Veggies: Fold in the diced red onion, chopped celery, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Gently combine everything together.
Finish With Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the salad and mix gently again. If you like a little heat, this is the time to sprinkle on red pepper flakes!
Let It Chill: For the best flavors, serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow those tasty flavors to meld.
Troubleshooting and Common Concerns
Here are a few tips to ensure your Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad comes out perfectly every time:
Avocado Browning: Always add lime juice to keep your avocado looking fresh and vibrant.
Too Creamy? If the salad feels too rich, add a little more Greek yogurt or some extra veggies.
Not Salty Enough? Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to your liking, as chicken can vary in flavor.
Tweaks and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Here are some ideas for customizing your Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad:
Add Fruits: Toss in some diced apples or grapes for a sweet crunch.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.
Change It Up: Substitute the chicken with canned tuna or chickpeas for a different protein option.
Serving and Storage Tips
Let’s make sure you enjoy every bite of your Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad:
Serving Suggestions: Serve on whole-grain bread, as a wrap, or over a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more the avocados may brown.
Best Served Fresh: For optimal taste, enjoy shortly after making it, especially if it’s for a gathering!
Timing Chart
Activity
Time
Prep Time
Gathering ingredients and prepping veggies
5 minutes
Assembly
Mixing all ingredients together
5 minutes
Chill Time
Enhancing flavors in the fridge
Optional: 30 minutes
Expert Says
A healthy avocado chicken salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and provide essential vitamins like E and K. This combination enhances nutrient absorption from other ingredients, making your meal even more nourishing and flavorful.
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The Quest for the Ultimate Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad took me numerous attempts to get just right. I’ll never forget that first batchtoo much lime left it more like a salsa! But with each retry, I honed in on the creamy texture and vibrant flavor balance, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying for the whole family.
FAQs ( Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad )
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
This meal features ripe avocados, cooked chicken (shredded or diced), fresh vegetables like celery and red onion, and a tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt, lime juice, and spices. The combination creates a creamy yet nutritious dish that everyone will love.
How can I make this meal vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein. Use a vegan yogurt alternative to create the creamy dressing, and feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.
Can I make ahead this salad?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from wilting. It can last in the refrigerator for up to two days, but the fresher, the better!
What are some serving suggestions?
This dish is versatile! You can serve it on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain crackers. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with quinoa or brown rice to boost the nutrition.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe can be prepared in about 20-30 minutes, depending on how quickly you chop your ingredients. If you have pre-cooked chicken, the time will be even shorter. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad turns outcreamy, zesty, and ready in under 15 minutes! It’s the perfect blend of fresh flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Feel free to toss in your favorite nuts for added crunch or swap in leftover turkey for a new twist. A trick I learned from my aunt is to enjoy it on whole-grain toastdelicious! And if you have leftovers, don’t forget to store them in an airtight container for a quick lunch the next day.
I’d love to see how your salad turns out! Did you grow up enjoying something similar? Share your photos or thoughts, and don’t forget to save this recipe for a quick, wholesome meal. Let’s keep cooking comfort food that feels like home!
