Avocado Chicken Salad: The Perfect Quick & Healthy Meal

After a long day at work, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. This Avocado Chicken Salad recipe is your perfect solution – ready in just minutes and bursting with fresh flavors. The creamy avocados blend perfectly with tender chicken, while zesty lime juice and crisp vegetables create a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your senses.

This isn’t just any Avocado Chicken Salad recipe. The combination of buttery avocados and protein-rich chicken creates a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even an impressive party appetizer, this versatile dish delivers every time. The vibrant colors, fresh aromas, and incredible taste will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Chicken Salad

• ✅ Learn how to make avocado chicken salad with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative to mayo
• ✅ Perfect healthy avocado chicken salad for meal prep that stays fresh for days
• ✅ An easy avocado chicken salad with mayo alternative that doesn’t sacrifice creaminess

Ingredients for Avocado Chicken Salad

To make this delicious Avocado Chicken Salad, you’ll need:

• 2 medium avocados, ripe but firm
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 medium jalapeño, seeded and minced (about 1 tablespoon)

Ingredient Notes:

• For a spicy avocado chicken salad with jalapeños, leave some seeds in for extra heat
• Make a Mediterranean-style avocado chicken salad with feta by adding 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Create avocado chicken salad with crunchy vegetables by adding diced bell peppers or celery
• Transform it into avocado chicken salad with quinoa and black beans by mixing in 1/2 cup cooked quinoa and 1/3 cup black beans

How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad – Step by Step

Preparing the Base

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.

Step 2: Immediately stir in the lime juice to prevent browning. Mix well until combined.

Step 3: Season the avocado mixture with sea salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Adding the Protein and Vegetables

Step 4: Add the shredded chicken to the avocado base and gently fold to combine.

Step 5: Add the diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients without overmixing.

Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preference.

Pro Tips

• Choose ripe avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy.
• Prevent browning: The lime juice helps, but for make-ahead preparation, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the avocado chicken salad before refrigerating.
• Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken saves time, but you can also use poached, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken.
• Make it creamier: For an easy avocado chicken salad with mayo alternative, add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess without the heavy calories.
• Texture variations: Add diced apple or toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch in your avocado chicken salad with crunchy vegetables.

Best Ways

This versatile Avocado Chicken Salad can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

• Scoop onto a bed of mixed greens for a complete low-carb meal
• Serve creamy avocado chicken salad in lettuce wraps using butter lettuce or romaine leaves
• Spread on toasted whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich
• Stuff inside a halved bell pepper or tomato for an impressive appetizer
• Serve with whole grain crackers or cucumber slices for a light lunch
• Fill a whole wheat pita pocket with the salad and additional vegetables

For a complete meal, pair your Avocado Chicken Salad with a light soup like gazpacho in summer or a warming vegetable broth in cooler months.

Nutritional Information

This healthy avocado chicken salad for meal prep is not only delicious but also highly nutritious:

• Calories: Approximately 245 per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 19g (mostly healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado)
• Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 1g (no added sugars)

This low-carb avocado chicken salad with no added sugars is perfect for those following keto, paleo, or simply health-conscious eating patterns. The high protein content makes it satisfying, while the healthy fats from avocado support heart health.

Storage & Leftovers

Can I make avocado chicken salad ahead of time? Yes, but with some precautions:

• Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize oxidation
• How long does avocado chicken salad last in the fridge? Best consumed within 1-2 days
• The lime juice helps prevent browning, but the salad may darken slightly over time (still safe to eat)
• Do not freeze this salad as the texture of avocados changes significantly when thawed
• If meal prepping, consider keeping the mashed avocado mixture separate from the chicken and vegetables until ready to serve

Frequently Asked

Can I make avocado chicken salad without cilantro?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley or dill for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for avocado chicken salad?

Poaching chicken breasts in seasoned water yields tender meat perfect for this salad. Alternatively, rotisserie chicken offers great flavor and convenience.

How can I make my avocado chicken salad spicier?

For a spicy avocado chicken salad with jalapeños, leave some seeds in your jalapeño or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.

Is this avocado chicken salad keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for ketogenic diets. Just be mindful of what you serve it with.

Variations to Try

• Greek-inspired: Create a Mediterranean-style avocado chicken salad with feta, olives, and cucumber
• Tex-Mex: Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning for a southwestern twist
• Curry: Mix in curry powder and raisins for an Indian-inspired version
• BLT style: Add crumbled bacon and diced tomatoes for a classic flavor combination
• Fruity: Mix in diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast to the savory chicken

Conclusion

This Avocado Chicken Salad recipe perfectly balances simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, preparing a healthy dinner, or looking for the perfect dish to bring to a gathering, this versatile recipe has you covered. The combination of creamy avocados, protein-rich chicken, and zesty seasonings creates a meal that’s satisfying without being heavy.

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