Welcome to the best avocado chicken salad recipe you’ll ever try—a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a light dinner, this homemade avocado chicken salad is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and zesty kick make it a standout dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. If you’re searching for an easy avocado chicken salad, you’ve found the right recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Chicken Salad
- Best way to make avocado chicken salad at home with minimal ingredients.
- Easy avocado chicken salad for beginners— takes only 10 minutes to prepare!
- Perfect for meal prep—store it in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week.
- Tailor-made for those seeking low-carb meals.
- No cooking required, keeping the prep time to a minimum.
- Uses fresh ingredients for a healthy and nutritious meal.
Ingredients for Avocado Chicken Salad
Creating the best avocado chicken salad requires just a handful of essential ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Use rotisserie or grilled for convenience.
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed – Essential for a creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise – Choose whichever you prefer for creaminess.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup celery, diced – Provides crunch and fresh flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – Enhances flavor and prevents avocado browning.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings for balance.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) – Adds a burst of color and flavor.
Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free option, ensure your mayonnaise is gluten-free. To make this salad paleo-friendly, use paleo-friendly mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the mashed avocado. Mix until the avocado evenly coats the chicken.
Step 3: Add Creaminess
- Stir in the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Step 4: Enhance Flavors
- Incorporate the diced red onion and celery, mixing well to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Drizzle lime juice over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold the ingredients to ensure everything is well combined.
Optional: Garnish
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a touch of color and flavor.
Pro Cooking Tip: Mash the avocado just before mixing to maintain its fresh green color and ensure a smooth consistency throughout. For an extra crispy texture, use freshly cooked chicken that’s lightly seared.
A Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe to Brighten Your Meals Pro Tips for Making the Best Avocado Chicken Salad
- Can I make avocado chicken salad ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the salad and store it in the fridge—it’s even more flavorful after a couple of hours as the ingredients meld together.
- What is the secret to the best avocado chicken salad? Fresh, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Use a perfectly ripe avocado for the best flavor and texture.
- For added spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- Swap out red onions for green onions if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
- If you’re on a keto diet, ensure you use full-fat Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
Best Ways to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad
- Serve in Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, spoon your salad into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
- Pair with Whole Wheat Bread: Create a hearty sandwich filled with this delicious salad.
- On a Bed of Spinach: Add an extra nutritional boost by serving the salad on top of fresh spinach leaves.
- With Crackers or Pita Chips: For a crunchy side, enjoy your salad as a dip with whole grain crackers or pita chips.
For a delightful meal pair, enjoy this salad with our Simple Lemon Garlic Roasted Vegetables for a fresh, zesty complement.
Nutritional Information for Avocado Chicken Salad
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
Health-Conscious Tips: This delicious recipe is low-carb, making it ideal for those following a ketogenic or carb-conscious diet.
Storage & Leftovers
- How long does avocado chicken salad last in the fridge? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The lime juice helps slow down the browning of avocado, but for the freshest taste, consume it within 24 hours.
- Reheating Methods: Avocado chicken salad is best enjoyed cold. However, if you’ve used fresh chicken, you can gently reheat it before mixing with other ingredients, if desired.
FAQs for Avocado Chicken Salad
Can I freeze avocado chicken salad?
While freezing is not recommended due to changes in texture from both chicken and avocado, you can freeze the chicken separately.What can I use instead of celery in avocado chicken salad?
Try substituting with diced cucumber or bell peppers for a similar crunch.How can I keep the avocado from browning?
Ensure you toss the avocado with lime juice immediately after mashing to keep it looking fresh.Is Greek yogurt necessary in this recipe?
No, you can use mayonnaise instead or mix both for a balance of tartness and creaminess.Related Recipes for Avocado Chicken Salad
The Best Avocado Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A refreshing and creamy avocado chicken salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mashed avocado. Mix until well combined.
- Add the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate the diced red onion and celery for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for better flavor.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt will make the salad lighter, while mayonnaise adds creaminess.
- Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like bell peppers or corn.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Avocado, Chicken, Salad, Healthy, Quick Meals