There’s something about a bowl of creamy, vibrant chicken salad that feels like a hug in food form – comforting, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. Now, imagine swapping out the usual heavy mayo for nutrient-packed avocado. Welcome to the world of Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad!
This recipe is a delightful spin on the classic chicken salad we all know and love. By using ripe avocados as the creamy base, you’re not only skipping the processed ingredients but also adding a boost of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and an irresistibly rich texture. Toss in tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a squeeze of zesty lime, and you’ve got a dish that’s light, refreshing, and filling all at the same time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or a flavorful topping for crackers or sandwiches, this avocado chicken salad checks all the boxes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made chicken salad without avocados.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy Without the Mayo: Avocado brings the same rich, silky texture without the heaviness or added calories of mayonnaise.
- Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with lean protein, healthy fats, and crunchy vegetables, this salad is as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort – perfect for busy days!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, fresh herbs, or even a little spice to make it your own.
- Naturally Gluten-Free and Low-Carb: Great for anyone following a gluten-free or low-carb diet.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Making this avocado chicken salad is as easy as it gets. It’s a one-bowl wonder, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. Plus, it’s so versatile – enjoy it as a light lunch, pack it for a picnic, or pile it onto lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by cooking your chicken breast if it isn’t already prepared. You can boil, roast, or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Next, dice your vegetables: finely chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber into small cubes. Set these aside while you prep the avocado.
Step 2: Mash the Avocado
In a large mixing bowl, scoop out the flesh of two ripe avocados. Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. For a chunkier texture, leave a few small avocado pieces intact.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Veggies
To the bowl with the mashed avocado, add the shredded chicken, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. The combination of creamy avocado and crunchy vegetables creates the perfect balance of textures.
Step 4: Season and Brighten
Drizzle the lime juice over the salad to add a zesty pop of flavor and prevent the avocado from browning. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste, then gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your avocado chicken salad is ready to serve! Scoop it onto whole-grain bread for a healthy sandwich, spoon it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or enjoy it straight out of the bowl with a fork.
Helpful Tips
- Use Ripe Avocados: For the best creamy texture, make sure your avocados are ripe but not overly soft. They should give slightly when pressed but still hold their shape.
- Pre-Cook Your Chicken: To save time, use leftover grilled chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add veggies like bell peppers, celery, or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
- Make it Ahead: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead, store it in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to minimize browning.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if chicken isn’t pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Healthy, Low-Carb
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- If you prefer a chunkier salad, don’t mash the avocado entirely. Instead, dice it and gently fold it into the salad for a different texture.
- For an even lighter version, serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens like spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad dairy-free and keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, and it’s already keto-friendly thanks to the low-carb ingredients like avocado and chicken.
Q: How long does avocado chicken salad last in the fridge?
Avocado chicken salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent the avocado from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing it in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, canned chicken is a great time-saving option. Be sure to drain and shred it well before adding it to the salad.
Q: What can I serve this salad with?
This salad is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with crackers, pita chips, in a wrap, or as a topping for baked sweet potatoes. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a bowl of soup.
Storage Instructions
To store your avocado chicken salad, transfer it to an airtight container. To keep the avocado as fresh as possible, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface before sealing. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, though the avocado may darken slightly over time.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:
-
Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs: A Vibrant Dish for Every Occasion
-
Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed, Easy-to-Make Favorite
Conclusion
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavors. It’s creamy, refreshing, and satisfying without relying on heavy dressings or processed ingredients. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick lunch, this salad will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
So, grab those ripe avocados, shred some chicken, and get ready to enjoy a healthy, delicious twist on a classic. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is to serve. Here’s to salads that nourish and delight! Happy cooking!
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Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
Description
There’s something about a bowl of creamy, vibrant chicken salad that feels like a hug in food form – comforting, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. Now, imagine swapping out the usual heavy mayo for nutrient-packed avocado. Welcome to the world of Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad!
This recipe is a delightful spin on the classic chicken salad we all know and love. By using ripe avocados as the creamy base, you’re not only skipping the processed ingredients but also adding a boost of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and an irresistibly rich texture. Toss in tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a squeeze of zesty lime, and you’ve got a dish that’s light, refreshing, and filling all at the same time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or a flavorful topping for crackers or sandwiches, this avocado chicken salad checks all the boxes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made chicken salad without avocados.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by cooking your chicken breast if it isn’t already prepared. You can boil, roast, or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Next, dice your vegetables: finely chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber into small cubes. Set these aside while you prep the avocado.
Step 2: Mash the Avocado
In a large mixing bowl, scoop out the flesh of two ripe avocados. Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches your desired level of creaminess. For a chunkier texture, leave a few small avocado pieces intact.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Veggies
To the bowl with the mashed avocado, add the shredded chicken, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. The combination of creamy avocado and crunchy vegetables creates the perfect balance of textures.
Step 4: Season and Brighten
Drizzle the lime juice over the salad to add a zesty pop of flavor and prevent the avocado from browning. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste, then gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your avocado chicken salad is ready to serve! Scoop it onto whole-grain bread for a healthy sandwich, spoon it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or enjoy it straight out of the bowl with a fork.
Notes
- If you prefer a chunkier salad, don’t mash the avocado entirely. Instead, dice it and gently fold it into the salad for a different texture.
- For an even lighter version, serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens like spinach, arugula, or romaine lettuce.