Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a protein-packed snack. Combining creamy avocado with tender chicken and crisp vegetables, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 2 medium breasts)
• ½ to 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup celery, finely diced
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If starting with raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Let it cool, then dice into small cubes.
2. Step 2: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency, either smooth or slightly chunky.
4. Step 4: Add the diced chicken, halved tomatoes, red onion, celery, and red bell pepper to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Step 6: If using, add the Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
7. Step 7: Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to your preference.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient option.
• Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or basil if preferred.
• For extra crunch, top with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts before serving.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because avocado browns quickly, pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface can help reduce discoloration. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and can save preparation time. Just dice it before mixing with the other ingredients.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Adding lime juice helps slow browning, and storing the salad tightly covered in the fridge reduces exposure to air. Eating it within a day or two ensures the best color and flavor.

Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

A refreshing and nutritious Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad featuring ripe avocados, tender grilled chicken breast, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing, perfect for a light lunch or wholesome snack.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken from raw)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 2 medium breasts)
• ½ to 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup celery, finely diced
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasoning and Dressing

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it cool and dice into small cubes.
2. Prepare the Avocado: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl.
3. Mash the Avocado: Use a fork to mash the avocado to your desired consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
4. Add Vegetables and Chicken: Add the diced chicken, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, red onion, celery, and red bell pepper into the bowl with the mashed avocado.
5. Season the Salad: Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
6. Add Creaminess: If desired, add Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
7. Combine: Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined and evenly mixed.
8. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
9. Serve or Chill: Serve immediately for a fresh taste or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, lime juice, and cilantro to suit your taste.
• Adding Greek yogurt is optional but adds extra creaminess and protein.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
• Serve on its own, on lettuce wraps, or as a filling for sandwiches or tortillas.

Keywords: avocado chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, avocado salad, grilled chicken recipe, low fat salad, lime chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad