Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh and creamy dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining tender chicken with ripe avocado and zesty lime, it’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until smooth.
2. Step 2: Stir in the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is fully coated with the avocado mixture.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro or parsley.
5. Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the salad and mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use lime zest along with lime juice for an extra citrusy kick.
• Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to make it richer and creamier.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Try fresh dill instead of cilantro or parsley for a different herbal note.
• Serve it in whole wheat wraps or over a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because avocado can brown, it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day. To help slow browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the salad’s surface before sealing. 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 rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save you time. Just shred it before mixing.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish combining shredded cooked chicken breast with mashed ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, and a medley of herbs and vegetables. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner option, packed with protein and healthy fats.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Salad Base

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 ripe avocado, mashed
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Mash the Avocado: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe avocado until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating the base texture of the salad.
2. Mix Dressing Ingredients: Stir in the Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the mashed avocado, blending all the flavors thoroughly.
3. Add Chicken: Incorporate the shredded cooked chicken breast into the avocado mixture, mixing well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Fold in Vegetables and Herbs: Gently fold the finely diced red onion, chopped celery, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley into the salad, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the ingredients.
5. Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the combined ingredients and gently stir to combine, adding richness and enhancing the salad’s texture.
6. Add Spice (Optional): If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a subtle kick of heat, tailoring the salad’s flavor to your preference.
7. Serve or Chill: Serve the avocado chicken salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• For a creamier texture, make sure the avocado is fully ripe before mashing.
• Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative to make the salad vegan-friendly.
• Adding a squeeze more lime juice can brighten the flavors just before serving.
• Serve the salad on toasted whole-grain bread, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.

Keywords: avocado chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, avocado salad, low fat chicken recipe, no cook chicken salad, Greek yogurt chicken salad