Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Avocado Chicken Salad is a refreshing, wholesome dish that delivers creamy texture and bold flavor without relying on heavy dressings. It is one of those recipes that feels light yet filling, making it perfect for lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep throughout the week. I first made this when I wanted a chicken salad that felt fresh and modern rather than overly rich, and the avocado proved to be the perfect solution. It naturally coats the chicken with a smooth, buttery texture while adding nutritional value and vibrant flavor. This recipe comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and can be enjoyed in multiple ways, from sandwiches to lettuce cups. Whether you are focusing on healthier eating or simply want a delicious, no-fuss meal, this avocado chicken salad is both practical and satisfying.
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Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad That’s Fresh, Healthy, and Satisfying
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A fresh and creamy avocado chicken salad made with tender chicken, ripe avocados, and a light, flavorful dressing—perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the diced chicken and avocado.
- Add red onion and celery to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon or lime juice, olive oil (or Greek yogurt), salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
- Gently toss until everything is well combined and the avocado slightly coats the salad.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve over lettuce, in a wrap, or on toasted bread.
- Add cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
- Best consumed fresh to prevent avocado browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked chicken breast
Cooked chicken breast provides lean protein and a neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the dressing beautifully. Roasted or poached chicken works especially well.
Ripe avocados
Avocados replace traditional mayonnaise, creating a creamy texture while adding healthy fats and a mild, buttery flavor.
Red onion
Red onion adds a subtle bite and crunch, balancing the richness of the avocado.
Celery
Celery brings freshness and crisp texture, keeping the salad light and refreshing.
Fresh lemon juice
Lemon juice brightens the dish and prevents the avocado from browning while enhancing overall flavor.
Olive oil
Olive oil adds smoothness and helps bind the ingredients together without overpowering them.
Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and avocado.
Black pepper
Black pepper provides gentle heat and depth.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds savory undertones without overwhelming the freshness of the salad.
Fresh cilantro or parsley
Fresh herbs add color, aroma, and a clean finish to the dish.
Optional Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt can be added for extra creaminess and a boost of protein, if desired.
Directions
Begin by shredding or dicing the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a separate bowl. Mash the avocado gently with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving some texture.
Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the mashed avocado and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the chicken to the avocado mixture, followed by the chopped red onion, celery, and fresh herbs. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. If using Greek yogurt, stir it in at this stage for additional creaminess.
Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly to allow the flavors to meld. Stir gently before serving to refresh the texture.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with no additional cooking time required if the chicken is already prepared.
Storage/reheating
Store avocado chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning. This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Avocado Chicken Salad is extremely versatile and easy to adapt. For added crunch, incorporate chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or toasted nuts such as almonds. If you enjoy a hint of sweetness, diced apple or grapes pair surprisingly well with the creamy avocado base.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin. A small amount of Dijon mustard can also be mixed in for subtle sharpness. I tested this version with Dijon, and it added just enough depth without overpowering the freshness.
If you prefer a spicy profile, finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce works well. This salad can also be transformed into a wrap, sandwich filling, or served over mixed greens for a complete meal.
Those following low-carb or gluten-free diets can enjoy it in lettuce cups or alongside sliced vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use ripe avocados
Perfectly ripe avocados ensure a smooth, creamy texture without bitterness.
Season gradually
Add salt in stages to avoid overpowering the natural flavors.
Cut evenly
Uniformly sized chicken and vegetables create a better texture and presentation.
Serve fresh
This salad tastes best shortly after mixing, when the avocado is vibrant and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and adds extra flavor.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Lemon juice and airtight storage help slow oxidation.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
It can be prepared one day in advance, but it is best eaten within 24 hours.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the optional Greek yogurt.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with toasted bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or fresh vegetables.
Can I freeze avocado chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as avocado changes texture when thawed.
Conclusion
Avocado Chicken Salad is a fresh, creamy, and nutritious alternative to traditional chicken salad. With simple ingredients and endless customization options, it is an easy recipe that fits seamlessly into busy, health-conscious lifestyles while delivering excellent flavor.
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