Refreshing Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Creamy and packed with flavor, this delightful avocado chicken salad recipe brings a fresh twist to your lunch routine.

Tender chicken mingles with ripe, buttery avocados in a perfectly balanced blend of textures and tastes.

Crisp vegetables add a satisfying crunch that elevates every single bite.

Summer picnics and quick weekday meals just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet delicious combination.

Fresh herbs and a zesty dressing tie all the ingredients together in a mouthwatering harmony.

This protein-packed salad delivers nutrition and incredible flavor in one easy dish.

Dive into a meal that’ll keep you energized and completely satisfied.

Avocado Chicken Salad Flavor Perks

• Whip Up Quick Meal: Perfect for busy days, this chicken salad comes together in minutes with minimal cooking required.
• Celebrate Fresh Flavors: Bursting with vibrant ingredients like creamy avocado, zesty lime, and sweet corn, the recipe offers a delightful taste experience.
• Customize with Ease: Easily swap or add ingredients to match your preferences, making it versatile for different dietary needs and taste buds.
• Nutritious Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado, this salad delivers a balanced and satisfying meal option.

Ingredients Needed for Avocado Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Shredded protein that serves as the primary component of the salad.
• Avocado: Creamy fruit that adds richness and smooth texture to the dish.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide crunch and additional flavor.

• Cilantro: Bright herb that adds a fresh and zesty flavor profile.
• Onion: Provides a sharp and crisp element to the salad.

• Lime Juice, Olive Oil: Tangy and smooth dressing that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.

Preparing Avocado Chicken Salad Easily

Step 1: Shred and Chop Chicken and Veggies

Start by taking cooked chicken and pulling it apart into small, bite-sized pieces.

Dice the onion into fine, uniform chunks.

Cut the avocado into smooth cubes.

Roughly chop the fresh cilantro leaves.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Toss the shredded chicken into a spacious mixing bowl.

Add the diced onion, cubed avocado, and corn kernels.

Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top to distribute the herbs evenly.

Step 3: Dress and Season

Squeeze fresh lime juice directly over the salad mixture.

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil to add richness and help bind the ingredients.

Sprinkle sea salt and cracked black pepper across the surface to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 4: Gently Combine

Use a soft spatula or large spoon to fold the ingredients together.

Move carefully to prevent mashing the avocado, keeping the texture light and fresh.

Ensure every bite has a balanced mix of chicken, vegetables, and seasonings.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.

Serve chilled as a standalone dish, inside lettuce wraps, or atop a bed of mixed greens for a complete meal.

Avocado Chicken Salad Kitchen Tips

• Squeeze extra lime juice over the avocado to keep it fresh and prevent oxidation.
• Add hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas for an extra protein punch in the salad.
• Chop ingredients finely for a smoother consistency or keep them chunky for more bite.
• Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp vegetables and creamy texture.
• Use as a sandwich filling, wrap, or serve over mixed greens for versatile meal options.

Avocado Chicken Salad Mix-Ins and Variations

• Mediterranean Makeover: Replace chicken with grilled chickpeas for a vegetarian version, swap cilantro with fresh parsley, and use feta cheese for extra tang.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, use black beans instead of corn, incorporate chipotle powder, and mix in some diced red bell peppers for heat.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute corn with cauliflower rice, increase avocado quantity, use rotisserie chicken, and add crispy bacon bits for extra protein and crunch.
• Low-Carb Protein Punch: Replace corn with diced cucumber, use Greek yogurt as a partial dressing substitute, sprinkle hemp seeds for added nutrition, and include chopped almonds for crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Avocado Chicken Salad

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the avocado chicken salad on a large wooden board with crisp lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers for a beautiful, shareable presentation.
• Fresh Wrap Delight: Stuff the salad into soft flour tortillas or large butter lettuce leaves for a light, portable lunch that's easy to pack and enjoy on the go.
• Bed of Greens Style: Serve the salad atop a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach, garnished with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Loaded Chip Topping: Scoop the salad over crispy tortilla chips or use as a dip for a fun, casual appetizer that's perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

How to Store Avocado Chicken Salad Fresh

• Store the avocado chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent browning.
• Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the salad to minimize oxidation and keep the avocado looking green and appetizing.
• Skip freezing this dish, as avocados and mayo-based salads tend to separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed.
• Enjoy the salad cold straight from the refrigerator for the most vibrant flavors and crispest texture.

FAQs

• Can I use canned chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works perfectly as a quick and convenient alternative to freshly shredded chicken in this recipe.

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or healthy meal prep.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

You can add black beans, quinoa, or additional grilled chicken to boost the protein content and make the salad more filling.

• Can I substitute cilantro if I don't like it?

Definitely! You can replace cilantro with fresh parsley or green onions for a similar fresh flavor profile without changing the overall texture of the salad.

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy avocado chicken salad delivers a Mediterranean-inspired delight packed with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Crisp greens and tender chicken mingle with smooth avocado, creating a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped

Main Produce:

• 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
• 1/2 cup corn (roasted, canned, or frozen)
• 1/4 cup red or green onion, minced

Dressing & Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cilantro, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lime or lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately shred the tender chicken into bite-sized morsels.
2. Dice the creamy avocado into uniform cubes, ensuring a smooth texture throughout the salad.
3. Finely chop the crisp red onion and vibrant cilantro, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Gently fold in the sweet corn kernels, adding a delightful burst of color and freshness.
5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, allowing the citrusy notes to brighten the overall flavor profile.
6. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil to enhance the salad’s richness and provide a silky coating.
7. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the taste and balance the ingredients.
8. Using a light touch, carefully fold and toss the ingredients until they are harmoniously integrated.
9. Chill for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the creamiest texture in your salad.
• Swap mayonnaise for mashed avocado to create a healthier, dairy-free alternative that’s packed with good fats.
• Customize the protein by using leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken for added depth of flavor.
• Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the overall taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg