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Avocado Chicken Salad: A Healthy and Delicious Recipe for Any Meal

This Avocado Chicken Salad is a creamy and nutritious blend of ripe avocados, tender shredded chicken, and Greek yogurt, mixed with fresh vegetables. Ideal for a light lunch or as a sandwich filling, it offers a delicious way to enjoy healthy fats and protein. Customize it with your favorite add-ins for extra flavor!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise, if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Whole grain bread or lettuce leaves for serving

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Chicken: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, poach, grill, or use rotisserie chicken. For poaching, place chicken breasts in boiling water, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred or dice.
  2. Preparing the Avocados: Cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork to your desired creaminess.
  3. Mixing the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combining Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken to the mashed avocados. Pour the dressing over the mixture, then add red onion, celery, and fresh herbs (if using). Gently fold until well combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  5. Adding Optional Ingredients: If using cherry tomatoes, fold them in gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serving the Salad: Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves, in whole grain bread, or with crackers and fresh veggies.
  7. Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To prevent browning, squeeze extra lemon juice over the top before sealing.

Notes

  • Customize the salad by adding diced apples, nuts, or crumbled feta cheese.
  • For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
  • This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as a quick lunch, picnic dish, or light dinner.