Avocado Chicken Salad

Avocado chicken salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that perfectly combines creamy avocados with tender chicken, making it a favorite for lunch, dinner, or even a healthy snack. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny picnic or preparing a quick weekday meal, this recipe brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to any table. I’ve had countless moments savoring this dish, and every time, it feels like a special treat—simple yet satisfying.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Avocado Chicken Salad is bound to become a go-to standard in your recipe rotation for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it’s a fantastically quick meal to whip up, requiring just about 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights! It’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge, making it ideal for last-minute meals.

This dish is also incredibly nutritious, packing in healthy fats from the avocados and lean protein from the chicken. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate your taste—serve it in lettuce wraps, alongside whole grain toast, or stuffed in a whole grain wrap. Not to mention, it’s kid-approved with its creamy consistency and hint of lime!

“I made this salad for a family gathering, and everyone loved it! It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to customize!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Let’s dive into making your Avocado Chicken Salad. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for beginners while allowing experienced cooks to enjoy the process. You’ll combine all ingredients in a large bowl, so prepare for minimal clean-up! Here’s an overview of how it’s done:

1. Combine shredded chicken, diced vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Cut and scoop the avocados into the mix.
3. Drizzle lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Gently fold it all together.
5. Serve on your choice of lettuce leaves, wraps, or toast.

What You’ll Need

To create this delicious salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color you like)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps for serving

Feel free to swap out the chicken for canned tuna or chickpeas if you want a non-meat option!

Cooking Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and bell pepper.
2. Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Gently mix everything together until well-coordinated and creamy.
5. Serve on lettuce leaves, in wraps, or on toasted bread.

Tips for Serving

Presentation can elevate your dish! Here are some creative serving ideas for your Avocado Chicken Salad:

• On bed of fresh greens: Serve it nestled on crisp lettuce leaves for a light and healthy option.
• In wraps: Spoon the salad into whole grain wraps for a portable lunch solution that’s easy to take on the go.
• As a dip: Pair with whole grain crackers or veggie sticks for a fun appetizer.

Storage Tips

To keep your Avocado Chicken Salad fresh and safe:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 days due to the avocados turning brown.
• If you plan to make it ahead, consider adding the avocado just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color.
• Reheat the chicken if needed; however, the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Expert Advice

Here are some pro tips to perfect this recipe:

• Choose ripe avocados for a creamy texture; they should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Don’t overmix the salad, as you want to keep some chunks of avocado intact for a pleasing texture.
• Feel free to amp up the flavor with a sprinkle of chili powder or fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations on the classic Avocado Chicken Salad:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version.
• Fruit Fusion: Toss in diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast that brightens the salad.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick meal!

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great time-saving substitute.

How do I keep the salad from browning?

To prevent browning, consider adding the avocado right before serving and keeping any leftovers tightly sealed in an airtight container.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Just be mindful of adding the avocado until you’re ready to eat for the best freshness.

Avocado Chicken Salad

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A refreshing and nutritious salad that combines creamy avocados with tender chicken, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a healthy snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color you like)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and bell pepper.
2. Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into the bowl.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
4. Gently mix everything together until well-coordinated and creamy.
5. Serve on lettuce leaves, in wraps, or on toasted bread.

Notes

To prevent browning, consider adding the avocado right before serving and keeping any leftovers tightly sealed in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: salad, avocado, chicken, healthy, quick meal, nutritious