It’s 6pm and you need dinner fast, but you want something healthy.
If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this Avocado Chicken Salad is for you.
It delivers a rich texture without using a single drop of mayonnaise.
Why You’ll Make This Again
This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy weeknight dinners throughout the year.
It is especially refreshing during the Summer when you want to avoid the oven.
You get a protein-packed meal that is ready in just 15 minutes flat.
It stores well for lunch, making it a dream for your weekly meal prep.
How This Comes Together
Making this salad is incredibly simple and requires almost no effort from you.
You just toss your ingredients in a bowl and gently mash the avocado.
The avocado acts as a natural binder to keep everything moist and delicious.
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for beginners to use here.
What You’ll Need
These simple ingredients create a fresh flavor explosion in every single bite.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 2 large ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-By-Step Directions
- Place the cubed cooked chicken and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced avocado and immediately drizzle with lime juice to prevent browning.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula for even coating.
- Lightly mash one-third of the avocado to create a creamy binding texture.
- Fold in the minced cilantro until it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled from the refrigerator.
How to Serve It
This Avocado Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile for any meal of the day.
Try serving it inside large butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb wrap option.
You can also pile it onto toasted sourdough or scoop it with pita chips.
It pairs perfectly with a side of fresh fruit or a light veggie soup.
Leftovers & Storage
This salad is best enjoyed fresh because avocado can brown over time.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 24 hours.
To keep it green, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad.
Do not freeze this recipe, as the texture of avocado changes when thawed.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Use very ripe avocados so they mash easily into a creamy sauce.
- Don’t skip the lime juice because it keeps the avocado from turning brown.
- Avoid over-mixing if you still want some chunky avocado pieces for texture.
- Use a rotisserie chicken for a time-saving meal prep hack.
- Chill your chicken before mixing to keep the salad refreshing and cool.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
- Salt the onions first to mellow out their sharp bite before mixing.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Add diced mango for a sweet and tropical Summer twist.
- Mix in some crispy bacon bits for extra saltiness and crunch.
- Swap the cilantro for fresh dill if you prefer a different herb profile.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes for a bright pop of color and acidity.
Quick Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and onion earlier in the day.
Wait to add the avocado until just before serving for the best color.
What if my avocados aren’t ripe?
Hard avocados will not create the creamy texture needed for this recipe.
Place them in a brown paper bag with a banana to ripen faster.
I hope you love this fresh and easy meal as much as I do. It is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or difficult.
— Ethan
Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Place the cubed cooked chicken and diced red onion in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced avocado and immediately drizzle with lime juice to prevent enzymatic browning.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula, lightly mashing approximately one-third of the avocado pieces to create a creamy binding texture.
- Fold in the minced cilantro until evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled.
