Picture this: a sunny kitchen filled with laughter, a cutting board covered in bright green avocado slices, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked chicken. You might be wondering what’s cooking today. Well, allow me to introduce you to my HEALTHY AVOCADO CHICKEN SALADa dish that’s lighting up kitchen counters from TikTok to Pinterest. It’s fresh, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious!
This salad is all about cozy simplicity. Juicy chicken, creamy avocados, and a sprinkle of zesty lime come together in a bowl that feels like a warm hug. It’s everything you love about our favorite summer meals, but without the fuss. Think of it like your grandma’s classic chicken saladjust quicker and a touch healthier. Full details in the blog!
This healthy avocado chicken salad is a fresh and tasty option that’s perfect for health conscious food lovers. Enjoy a flavorful blend of creamy avocado and tender chicken in every bite. Try this delicious healthy avocado chicken salad today.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
1 ripe avocado mashed
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup red onion finely diced
1/4 cup celery chopped
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes halved
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Use a fork to mash the avocado in a large bowl until it is smooth.
Add Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir everything together.
Mix in the shredded chicken until it is fully coated with the dressing.
Gently fold in red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs to combine.
Pour olive oil over the salad and gently toss to blend evenly.
If you like some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Serve the salad right away, or chill it for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Method:Stovetop
Nutrition
Calories:320 kcal
Why It’s a Family Favorite
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad brings together the comforting flavors of a classic chicken salad, but with a refreshing twist that everyone in the family will love. It’s those cozy, nostalgic vibes that make this dish stand out, evoking memories of picnics on the lawn and sunny afternoons spent with loved ones.
With minimal fuss and just ten minutes of prep, this salad is not only a time-saver in the kitchen but also a delightful meal that checks all the boxes. Whether it’s for lunch at home, a potluck with friends, or a simple weeknight dinner, you can always count on this dish to deliver big flavors without a big mess.
Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes. And let’s be honest: it feels good knowing you’re serving something nutritious while still tasting like a treat!
Ingredients Breakdown
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that delightful salad we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded for that protein boost.
Ripe avocado: 1, the star of the show that provides creaminess and healthy fats.
Greek yogurt: 1/4 cup, adding extra creaminess and a little tang.
Lime juice: 1 tablespoon, for a refreshing zing.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavors.
Crunchy veggies: 1/4 cup each of red onion, celery, and cherry tomatoes to add texture and color.
Fresh herbs: 2 tablespoons, cilantro or parsley, because herbs are life!
Olive oil: Just a drizzle for richness.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
Simple Steps to Make It
Ready to whip up this delicious Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad? Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide to help you along the way:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocado until it’s smooth and creamy.
Stir in the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
Add in the shredded chicken, folding it gently to coat everything evenly.
Mix in the chopped red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to combine all those beautiful flavors.
If you like a little kick, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld a bit more.
Task
Time
Prep Time
10 minutes
Chill Time (optional)
30 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Easy Customizations
If you’re feeling adventurous, this salad is super flexible! Here are some easy swaps and variations you can try:
Swap the chicken: Use shredded turkey or canned tuna for a quick change-up.
Mix in some fruits: Diced apples or grapes can add a touch of sweetness.
Spice it up: Add jalapeños for a little more heat or swap in lime zest for an extra zing!
Go dairy-free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter twist.
How to Serve & Store
This Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad shines as a standalone dish but gets even better when paired with whole grain crackers or stuffed into a whole grain wrap. Family members of all ages will love dipping crunchy veggies into this creamy bowl of goodness!
As for storage, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2–3 days. Just a quick note: avocado tends to brown, so it’s best when consumed fresh. If you’re making it ahead, consider preparing all the ingredients separately and mixing them just before serving!
Expert Says
This healthy avocado chicken salad combines lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado, creating a balanced meal. The monounsaturated fats in avocados can promote heart health while providing essential nutrients. This dish is not only flavorful but also nutrient-dense, making it a smart choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
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The Long Road to Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
After many attempts, I finally nailed my Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad. I discovered the hard way that too much lime made it taste like a tropical disaster! With each try, I learned to balance flavors, and now it’s a staple in our homeperfectly creamy and delightfully fresh.
FAQs ( Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad )
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
This meal features ripe avocados, cooked chicken (shredded or diced), fresh vegetables like celery and red onion, and a tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt, lime juice, and spices. The combination creates a creamy yet nutritious dish that everyone will love.
How can I make this meal vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein. Use a vegan yogurt alternative to create the creamy dressing, and feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.
Can I make ahead this salad?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from wilting. It can last in the refrigerator for up to two days, but the fresher, the better!
What are some serving suggestions?
This dish is versatile! You can serve it on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or with whole-grain crackers. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with quinoa or brown rice to boost the nutrition.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe can be prepared in about 20–30 minutes, depending on how fast you chop your ingredients. If you have pre-cooked chicken, the time will be even shorter. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal!
Conclusion
Voila! Your Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad is ready to be devouredtalk about a 10-minute miracle! You’ll love how the creamy avocado mingles with juicy chicken, creating a cozy blend that smells just like a summer picnic. Trust me, this simple dish can quickly become your go-to for busy lunches or casual dinners, leaving everyone asking for seconds!
Feeling adventurous? Try mixing in diced apples or swapping chicken for turkeyit’s all about making it yours! For a quick storage tip, store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within a couple of days. A little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen: splash a bit of lime juice over your salad before storing to keep those vibrant colors fresh!
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Did you grow up enjoying something similar? Snap a pic of your creamy creation or share a memory in the comments below. And don’t forget to save or share this recipe with friendsafter all, good food is meant to be shared and enjoyed together, like warm hugs around the dinner table. Enjoy, my friends!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
