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Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

4.9 from 97 reviews

A healthy and flavorful avocado chicken salad combining diced cooked chicken breast with creamy mashed avocados, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light meal or a nutritious snack, packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant garden-fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 large ripe avocados
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced, about 2 medium breasts)
  • ½ to 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
  • ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
  • ¼ cup celery (finely diced)
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: If starting with raw chicken, season with salt and pepper. Grill or bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let it cool completely and then dice into small cubes.
  2. Prepare Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Mash Avocados: Use a fork to mash the avocado to your desired consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
  4. Add Vegetables and Chicken: To the mashed avocado, add the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, finely diced red onion, celery, and diced red bell pepper.
  5. Season the Salad: Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Add Greek Yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt, if using, to add extra creaminess to the salad.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined being careful not to overly mash the salad.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to your liking.
  9. Serve or Chill: Serve the avocado chicken salad immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

  • For best flavor and texture, use ripe but firm avocados to avoid a mushy salad.
  • Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavor blending but can be served immediately for a fresher taste.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise or omit altogether for a lighter salad.
  • This salad is great served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with whole-grain crackers.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days to maintain freshness.

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