Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

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Avocado chicken salad pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips, adding a satisfying crunch for dipping. Whole grain bread is also great for scooping or making a hearty sandwich.

A bright green side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness, while fresh fruit salad like watermelon or pineapple refreshes the palate. Grilled veggies bring smoky flavor, rounding out this creamy delight.

Avocado chicken salad is more than just a meal; it’s a harmony of flavors and textures that sings to the senses. It’s creamy, luscious, and utterly satisfying.

When I first tried making it, I knew I had stumbled upon a dish that would not only be a go-to in my home but also a delightful crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With every bite, I could practically hear my taste buds cheer for joy!

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or serving guests at a summer picnic, this dish stands out. And the best part? It’s simple to make. So, let’s dig deeper into what makes this avocado chicken salad a recipe worthy of your time.

Table of Contents

What is Avocado Chicken Salad?

Avocado chicken salad is a refreshing twist on the traditional chicken salad. Instead of mayonnaise, this recipe uses ripe avocados as the base, providing a creamy texture with a hint of flavor.

The combination of shredded chicken, veggies, and aromatic herbs makes it not just filling but also nutritious.

This salad can be served over greens, in a sandwich, or even eaten straight from the bowl. It’s versatile and makes for an excellent meal prep option.

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Chicken Salad

You might be wondering what sets this avocado chicken salad apart. Allow me to shine a light on its unique aspects and why I fell in love with it.

First, the flavor. The creaminess from avocado gives a satisfying richness that you’ll quickly crave. Plus, the hint of lemon in the dressing provides a zesty kick.

Second, it’s packed with nutrition. Avocados are known for their healthy fats, while chicken provides protein. Added veggies like red bell peppers and fiber-rich corn make this salad a well-rounded meal.

Also, this salad embraces all the textures! You have the tender chicken, the creaminess of the avocado, the crunch of fresh veggies, and the chew from additions like bacon. Each bite is an adventure!

Lastly, it accommodates various dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free options or just seeking a healthier alternative to traditional chicken salad, this dish hits the mark.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Avocado Chicken Salad

Creating this delightful salad requires just a handful of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Avocado Chicken Salad Components:

2 ripe avocados

2 large cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup fresh corn kernels, removed from 1 cooked ear

2 hard-boiled eggs, cut into halves or quarters

1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (or chives)

5 oz lean bacon, crisped and chopped

2 Tbsp fresh dill, minced

Lemon Dressing:

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp sea salt, or to preference

how to make avocado chicken salad recipe

Directions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making your avocado chicken salad! Follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and prep them. Dice the avocados, shred the chicken if not already done, chop the veggies, and boil the eggs. It saves time and sets everything up for easy assembly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing will be the magic that ties your salad together. Adjust the flavors according to your preference.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Veggies

In a large bowl, mix the chicken, corn, red bell pepper, hard-boiled eggs, chopped onions, cilantro, and dill. Toss everything together until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add Avocado

Slice your avocados and gently fold them into the chicken and veggie mixture. This part requires a little care to keep the avocado chunks intact.

Step 5: Pour on Dressing

Drizzle your lemon dressing over the salad. Use a spatula to fold everything gently without mashing the avocados. It should be well-coated but still cohesive.

Step 6: Add Bacon

Top with crispy bacon for that irresistible crunch. Mix it in or leave it on top for presentation.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

Here are some practical tips to ensure your avocado chicken salad turns out amazing:

Choose Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best taste and creaminess.
Adjust Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or what you prefer.
Make Extra Dressing: If you love dressing, make a little extra to drizzle on top just before serving.
Balance the Flavors: Taste as you go, and adjust the salt and lemon to your liking.
Serve Cold: This salad is best served chilled, so giving it time in the fridge can improve the experience.

Storage Tips

Proper storage will keep your avocado chicken salad fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

Refrigerate Promptly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Use within Three Days: Enjoy your salad within three days for optimal freshness. The avocado may turn brown after a couple of days, so keep that in mind.
Avoid Freezing: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the avocados; they can turn mushy when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Now, here are some ideas for how to enjoy your avocado chicken salad:

On a Bed of Greens: Serve it over mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
Stuffed in a Pita: Hollow out a pita and fill it with the salad for a delicious sandwich alternative.
With Whole Grain Crackers: For a lovely snack, pair your salad with whole grain crackers.
As a Sandwich Filling: Layer it between whole grain bread slices for a hearty sandwich.
In Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the salad into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Avocado Chicken Salad?

The beauty of avocado chicken salad is its versatility. Here are some substitutes that you can use:

Greek Yogurt Instead of Avocado: This offers creaminess and adds a protein boost, perfect for those who might want a lower-fat option.
Quinoa Instead of Chicken: For a vegetarian twist, cooked quinoa is a hearty substitute that adds a nutty flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes Instead of Red Bell Pepper: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, halved cherry tomatoes bring acidity and juiciness.
Sour Cream Instead of Dressing: A dollop of sour cream can add tanginess if you want a thicker consistency.
Tofu Instead of Chicken: For a completely plant-based option, cubed tofu works well; just ensure it’s well-marinated.

Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe

Avocado chicken salad pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips, adding a satisfying crunch for dipping. Whole grain bread is also great for scooping or making a hearty sandwich.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 324 kcal

Equipment

Bowl

Ingredients

Avocado Chicken Salad Components:

2 ripe avocados
2 large cooked chicken breasts shredded or diced
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1 cup fresh corn kernels removed from 1 cooked ear
2 hard-boiled eggs cut into halves or quarters
1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
5 oz lean bacon crisped and chopped
2 Tbsp fresh dill minced

Lemon Dressing:

3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt or to preference