As the warm sun breaks through the clouds, I’m reminded of those delightful summer afternoons spent in the kitchen, preparing fresh meals that showcase the season’s bounty. One recipe that always finds its way into rotation is my Avocado Chicken Salad—a wholesome dish that is as vibrant as it is satisfying. Swapping out traditional mayonnaise for creamy avocados, this salad not only brings a delightful texture but is also packed with healthy fats and high protein, making it a perfect choice for busy workdays or family lunches.
In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that pleases both adults and picky eaters alike! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it up for a picnic, this versatile salad invites creativity—feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or herbs. Join me in creating a bowl that’s not just food, but a refreshing experience that embodies love for homemade fare!
Why Choose Avocado Chicken Salad Today?
Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious, healthy meal ready to go.
Nutrient-Packed: With high protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocados, this recipe nourishes both body and soul.
Kid-Friendly: Designed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, making family meals fun and easy.
Versatile Options: Customize with your favorite mix-ins, from crunchy veggies to fresh herbs, for added flair.
Light Yet Satisfying: The creamy texture and savory flavors ensure a filling experience without feeling heavy.
Avocado Chicken Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Cooked Chicken Breasts – Provides protein and structure; you can use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience.
- Large Avocados – Adds creaminess and healthy fats; make sure they’re ripe for easy mashing.
- Corn – Brings sweetness and crunch; fresh corn is best, approximately one cup can be sourced from a cooked cob.
- Lean Bacon – Delivers a savory, crunchy bite; substitute with turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option.
- Chives (or Green Onion) – Infuses flavor and color; scallions can be used for a milder taste.
- Dill – Offers a fresh, herby note; adjust according to taste, with fresh herbs preferred for best flavor.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs (Optional) – Boosts protein; these can be halved or quartered, but can be omitted for a simpler salad.
For the Dressing
- Lemon Juice – Provides acidity and brightness; always use freshly squeezed for optimal freshness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Acts as a dressing base and adds richness; consider flavored olive oils for a twist.
- Sea Salt – Balances flavors; adjust the amount based on your personal preference.
- Black Pepper – Adds a slight heat; freshly ground pepper is recommended for elevated flavor.
This Avocado Chicken Salad combines nutrition with a burst of flavors, making it the perfect choice for your next meal!
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad
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Shred the Chicken: Begin by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken. Place it in a large mixing bowl, ensuring it’s in bite-sized pieces for easy mixing later on.
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Prepare the Avocados: Next, slice open the ripe avocados, removing the pit. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and gently add them to the chicken, ensuring they stay chunky for that creamy texture.
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Mix in Other Ingredients: Toss in the corn, chopped chives, and crispy bacon. Gently mix everything until all the ingredients are evenly combined, allowing those lovely flavors to meld.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. This flavorful dressing will elevate your salad to a new level.
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Combine and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything without mashing the avocados. If you’re including them, add the hard-boiled egg slices on top for an extra protein boost.
Optional: Serve on a bed of greens for an added crunch and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Avocado Chicken Salad?
Pairing this delightful salad with complementary dishes can transform your meal into a complete experience. Imagine your taste buds dancing with every bite!
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Crispy Whole Grain Toast: The crunch of toasted bread adds a delightful texture, perfect for scooping up that creamy salad.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing side of mixed greens brings a lightness and contrast in flavor, enhancing the overall meal.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa adds an excellent source of protein and is a fantastic way to soak up the flavors of the salad.
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Fresh Fruit Skewers: Juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, and tangy pineapple offer a burst of sweetness, cleansing the palate beautifully.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well, balancing the richness of the avocado with its acidity.
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Vibrant Pasta Salad: A side of pasta salad with veggies and Italian dressing complements the creaminess of the chicken salad in a satisfying way.
Elevate your meal by mixing and matching these pairs for a dining experience that delights every member of your family!
Expert Tips for Avocado Chicken Salad
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Choose Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a smooth, creamy texture. Avoid any that have dark spots or feel mushy.
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Mix Ahead of Time: Prepare all ingredients minus the avocado and hard-boiled eggs in advance to save time. Add these before serving to keep the salad fresh!
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Flavor Boost: Let your Avocado Chicken Salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This will let the flavors meld beautifully.
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Customize Wisely: When adding vegetables, opt for ones with similar moisture levels to prevent the salad from getting too soggy.
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Adjust Seasoning: Personal taste varies! Start with less salt and pepper, then add more as you mix, ensuring the flavor suits your palate perfectly.
How to Store and Freeze Avocado Chicken Salad
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Room Temperature: Best eaten fresh, as avocado can brown quickly. If left out, consume within 2 hours.
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Fridge: Store covered in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, add avocados just before serving.
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Freezer: Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy texture of the avocado, which may become grainy.
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Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating. Enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing meal!
Variations & Substitutions for Avocado Chicken Salad
Feel empowered to customize this delightful recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Canned Chicken: Use canned chicken for a quicker prep. Just drain and mix, making dinner a breeze!
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Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon for diced bell peppers or chickpeas for a delicious meat-free take. The vibrant colors will make it just as appealing!
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Crunchy Add-Ins: Stir in diced celery or pickles for an extra crunch. Each bite will surprise you with a delightful texture twist.
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Herb Boost: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley instead of dill. This can give your salad a fresh, new twist!
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Spice It Up: Include a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick. It adds an exciting depth that brings the dish alive!
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Fruit Twist: Mix in diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast. The combination of sweet and savory will play beautifully on your palate.
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Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle in some toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness. They’re the perfect complement to the creaminess of the avocado.
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Creamy Alternatives: For a vegan option, replace chicken with chickpea salad and use a vegan mayo instead of olive oil for a completely plant-based delight. This makes the flavor shine in a whole new way!
Make Ahead Options
These Avocado Chicken Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the cooked chicken and mix it with all other ingredients (except for the avocado and hard-boiled eggs) up to 24 hours in advance, which helps save precious time on busy weeknights. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the diced avocado and eggs to prevent browning and give it that creamy texture. This way, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal that’s just as enjoyable and satisfying as when freshly made!
Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my avocados are ripe?
Absolutely! To ensure your avocados are ripe, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should be a darker green, and if you see any dark spots all over, it’s a sign they might be overripe. If you’re looking ahead, you can buy firm avocados and let them ripen on the counter for a few days.
How should I store leftover Avocado Chicken Salad?
Very good question! To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the avocado from browning, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface. You can also store the salad without adding avocados and mix them in right before serving.
Can I freeze Avocado Chicken Salad?
I often discourage freezing this salad because the avocados can turn grainy and lose their creamy texture, which can affect the overall quality of the dish. If you’d like a meal prep option, prepare the chicken and veggies in advance, and then mix the dressing and avocados fresh when you’re ready to eat!
What if my salad is too salty?
Don’t worry! If you find your Avocado Chicken Salad is too salty, try adding more ingredients to balance it out. Throw in some chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes, or additional corn to dilute the saltiness. If it’s already mixed, consider making another batch without added salt and combine the two to even it out.
Can I make a version of this salad for my gluten-intolerant friend?
Absolutely! This Avocado Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check any additional ingredients you might add, like dressings or condiments, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
How long does Avocado Chicken Salad last in the refrigerator?
Great question! This delicious salad can be enjoyed for up to 3 days when stored properly in the fridge. To keep everything fresh, I recommend adding the avocados right before serving to avoid browning. If your mixture starts to look a little off, trust your instincts—better safe than sorry!
Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad for a Quick, Flavorful Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred the Chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice open the ripe avocados, remove the pit, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss in the corn, chopped chives, and crispy bacon and mix everything until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat without mashing avocados.