Looking for a delicious and healthy meal? You’ll love my Easy & Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad! This recipe blends creamy avocado with tender chicken and Greek yogurt for a flavorful twist. Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Join me as I guide you through simple steps to create this fresh delight that you can enjoy any day of the week! Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (can use low-fat)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
The main ingredients create a creamy and tasty salad. I love using shredded chicken because it adds protein and heartiness. A ripe avocado gives the salad a rich, buttery flavor. Greek yogurt serves as a healthy base and adds creaminess.
The Dijon mustard brings a nice tang, while the lemon juice brightens the dish. The finely chopped red onion adds crunch and zest, and the celery gives it a nice, fresh bite.
Seasoning and Garnish
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Adding salt and black pepper helps to enhance all the flavors. I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It makes the dish look beautiful and inviting.
Serving Options
– Whole-grain or lettuce leaves (for serving)
You can serve this salad in a few ways. I often scoop it onto whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich. If you prefer something lighter, use lettuce leaves as a wrap. Both options are tasty and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Combine chicken and avocado in a bowl.
– Mix in Greek yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice.
To start, take a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken and the mashed avocado together. Use a fork to mix these two ingredients. You want them to combine well. Next, add the Greek yogurt. This makes the salad creamy and rich. Then, include the Dijon mustard and lemon juice. These ingredients give a nice tang to the dish. Stir everything until it looks smooth and well blended.
Additional Mixing Steps
– Fold in veggies.
– Season and combine.
Now it’s time to add some crunch! Fold in the finely chopped red onion and celery. These veggies add flavor and texture to your salad. Make sure they get mixed throughout the chicken and avocado. After that, season with salt and black pepper to taste. This step is important because it brings out the flavors. Stir gently to ensure everything is combined well.
Final Touches
– Refrigerate for flavor enhancement.
– Serve chilled with garnish.
Once your salad is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend better. After chilling, it’s ready to serve! Scoop the salad onto whole-grain bread, or use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and extra flavor. For the full recipe, you can check the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your easy and healthy avocado chicken salad!
Tips & Tricks
Selecting the Perfect Avocado
To find the best avocado, check its color and feel. A ripe avocado should be dark green to black. Gently squeeze it in your palm. If it yields slightly, it’s ready to eat. If it feels hard, let it ripen for a few days at room temperature.
For storage, keep ripe avocados in the fridge. This slows down the ripening process. To store cut avocados, sprinkle lemon juice on the flesh. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent browning.
Enhancing Flavor
To boost the taste of your salad, consider adding fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or dill adds a nice touch. For spice, a dash of cayenne or paprika can elevate the flavor. Want a creamier texture? Try adding a bit more Greek yogurt or a splash of olive oil.
Making it a Meal
Pair your avocado chicken salad with a side for a complete meal. Whole-grain crackers or pita chips work well. You can also serve it in lettuce cups for a fresh crunch. For a light meal, serve it over mixed greens, topped with tomatoes and cucumbers.
You can find the full recipe [here].
Variations
Dietary Modifications
For those watching carbs, you can make this salad low-carb. Use shredded rotisserie chicken and skip the yogurt. Replace the Greek yogurt with a bit of olive oil or just add more avocado. This keeps the salad creamy and tasty without the extra carbs.
If you want a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas. Mash them lightly for a nice texture. You can also use tofu or tempeh for protein. Both options still give you that nice creaminess from the avocado.
Ingredient Swaps
You can play with proteins in this salad. Try using canned tuna or salmon instead of chicken. These options will add a different flavor and are still healthy. You can also use shredded turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
For a healthier mayonnaise substitute, use more Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. You can also try silken tofu blended until smooth. It gives a creamy texture and keeps it light.
Flavor Variations
Adding fruit can really brighten up this salad. Chopped apples or diced mango gives a sweet burst. You can mix in a handful of grapes for a juicy twist. These fruits pair well with the savory chicken and creamy avocado.
Incorporating nuts or seeds can add a nice crunch. Try chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. These ingredients add flavor and healthy fats to the dish. It’s great to mix and match to find your favorite combination.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Avocado chicken salad can last up to three days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making it brown. I like to place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the salad before sealing the container. This extra layer keeps it tasty longer.
Freezing Options
You can freeze avocado chicken salad, but it may change texture. Avocado can get mushy when thawed. If you still want to freeze it, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving After Storage
After refrigeration, give the salad a good stir. This helps mix any ingredients that may have settled. If it feels dry, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of Greek yogurt. Always check for any off smells or colors before serving. This ensures safety and quality. Enjoy your salad on whole-grain bread, in lettuce cups, or over greens for a fresh bite!
FAQs
How long can I keep avocado chicken salad in the fridge?
You can keep avocado chicken salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the avocado may turn brown, and the salad can lose its freshness. To keep it longer, consider storing the avocado separately until serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It works well for meal prep or picnics. Just mix the salad but add the avocado last to keep it fresh and green.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can use canned tuna, chickpeas, or tofu if you want a different protein. These options can still provide great flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and is easy to pack for lunch. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you’re worried about sogginess.
What is the nutritional information for avocado chicken salad?
This salad is packed with nutrients. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
– Calories: 300
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Fiber: 5g
For a full recipe, check out the detailed version provided earlier. Enjoy making this tasty dish!
This blog post covered how to make a tasty avocado chicken salad. You learned about main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the dish. I also shared variations and storage information to help you enjoy this meal for days.
Remember, feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. This dish is easy to customize and fun to make. Enjoy your salad with friends or family!
![- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 ripe avocado, mashed - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (can use low-fat) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped The main ingredients create a creamy and tasty salad. I love using shredded chicken because it adds protein and heartiness. A ripe avocado gives the salad a rich, buttery flavor. Greek yogurt serves as a healthy base and adds creaminess. The Dijon mustard brings a nice tang, while the lemon juice brightens the dish. The finely chopped red onion adds crunch and zest, and the celery gives it a nice, fresh bite. - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Adding salt and black pepper helps to enhance all the flavors. I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. It makes the dish look beautiful and inviting. - Whole-grain or lettuce leaves (for serving) You can serve this salad in a few ways. I often scoop it onto whole-grain bread for a hearty sandwich. If you prefer something lighter, use lettuce leaves as a wrap. Both options are tasty and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Combine chicken and avocado in a bowl. - Mix in Greek yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice. To start, take a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken and the mashed avocado together. Use a fork to mix these two ingredients. You want them to combine well. Next, add the Greek yogurt. This makes the salad creamy and rich. Then, include the Dijon mustard and lemon juice. These ingredients give a nice tang to the dish. Stir everything until it looks smooth and well blended. - Fold in veggies. - Season and combine. Now it’s time to add some crunch! Fold in the finely chopped red onion and celery. These veggies add flavor and texture to your salad. Make sure they get mixed throughout the chicken and avocado. After that, season with salt and black pepper to taste. This step is important because it brings out the flavors. Stir gently to ensure everything is combined well. - Refrigerate for flavor enhancement. - Serve chilled with garnish. Once your salad is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend better. After chilling, it’s ready to serve! Scoop the salad onto whole-grain bread, or use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and extra flavor. For the full recipe, you can check the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your easy and healthy avocado chicken salad! To find the best avocado, check its color and feel. A ripe avocado should be dark green to black. Gently squeeze it in your palm. If it yields slightly, it’s ready to eat. If it feels hard, let it ripen for a few days at room temperature. For storage, keep ripe avocados in the fridge. This slows down the ripening process. To store cut avocados, sprinkle lemon juice on the flesh. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent browning. To boost the taste of your salad, consider adding fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro or dill adds a nice touch. For spice, a dash of cayenne or paprika can elevate the flavor. Want a creamier texture? Try adding a bit more Greek yogurt or a splash of olive oil. Pair your avocado chicken salad with a side for a complete meal. Whole-grain crackers or pita chips work well. You can also serve it in lettuce cups for a fresh crunch. For a light meal, serve it over mixed greens, topped with tomatoes and cucumbers. You can find the full recipe [here]. {{image_2}} For those watching carbs, you can make this salad low-carb. Use shredded rotisserie chicken and skip the yogurt. Replace the Greek yogurt with a bit of olive oil or just add more avocado. This keeps the salad creamy and tasty without the extra carbs. If you want a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas. Mash them lightly for a nice texture. You can also use tofu or tempeh for protein. Both options still give you that nice creaminess from the avocado. You can play with proteins in this salad. Try using canned tuna or salmon instead of chicken. These options will add a different flavor and are still healthy. You can also use shredded turkey if that’s what you have on hand. For a healthier mayonnaise substitute, use more Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. You can also try silken tofu blended until smooth. It gives a creamy texture and keeps it light. Adding fruit can really brighten up this salad. Chopped apples or diced mango gives a sweet burst. You can mix in a handful of grapes for a juicy twist. These fruits pair well with the savory chicken and creamy avocado. Incorporating nuts or seeds can add a nice crunch. Try chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. These ingredients add flavor and healthy fats to the dish. It’s great to mix and match to find your favorite combination. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Avocado chicken salad can last up to three days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from making it brown. I like to place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the salad before sealing the container. This extra layer keeps it tasty longer. You can freeze avocado chicken salad, but it may change texture. Avocado can get mushy when thawed. If you still want to freeze it, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. After refrigeration, give the salad a good stir. This helps mix any ingredients that may have settled. If it feels dry, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of Greek yogurt. Always check for any off smells or colors before serving. This ensures safety and quality. Enjoy your salad on whole-grain bread, in lettuce cups, or over greens for a fresh bite! You can keep avocado chicken salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the avocado may turn brown, and the salad can lose its freshness. To keep it longer, consider storing the avocado separately until serving. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It works well for meal prep or picnics. Just mix the salad but add the avocado last to keep it fresh and green. You can use canned tuna, chickpeas, or tofu if you want a different protein. These options can still provide great flavor and texture. Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge and is easy to pack for lunch. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you're worried about sogginess. This salad is packed with nutrients. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Fat: 15g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fiber: 5g For a full recipe, check out the detailed version provided earlier. Enjoy making this tasty dish! This blog post covered how to make a tasty avocado chicken salad. You learned about main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the dish. I also shared variations and storage information to help you enjoy this meal for days. Remember, feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. This dish is easy to customize and fun to make. Enjoy your salad with friends or family!](https://tossedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/73be14d1-6b39-46b1-abc4-b5e416fe99e7-300x300.webp)